Vertical Markets

Security risks to firms as API grows

by msecadm4921

API is an application programme and computing interface that defines and facilitates interactions between different software. Cloud computing allows firms to deploy global infrastructures seamlessly, thanks to the uses of API. In the last 4-5 years the growth of API has been exponential.

Despite the rise in API, firms are behind in actioning security measures. As the floodgates have opened drastically, so too has the exposure to risks and vulnerabilities. Given the lack of security measures, it is forecasted that API is to become the biggest security risk in the industry.

 

The rise in API

One of the main reasons for the growth of API is down to spread of microservices that rose to popularity back in 2013. Microservices are small architectures that develop single applications that interact with each other, with the use of APIs. From there, the multi-part tasks are fragmented into smaller sections, where each part is developed and maintained separately. Microservices are utilised due to their flexibility and speed, but are also the reason API has certain vulnerabilities.

 

Why do API’s pose security risks?

The widespread use of API and its application doesn’t guarantee security. According to Gartner, API will be commonly misused, which will increase cyber-attacks. Vulnerabilities of API’s can be found across various areas such as exposure of data, devices, virtual environments, and faults with authorisation. Depending on the scale of the attack, API vulnerabilities tend to have ranging effects on businesses.

Moreover, now that more people are working from home, there’ll be more uses in residential IP home addresses. This makes separating malicious API calls from legitimate calls more important than ever. For instance, hacked servers use up to 10,000 IP addresses which can lead to spam botnet attacks or even credential stuffing.

 

Positive security for API defence

A positive model for API defence could be achieved through authorisation and authentication. In fact, it is even easier with TLS or OAuth as they are not exposed when it comes to re-sharing and re-using.

Another core element of a positive model is via schema validation. This is achieved by matching the details from API requests. The enquiry contents come after the URL of the factors of ‘post body’ against a contract or schema, containing rules in terms of expectations. When verification fails, API calls are blocked, protecting origins that are malicious attacks or from invalid requests.

 

For more information, you can read more on security risks and how they interrelate with applications of API systems.

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