Why APIs are Top Targets for Attackers
Tags: api, cybersecurity
Published: 2023-01-24 11:35:43


APIs play a critical role in modern web and mobile applications. The number of APIs used by organizations is rapidly increasing. According to a recent [survey] (https://salt.security/api-security-trends), the average number of APIs per business grew 82% over last year. In addition to further revolutionizing user experiences, APIs provide new levels of vulnerability that attract attackers' attention. The positive aspects of APIs make them attractive targets for criminals. And for that reason, businesses must secure their APIs.

"APIs are a preferred attack vector for cybercriminals. And the attack surface continues to grow."

The introduction of standards-based APIs marked a significant advancement in application integration. About 20 years ago, proprietary software products that were expensive and complicated were transformed into free, standards-based tools that were comparatively simple to use—and quick to deploy.

The amount of connectivity between apps and data has increased dramatically. Thanks to the new APIs that operate through the Internet, it is feasible to connect any software or data source, wherever in the globe, regardless of platform, data format, or programming language. As a result, an API revolution is currently taking place in the world of computers. 

Hackers have created numerous software tools to take advantage of APIs. The openness and usefulness of APIs make them highly lucrative targets for attackers. Malware can be written to use an API to connect to a corporate system and [GET](https://assertible.com/blog/7-http-methods-every-web-developer-should-know-and-how-to-test-them#:~:text=GET%20requests%20are%20the%20most,list%20of%20all%20available%20users.) data as a mobile app can. It's a successful offensive strategy.

API-based modern apps are more adaptable, agile, and hassle-free than bulky monolithic ones. It facilitates smooth user experiences by accelerating website/application performance while operating in the background. 

Due to the role of API in ensuring applications are linked and can function adequately, APIs are a prime target for attackers.

This article explores five reasons why APIs are top targets for attackers.

## The Nature of APIs
Because of their very nature, APIs have access to and expose sensitive data, databases, and the underlying code of the online and mobile applications that use them. They are created to be programmatically accessible, to put it simply. Due to their [inherent vulnerabilities](https://www.idgconnect.com/article/3665142/hacking-the-cloud-why-apis-are-now-a-top-threat.html), they are prime targets for attackers. By creating malicious software or software tools that misuse APIs, attackers can transmit malware, exfiltrate data, and other things quickly, thanks to its openness and utility.

## Lack of Attack Surface Visibility
The application architecture has an increasing number of API endpoints. They enable developers to continue inventing because they are simple to deploy and integrate. They function in many networks and settings. Organizations are using a variety of third-party APIs and parts. Manually tracking and inventorying this expanding endpoint population is not humanly conceivable. The fact that they operate in the background doesn't help. Organizational silos make security more difficult because only development teams may know the complete API design. API threats could thus catch security teams off guard. Implementing security in online APIs is difficult due to the need for centralized visibility into the attack surface, making them desirable targets for attackers.

## Insufficient API Security
While API security issues may superficially resemble browser-based security issues, they are distinct, sophisticated, and complex. The security and development teams' ignorance of API security results in poorly maintained and exposed endpoints that attackers can quickly exploit. Existing security measures aren't working for APIs. They're not keeping attackers from stealing sensitive data, affecting the user experience, or causing other damage. It would be best if organizations had a security strategy and technology purpose-built for APIs to stop attacks.

## Insufficient Access Control, Authorisation, and Authentication Policies 
Since organizations frequently neglect to create zero-trust controls while using APIs, unlimited access to data and functionality is granted. APIs are vulnerable to attacks because of poor access control, authorization, and authentication procedures that make it simple for attackers to get around security.

## API Pervasiveness
As we transition to headless and microservice architectures, APIs are used across corporate operations, domains, and industries; they benefit health care, education, and fintech. They are essential components of contemporary SaaS, mobile, and web apps. They can be found in apps used internally, with partners, and with customers. Due to its widespread use, attackers have a larger attack surface and a more varied selection of endpoints to search for flaws and gaps. APIs are excellent targets for attackers because they reveal many internal workings and implementations of apps.

## Conclusion
Organizations must select an API security solution that is tailored for APIs and is risk-based, comprehensive, scalable, and fully managed. The solution must be agile, adaptable, and constantly updated to keep up with the shifting threat, business, and technological landscape. It must offer immediate, proactive, and efficient defense against the [OWASP Top 10 API Risks](https://owasp.org/www-project-application-security-verification-standard/) and other threats and dangers unique to APIs. It must ensure that all API endpoints, parameters, data types, and APIs are automatically discovered, as well as all API dependencies and third-party APIs, and it must provide real-time insight into the traffic reaching API endpoints.