For anyone reading the news about Ticketmaster and Taylor Swift, or Twitter and Elon Musk, the problem of malicious bots might seem insurmountable.

These automated programs can snap up concert tickets in the blink of an eye, or pose as humans on social media, among countless other mischievous tasks. Bad bots are a big problem, accounting for one-quarter to as much as one-half of global internet traffic, or even more, by different estimates. 

But they are not invincible.

That's the assessment of F5 CEO François Locoh-Donou. Seattle-based F5 is one of a growing number of tech companies that offer solutions to detect, deter, and defeat bots. 

"You beat that automation — that bad automation from bad actors — with better technology, and that better technology does exist today," he says.

Locoh-Donou joins us to discuss the issue on this week's GeekWire Podcast. Plus, his take on the economy, and the future of the physical office.

With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. Produced by Curt Milton.

For anyone reading the news about <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-11-29/ticketmaster-ftc-bots-crackdown-taylor-swift">Ticketmaster and Taylor Swift</a>, or <a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-twitter-inc-technology-business-12632270af1547933d41ffc50f3012ba">Twitter and Elon Musk</a>, the problem of malicious bots might seem insurmountable.
These automated programs can snap up concert tickets in the blink of an eye, or pose as humans on social media, among countless other mischievous tasks. Bad bots are a big problem, accounting for one-quarter to as much as one-half of global internet traffic, or <a href="https://blog.barracuda.com/2021/09/01/report-insights-into-the-growing-number-of-automated-attacks/">even more</a>, by different estimates. 
But they are not invincible.
That's the assessment of <a href="https://www.f5.com/">F5 </a>CEO <a href="https://www.f5.com/company/leadership/francois-locoh-donou">François Locoh-Donou</a>. Seattle-based F5 is one of a growing number of tech companies that offer solutions to detect, deter, and defeat bots. 
"You beat that automation — that bad automation from bad actors — with better technology, and that better technology does exist today," he says.
Locoh-Donou joins us to discuss the issue on this week's GeekWire Podcast. Plus, his take on the economy, and the future of the physical office.
With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. Produced by Curt Milton.

GeekWire brings you the week's latest technology news, trends and insights, covering the world of technology from our home base in Seattle. Our regular news podcast features commentary and analysis from our editors and reporters, plus interviews with special guests.

GeekWire reporters John Cook, Todd Bishop and guests talk about the latest tech news and trends.

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