5 Tips to ensure the security of APIs

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are deeply embedded in modern day-to-day. Connecting services such as online operations, banking, transportation applications and social networks, the security of APIs is a crucial aspect in the development and implementation of systems, since these interfaces are often targets of cyber attacks and vulnerabilities. 

APIs act as a gateway for companies, and therefore must have a specific level of security. Because they are connection points between different applications and services, APIs can expose sensitive data and critical functionality if they are not properly protected”, comments Filipe Torqueto, Head of Solutions at Sensedia, a global technology reference company in modern integration solutions based on APIs.

According to a report by OWASP API Security Project, prepared by security experts from around the world, among the most common vulnerabilities for APIs are: unrestricted access to sensitive business flows; request forgery on the server; incorrect security configuration; inadequate inventory management and insecure consumption of APIs. Another study, conducted by F5, a global security and application delivery company Multicloud, raised that the average number of APIs managed by organizations is more than 400, many of them with significant protection gaps.

To help minimize the risk of attacks, the Sensedia executive lists 5 tips to ensure the protection of APIs in companies.

1) Define Responsibilities

Typically, an API does not have a specific owner, and responsibility for it can be divided between the team that developed it, the team that maintains it, or even a security team. 

“It is necessary to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each one, even if this responsibility is shared among all. In addition, I recommend the use of some Guardrail’, or (Barreira de proteca’, fundamental to ensure safety, efficiency and governance in the development and operation of these interfaces. These are guidelines and practices that help teams maintain safety and quality standards, minimizing risks and avoiding common” errors, says Torqueto.

2) Attention to good governance practices

Governance practices in the use of APIs are essential to ensure security, compliance and efficiency. 

They establish clear guidelines that promote standardization and interoperability, facilitating integration between systems. In addition, governance allows effective control of access and use of APIs, protecting sensitive data and mitigating risks.

“I recommend that the company has an established and centralized API catalog, visible and easily accessible to those responsible defined. This can work, including for reuse, avoiding rework in the development of new APIs that may have already been created”, explains Torqueto.

“In addition, it is essential to use the correct form of authentication and authorization, specific to what the API intends to solve. In the case of applications, for example, with APIs exposed to the general public, and that usually undergo several attempts to break, it is necessary not only to follow a very robust authentication and authorization model, but also to perform penetration tests frequently, identifying possible attack vectors and ensuring that the model is working”, adds the executive.

3) Use AI as another layer of protection 

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in API security has become an increasingly effective strategy to detect and mitigate threats in real time. 

Machine learning algorithms can analyze traffic patterns and identify anomalous behaviors, allowing early detection of attacks such as code injection attempts or unauthorized access. 

“You need to think of the security layers of APIs as the layers of an onion, one after the other, making life difficult for the attacker. This includes the implementation of protection measures such as authentication, authorization, encryption, traffic monitoring, use of HTTPS, and even Artificial Intelligence, which can be a great ally in this regard”, says Torqueto.

“A AI can automate authentication and authorization processes, improving efficiency and incident response.With the ability to adapt to new threats and learn from historical data, AI-based solutions make API security more proactive and robust, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of information exchanged between” systems.

4) Invest in automation

Automation in APIs is crucial to increase efficiency and agility in developing and managing systems. 

By automating processes such as testing, continuous integration, and deployment, teams can reduce human errors, accelerate development cycles, and ensure faster delivery of new functionality.

Automation facilitates API monitoring and management, enabling organizations to identify and solve problems in real time, improving application reliability and performance, and freeing developers to focus on more strategic and creative tasks, driving innovation and competitiveness in the marketplace.

“There is no security scale in the standard required without automation. Considering that the average APIs managed by organizations is more than 400, it is recommended that companies have a platform team that automates what is necessary to maintain the security of their APIs on a”, says Torqueto.

5) Care when choosing the API provider

Choosing the right API vendor is a critical decision that can directly impact the performance and security of a company's systems.

“Some factors that should be taken into account when choosing an API provider are the company's reputation and reliability, security and compliance practices, support, scalability and performance. These precautions will help ensure that you choose an API provider that meets your needs and contributes to the success of your company”, he concludes.