Application programming interfaces (APIs) have revolutionized the way businesses operate by enabling faster innovation and keeping up with market demands. However, along with their benefits, APIs also bring a set of challenges, mainly related to security. APIs expand the attack surface and expose new entry points that can disrupt services and gain unauthorized access to data, including personally identifiable information (PII).
One common cause of API-related breaches is the lack of proper security measures in API endpoints. Fortunately, there are steps that businesses can take to enhance API security and mitigate these risks. Many companies choose to collaborate with trusted partners to address API security concerns. However, it’s important for buyers to be able to evaluate and differentiate between various API security offerings. To assist in this process, here are 10 essential features that all API security providers should offer.
First and foremost, API visibility and discovery are crucial. Before securing an API, it must be identified and cataloged. In many cases, API endpoints are created without the knowledge of the IT or security team. As a result, these APIs are not included in asset management and lack proper security controls. Therefore, API security providers must offer robust visibility and discovery capabilities for effective API security.
Schema validation is another critical feature of API security solutions. Ensuring that APIs behave properly based on valid input and output is essential. Attackers often attempt to breach APIs by using invalid or improper input to manipulate the desired output. Requiring compliance with schema and specifications for all API requests and responses is an effective way to safeguard APIs from attacks and breaches.
Effective policy enforcement is crucial for API security. While well-defined security policies are important, they are ineffective without strict enforcement. The ability to enforce API security policies such as rate limiting, IP reputation, and allow/deny lists is a vital feature for any API security provider.
Safeguarding sensitive data is a major concern when it comes to API security. Poorly secured APIs can lead to the leakage of sensitive data, including PII. Attackers can exploit APIs to steal this data. To prevent such breaches, API security solutions should focus on ensuring APIs are properly coded and secured. Additionally, it is important to verify that sensitive data is not inadvertently transmitted or leaked from APIs.
Protection against abuse and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks is often associated with Layers 3 and 4 of the OSI model. However, the application layer (Layer 7) where APIs operate should not be overlooked. Attackers are aware of this and frequently target APIs. Therefore, Layer 7 protection against abuse and DoS attacks should be a prominent feature in API security solutions.
API security solutions should also include comprehensive attack protection mechanisms. Attackers continuously search for vulnerabilities to compromise and exploit APIs. A mature API security solution must incorporate signature-based, anomaly-based, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML)-based protection mechanisms to defend against a wide range of attacks.
Improper access control, including authentication and authorization, remains a significant issue in API security. Inadequate access control can have severe consequences, even in 2023. An ideal API security solution should offer authentication discovery services to detect authentication gaps, authentication enforcement, and API access control to prevent unauthorized access.
Detecting malicious users interacting with APIs is crucial for API security. AI/ML can be leveraged to analyze user behavior and identify potential threats. The ability to detect and stop users who exhibit malicious behavior is an essential component of an API security solution.
Improper configuration and management of APIs contribute significantly to breaches. API security solutions should provide businesses with the tools and capabilities to easily deploy and enforce the appropriate security models. This helps prevent misconfiguration and mismanagement of APIs, reducing the risk of breaches.
Lastly, behavioral analysis is an indispensable application of AI/ML in API security. By analyzing logs and studying request and response data examples, behavioral analysis can identify patterns and generate key metrics to assess API behavior. This iterative process helps in monitoring and updating API security measures over time.
While APIs offer numerous advantages to businesses, they also introduce vulnerabilities and risks. Understanding the essential elements of an API security solution is crucial for buyers to choose the right solution that aligns with their business needs, reduces risk, and improves overall security. By implementing these 10 must-have features, businesses can enhance their API security and mitigate potential threats effectively.