The Importance of API and App Security in Modern IT

As the world of technology has become more reliant on APIs and apps to get work done, the importance of API security and app security has exponentially increased. In today’s climate, a breach in security for either one could have a dramatic impact. Many companies rely on app security for their day-to-day operations and revenue generation. And the compromise of even a single API could compromise many other applications and services.

APIs (application programming interfaces) have become the backbone of many modern companies, handling everything from payments to data management. They’re also a popular target for hackers, as they can provide attackers with a wealth of information if breached. Third-party applications and API integrations are frequently the most vulnerable component of any network. But with the right security tools, you can protect your apps and APIs from disruption and security breaches.

Protecting your APIs, web apps and cloud apps from disruption

APIs and apps are more vulnerable than ever. The cloud has enabled organizations to deploy new apps and services rapidly. But these apps and services are exposed. Today, APIs and apps may not just be vulnerable to threats but may also have complex dependencies that can lead to vulnerabilities.

Developers play a critical role in API and app security. They’re responsible for building secure applications and services. But they aren’t always experts in the latest threats and the most robust platforms. Today, developers are constantly pressured to create new APIs and apps quickly, sometimes in low-code or no-code platforms that don’t provide them with the strictest security controls. They need another solution.

The most common threats to APIs and apps

Regarding APIs and apps, threats are frequently relative to the application or service’s exposure. APIs have connectors that may be taken advantage of by malicious actors. Web apps or cloud apps are almost entirely exposed.

1. Injection attacks. Injection attacks occur when an attacker can insert malicious code into an application or API. This can allow them to gain access to sensitive data, execute unintended actions or even take control of the entire system.
2. Broken authentication and session management. Broken authentication and session management can leave your API or app vulnerable to attack. This can happen if user credentials are stored insecurely, session IDs are easily guessed or there’s no expiration on sessions.
3. Cross-site scripting (XSS). XSS attacks occur when an attacker can inject malicious code into a web page that is then executed by unsuspecting users who visit the page. This can allow the attacker to steal sensitive information, redirect users to malicious sites or even take over the entire account.
4. Broken access controls. Broken access controls can give unauthorized users access to sensitive data or allow them to perform unintended actions. This can happen if there are inadequate permissions, users share passwords or there’s no separation of duties.
5. Security misconfiguration. Incorrectly configured security settings can leave your API or app open to attack. This can include leaving servers and databases publicly accessible, using easily guessed passwords or not applying security updates promptly.
6. Insufficient logging and monitoring. Without adequate logging and monitoring, it can be difficult to detect or investigate an attack. This can leave your systems vulnerable to data loss, business disruption and reputational damage.
7. Denial of service. A denial-of-service attack is when an attacker attempts to make an API or app unavailable by overwhelming it with traffic. This can cause the site to crash, preventing legitimate users from accessing it.

App and API frameworks may control some of these threats, but not all. Organizations need robust security controls and security tools to protect their systems.

How to protect your APIs and apps

Now that we’ve gone over some of the most common threats to APIs and apps, let’s take a look at some best practices for protecting them:

1. Use strong authentication and authorization. Two-factor, multi-factor, SSO or access management; whatever is used needs to be strong and controlled.
2. Encrypt data in transit. Data should always be encrypted when transmitted, whether between an app and an API or between an API and a database. This will help to protect the data from being intercepted by an attacker.
3. Use secure communications protocols. SSL/TLS should be used for all communication between an app and an API, as well as between an API and a database. This will help to ensure that data is encrypted and prevent attackers from being able to eavesdrop on the communication.
4. Implement security at the network layer. Firewalls and other security devices should be used to control access to your API or app. This will help to ensure that only authorized traffic can reach the systems.
5. Deploy in a secure environment. The servers that host your API or app should be deployed in a secure environment. This includes using physical security measures such as access control and firewalls and logical security measures such as intrusion detection and prevention.
6. Perform regular security testing. Security testing should be performed regularly to ensure that your API or app is free from vulnerabilities. This can be done using manual methods such as code reviews or automated tools such as web application scanners.

Securing your organization’s app or API is part of the software delivery process. But not every organization wants to devote all its time to securing its app.

Protect your App or API with Akamai’s App and API Protector

Akamai’s App and API protector solution provides all-in-one protection for web apps and APIs. These protections are built to defend against some of the most common threats. Utilities include:

• Adaptive protections. Akamai updates your apps and APIs to the latest version to keep them constantly protected.
• Advanced API discovery. Newly connected APIs are monitored for malicious behaviors.
• DevOps integration. Integrate your app or API protection with your DevOps strategies.
• Attack visibility. Your organization can quickly investigate and mitigate threats.
• Easy onboarding and deployment. Your security solution can be deployed through an easy-to-use wizard.
• DDoS protection. Akamai will automatically identify and drop DDoS attacks, both network-layer and application-layer.

Beyond that, Akamai will provide managed services for the security of your app or API, to ensure that your application remains secure 24/7. And Akamai is always made better with the aid of an expert managed services provider like Red River. If your organization needs to know more about app or API protection, contact the experts today.