API Security: 10 Evolving Trends You Must Stay Informed About
Ali Akthar
Middleware Practice Lead
January 31, 2024
As technology continues to grow unprecedentedly, so does the complexity of API security. With the proliferation of APIs in modern applications and services, organizations will need to better understand their API environments and the risks APIs represent to business operations. While methods such as port scanning to identify network vulnerabilities are not likely to go away, we expect the number of targeted application-level attacks to rise in the following year.
Why API Security is Necessary
Malicious activities/actions often involve opening accounts or using applications to infiltrate systems and disrupt app behavior. Hackers know that most organizations have advanced solutions for network-level security, leaving APIs exposed and vulnerable to attacks.
Traditional defense mechanisms are no longer sufficient to safeguard APIs as hackers become more sophisticated in gaining authorized user access. Organizations must prioritize inside-the-perimeter defenses that continuously monitor API exposure, API traffic, Zombie/Shadow APIs, versions, and code to detect suspicious threats and user behavior.
The evolving landscape of API security trends is outlined below to achieve this. Let’s break down each trend:
Zero Trust Architecture for APIs:
Zero Trust is a security concept that provides a complete identity verification process against each individual and device trying to access use cases on a private network, including APIs. This approach will likely gain prominence in API security to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
Increased Focus on API Governance:
APIs from Multiple Sources:
Organizations are moving away from bundled solutions (e.g., API Management systems and gateways) in favor of more specialized and customized solutions. This trend suggests more flexibility and specific functionalities, allowing organizations to tailor their API solutions to meet unique requirements.
API Technology Sprawl:
The rapid evolution of API technologies like Kubernetes and Function-as-a-Service (FaaS) creates challenges in terms of governance and security. Continuous technological evolution requires organizations to adapt quickly and demands robust governance and security measures to keep pace.
API Gateway Evolution:
The role of traditional API gateways is changing, with organizations integrating lightweight gateways closer to their APIs. Placing gateways closer to APIs suggests a move towards more distributed and efficient API management, potentially improving performance and responsiveness.
Advanced API Security:
API Security Keys High Vulnerability:
API security key leaves the API vulnerable to attack. The limitations and vulnerabilities associated with API keys argue in favor of using tokens, explicitly emphasizing the benefits of fine-grained access control that tokens offer.
Long-lived API Keys:
Lack of Fine-Grained Access Control:
API keys provide broad access; if a user has access to a key, they essentially have access to everything in the API. Therefore, tokens with embedded metadata and claims offer a solution by allowing for fine-grained access control. Tokens, typically issued using protocols like OAuth2, can limit the scope to specific API subsections and operations.
Token Complexity and Investment:
The fundamental reason for not universally adopting tokens is the significant investment required during the design and development phase. API teams under time constraints may opt for more straightforward key-based solutions instead of the more complex token-based approach.
Tokens provide a more granular level of access control, limiting the actions and data a user can interact with. Robust token issuance protocols like OAuth2 add resilience to the distribution and use of tokens, enhancing overall security.
When facing time constraints, API teams might prioritize simplicity over a more robust but potentially complex security solution. API keys are convenient and easy to implement, but they come with security challenges, especially regarding broad access control and the handling of key leaks. On the other hand, Tokens offer finer control but require more upfront investment. The choice between keys and tokens often depends on factors such as development timelines, resource availability, and the specific security requirements of the API. Striking a balance between simplicity and security is crucial in such decisions.
Introducing Secura API:
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Harini KrishnamurthyProtect Against API Security Threats with Secura API
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