APIs have become an integral part of networks, programs, applications, devices, and almost every other aspect of the computer landscape. This is especially true for cloud computing and mobile computing, both of which would not be possible in their current form without APIs managing a large portion of the backend functions.
With their reliability and simplicity, APIs have now become ubiquitous. Most companies may not even be aware of how many APIs are operating in their networks, especially in their clouds. Larger enterprises likely have thousands of interfaces in use, while smaller companies also utilize more APIs than they realize.
Despite the usefulness of APIs, their use also poses risks. Due to the lack of standards for creating interfaces and many of them being unique, it is not uncommon for APIs to contain vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Cybercriminals have realized that attacking an API is often much easier than directly targeting a program, database, application, or network. Once compromised, it is easy to alter the function of an API.
Another major risk of interfaces is that they are almost always endowed with too many permissions. Programmers give them high permissions so they can execute their functions uninterrupted. However, if an attacker compromises an API, they can use these high permissions for other purposes, similar to compromising the account of a human administrator. This has become such a problem that, according to Akamai investigations, attacks on APIs account for 75 percent of all worldwide credential theft attempts.
In response to the serious issue of API hacking, the number of security tools for this purpose has also increased significantly in recent years. There are dozens of commercial tools for protecting APIs and hundreds of free or open-source solutions. Many of these tools have similarities and features with other types of cybersecurity solutions but are specifically configured for the peculiarities of interfaces.
It would be nearly impossible to create a complete list of all security tools for application programming interfaces due to the multitude of solutions available. Based on user reviews, some standout tools in the market include Myra, APIsec, Astra, AppKnox, Cequence, Data Theorem, Salt Security, Noname Security, Smartbear, and Wallarm.
Myra is a German Security as a Service platform that offers various tools for protecting websites, online portals, web applications, and APIs under Application Security.
APIsec is one of the most popular API security tools, almost entirely automated, making it suitable for companies just starting to improve their API security.
Astra is a free tool that helps manage and protect mainly REST APIs, integrating into the CI/CD pipeline to prevent common security vulnerabilities.
AppKnox is a platform with an easy-to-use interface that simplifies API security for companies with small security teams, testing interfaces for common vulnerabilities and scanning associated resources.
Cequence Unified API Protection is designed for environments processing billions of API requests daily, identifying all interfaces within a company, conducting vulnerability tests, and defining specific tests for compliance with regulations.
Data Theorem API Secure inventories and tests any API existing in a network, cloud, application, or any other target, keeping the inventory up to date and quickly identifying and addressing vulnerabilities.
Salt Security’s API Protection Platform utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze API traffic, compare it with data stored in the cloud, detect and report suspicious activities to security professionals, and learn and improve over time.
Noname Security goes beyond standard API vulnerability protection, leveraging AI and machine learning to detect malicious activities and supports various APIs, including non-standard ones.
Smartbear’s ReadyAPI focuses on the development environment, assessing API security vulnerabilities during development and monitoring performance, supporting various software integrations.
Wallarm’s API Security platform safeguards APIs from threats like credential stuffing and DDoS attacks, offering detailed insights on a company’s API portfolio based on user traffic to enhance security measures.
In conclusion, the increasing reliance on APIs in the digital landscape necessitates robust security measures to protect against potential vulnerabilities and attacks. The availability of diverse security tools catering to various aspects of API protection highlights the critical importance of securing interfaces in today’s technology-driven world.