API Security Risks and the Importance of API Monitoring

Modern companies are now using APIs because they can integrate several systems and applications at once. API monitoring is needed to ensure that it remains safe for company and consumer data. 

The problem is, APIs have now become a favorite target for hackers in cyberspace. Therefore, the challenge of securing APIs is increasingly urgent. What are the challenges and how can they be overcome? Before that, it is necessary to first understand what the definition of API is below. 

What is API?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. In the context of APIs, the word ‘application’ refers to any software that functions differently. An API is a mechanism that allows 2 software components to communicate with each other using a set of protocols. 

For example, a software API used in a weather bureau. Their software system loads daily weather data. The weather app on our phone “talks” to this system via API so that it can show us the data info every day on our phone. Not just daily weather updates, but even hourly and minutely. 

API architecture is usually described by the terms client and server. The application that sends the request is called the client, while the application that sends the response is called the server. So based on the weather bureau example above, the weather bureau database is the server, while the application on our cellphone is the client. 

How Severe is the Threat to APIs?

API security must be well maintained so that its quality and security can continue to be relied upon. APIs are key for companies that can be divided into small components. With small components, it allows companies to work more nimbly and at a higher speed. That way, the API function will be increasingly felt by companies and users. 

Almost all leaders in the IT field agree that implementing APIs successfully is very important so that companies can get greater income in the future. Proper API utilization and API monitoring greatly support company development. Unfortunately, today APIs are increasingly challenged in cyberspace. 

A large American company, T-Mobile USA, admitted that as many as 37 million of their consumers have had their personal data accessed through APIs. An unconfigured Open Authorization implementation at Booking.com also came close to misusing accounts. Threats to APIs can not only damage a company’s reputation, but severely hamper important business projects. 

Many companies claim that they have to slow down their performance, especially the implementation of new applications, due to API security reasons. As much as possible, APIs should be well guarded to keep company and consumer data safe. 

3 API Security Risks

There are thousands of ways hackers exploit APIs. But there are top 3 threats that threaten APIs the most today. These three are: 

1. Broken Object Level Authorization (BOLA)

BOLA occurs when the API system fails to verify whether the requestor should have access to an object. Failure to do so can lead to data theft, unwanted modifications, and even the deletion of important data. 

To perform a BOLA, the attacker only needs to know that the problem exists. There is no need for code cracking or password cracking. APIs that are not properly monitored will be more prone to BOLA. 

 2. Failed Authentication

This is when authentication protections are missing or incorrectly implemented, leading to authentication failure. API authentication can be a complex and confusing process for many developers, making it possible to misunderstand how to implement it. 

The authentication mechanism itself can also be exposed to anyone, making it an attractive target. API endpoints responsible for authentication should be treated differently from other endpoints with an enhanced level of protection. Whatever authentication mechanism is used must match the relevant attack vector. 

3. Broken Object Property Level Authorization (BOPLA)

BOPLA is a condition where an attacker can read or change object property values that they are not supposed to access. API endpoints are vulnerable if they expose object properties that are considered sensitive. Unauthorized access can result in data disclosure to unauthorized parties, data loss, or data manipulation. 

It is also important to remember that vulnerabilities in API networks are not exclusive. Some API-based data breaches with catastrophic consequences are caused by a combination of BOLA-like exploits and overexposure to data. 

How to Address API Threats

Given that API security is so important, companies need to build security into their API strategy from the start. This means understanding where all the APIs the company uses are located and implementing tools and techniques to manage endpoint authentication, secure network communications, bug mitigation, and address the threat of malicious bots. 

To address API threats, you can do this in the following ways:

Improve API Governance

The way to improve is to follow an API-centric application development model that allows companies to gain visibility and control. By improving API governance, companies will implement controls early in the software development lifecycle. 

Implement API Gateway

API gateways can receive client requests and create routes to the right back-end services. API management tools will help companies authenticate, control, monitor, and secure API traffic. 

Consider the Zero Trust Approach

The zero trust approach states that no user, asset, or resource inside the perimeter can be trusted. Instead, companies need to require proof of authentication and authorization for every operation. 

Add Web Application Firewall (WAF) 

WAF is used to increase the security of the Gateway that the company uses. In addition, WAF can block malicious traffic including DDoS and API exploitation attempts that are detrimental to the corporate network. 

Apply Speed Limiting 

The point of speed limiting is to limit how often the API can be called. This will reduce the threat of DDoS attacks and other spikes that may occur and are certainly not desired by the company. 

Encrypt All Data

Data encryption can be done in various ways, one of which is through TLS. All data passing through the API must be encrypted so that it cannot be stopped if an attack occurs in the middle of the data journey on the company’s API network. Safer data, better data quality for companies and consumers. 

Maintaining API security is very important for the security of consumer data and important company data. Make sure to only use reliable network monitoring services such as Netmonk Prime, which has provided convenience for its users since it was founded in 2017.Netmonk is committed to bringing internet connections to various regions in Indonesia and helping companies secure networks in the best quality and way, so that now it has been trusted by more than 1000+ corporate users in Indonesia. Try the demo for 14 days by visiting our website and requesting a quote here. See for yourself how easy monitoring is!