APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are the backbone of modern digital innovation, powering mobile apps, cloud integrations, and countless business processes. However, while they drive efficiency and enable new possibilities, the lack of robust API security can expose organisations to significant risks, making their protection a critical priority.
In our recent webinar, So, You Need API Security: The Ultimate Guide to Building an Excellent API Security Programme, we tackled these challenges head-on with Dr Katie Paxton-Fear (aka InsiderPhD) who is the Principal Security Researcher at Traceable as well as an ethical hacker, and educator.
Missed the live session? Watch the full recording below to catch up on practical insights and strategies for securing your APIs. Alternatively, speak to one of our experts at Secon to explore how we can help you secure your APIs and reduce risks.
Why Securing APIs Matters More Than Ever.
APIs streamline how applications communicate, but they also expose organisations to cyberattacks. APIs often operate unnoticed, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation if not properly secured.
“Most organisations don’t even know how many APIs they have, let alone how secure they are,” explained Dr Paxton-Fear.
The challenges are clear:
- APIs are everywhere: From internal tools to customer-facing applications, APIs are used more than we realise.
- Fast-paced updates: APIs are often updated or deployed multiple times a day, creating gaps in security.
- Invisible threats: Malicious activity can look like legitimate API traffic, making it hard to detect with standard tools.
Challenges Organisations Face with API Security.
During the webinar, we explored several key issues that complicate API security:
- Limited Visibility: Many organisations lack a complete inventory of their APIs, which means they can’t secure what they don’t know exists.
- Developer Ownership: APIs are often owned by developers, who may prioritise functionality over security.
- Documentation Gaps: APIs frequently lack proper documentation, making them harder to evaluate and secure.
- Complex Attack Surfaces: APIs exist across internal systems, third-party tools, and customer environments, expanding the attack surface.
How to Build an Effective API Security Programme.
Dr Paxton-Fear outlined a three-phase approach to tackling API security, no matter where your organisation stands today.
1. Start with Discovery.
Begin by understanding your APIs and creating an inventory.
Key Actions:
- Identify internal, external, and third-party APIs.
- Assign ownership to individuals or teams.
- Document each API’s purpose and the data it handles.
“Knowing who owns an API and what it does is an enormous first step,” said Dr Paxton-Fear.
2. Implement Basic Protections.
Take simple, low-cost measures to protect your APIs:
- Deploy a WAF (web application firewall) to block common threats.
- Categorise APIs by their risk levels based on the sensitivity of the data they handle.
- Use geo-blocking to restrict traffic from regions where your business doesn’t operate.
3. Advance to Proactive Security.
As your programme matures, invest in API-specific security tools and processes.
Key Actions:
- Use API-specific tools like Traceable to monitor, test, and protect your APIs.
- Automate alerts for new APIs or endpoints to maintain visibility.
- Implement risk scoring for APIs to prioritise security efforts.
What Does Best-in-Class API Security Look Like?
For organisations ready to take their API security to the next level, Dr Paxton-Fear recommended focusing on these advanced measures:
- API Incident Response Plans: Prepare your teams to act quickly in case of a breach.
- Log Reviews: Proactively analyse API logs to identify anomalies and improve defences.
- Threat Detection: Use tools to flag suspicious behaviour and recognise potential attackers before they cause harm.
“The goal is not just to stop attacks but to continuously improve based on what you learn,” Dr Paxton-Fear emphasised.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls.
API security isn’t just about deploying the right tools, it’s about avoiding these common mistakes:
- Neglecting API Security Until It’s Too Late: Waiting for a breach to prioritise API security is a costly mistake.
- Over-reliance on Tools: Tools are valuable, but they’re not a silver bullet. Collaboration between developers and security teams is key.
Take Action Today.
API security is no longer optional, it’s a necessity for organisations that rely on digital systems. Whether you’re just starting your API security journey or looking to refine your programme, we’re here to help.
Speak to Secon about your API security needs. Contact us to explore how we can help you secure your APIs, protect sensitive data, and reduce risk. Start securing your APIs now – because the cost of inaction is too high.