The Core Pillars of
API Security
Security Throughout the API Lifecycle
Increase your API Security Maturity by understanding each of the core domains and the challenges each presents.
Enhancing your API Security Posture
Understanding your current position on each of the core domains of API security and what gold standard looks like will allow you to create a plan to improve your API security posture. Below we ask the key questions related to each domain, these questions are answered on a dedicated page for each domain.
- Are you doing API-design-first?
- Do you incorporate security into the design phase?
WHY IT MATTERS?
It is significantly more cost e.ective to address security issues at the design phase, rather than later in the lifecycle - a shift-left approach is key.
- Are your developers trained to code securely?
- Do they understand API security threats and risks?
WHY IT MATTERS?
This vital stage is where the rubber meets the road - developers should ensure they are following security best practice to avoid introducing vulnerabilities into APIs.
- Are you doing automated API testing?
- Are you considering security in your test strategy?
WHY IT MATTERS?
Without adequate API security testing an organization runs the risk of deploying insecure APIs - test early, test often, test everywhere.
- Do you understand what APIs you own?
- Do you track shadow and zombie APIs?
WHY IT MATTERS?
An up-to-date and accurate inventory is key to maintaining visibility into the exposed risk and attack surface.
- Are you using API protection technology (WAFs, WAAPs, API gateways) in your deployments?
- Are you using API runtime threat protection technology?
WHY IT MATTERS?
A defense-in-depth approach is the foundation of risk reduction - regardless of how well designed your APIs are, they will still be attacked by persistent and skilled adversaries. Adding runtime threat protection is a key tool in defensive strategies.
- Do you control and actively monitor your API estate and environments?
- Can you enforce security policies?
WHY IT MATTERS?
Trust but verify โ a robust governance process is essential to ensure that API development observes organizational methodologies and policies.
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