The cost of API security varies depending on the specific needs of an organization, the complexity of its API environment, and the range of services required.
An API security provider (or consultant) is a company or organization that specializes in providing security solutions and services for APIs. The primary goal of an API security provider is to help organizations protect their APIs from threats and vulnerabilities, ensuring that the data and services to which they provide access are protected.
APIs serve as the backbone of many web applications, mobile applications, and microservices frameworks. Their widespread use has made them an attractive target of cybercrime.
Key functions of an API security provider
Here are some of the key functions that an API security provider typically provides:
- API security assessment: An API security provider will typically conduct a thorough assessment of an organization’s APIs, to identify potential security risks and vulnerabilities. This may involve a review of the APIs themselves, as well as any supporting infrastructure and third-party integrations.
- Implementation and integration: An API security provider may be responsible for the implementation and integration of security solutions, like API gateways, firewalls, and encryption and tokenization. This may include working with the organization’s IT and development teams to ensure that the solutions are properly implemented and integrated with existing systems.
- Ongoing monitoring and management: An API security provider will provide ongoing monitoring and management of an organization’s APIs, to detect and respond to security threats and incidents in real time. This may involve the use of advanced security tools and technologies, as well as a team of dedicated security experts.
- Training and education: An API security provider may also provide training and education to the organization’s IT and development teams, to help them better understand API security risks and best practices. This may include training on secure coding practices, threat detection and response, and incident management.
An API security provider plays an important role in helping organizations protect their APIs and the data and services to which they have access.
How does an API security provider protect APIs?
API security providers, like Akamai, use a combination of methods to protect APIs against various threats. First, we employ advanced API threat protection mechanisms to detect and mitigate potential risks like DDoS attacks, API abuse, and injection attacks.
These systems analyze incoming API requests for suspicious patterns and block any potentially harmful requests.
Authentication and authorization: API security providers use authentication and authorization protocols to confirm the identity of the user making the request. Typically, this involves the use of OAuth, an open standard for access delegation, and JWT (JSON Web Tokens), a compact, URL-safe way of representing claims to be transferred between two parties.
Rate limiting: Rate limiting is also employed to prevent API abuse. This involves limiting the number of API requests that can be made by a single user or system within a certain time period. Rate limiting helps to prevent DDoS attacks and ensures that the API remains available for all legitimate users.
Encryption: Another significant element of API security is encryption. This involves encoding API data so that it can only be read by authorized parties. Encryption is particularly crucial when sensitive data is being transmitted via the API.
Logging and reporting: LLastly, the best API security providers offer detailed logging and reporting features. This enables organizations to monitor API usage, identify any unusual or suspicious activity, and respond to potential security incidents quickly.
By combining all these methods, API security providers offer complete protection for APIs, helping organizations keep their data secure and their systems running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Responsibility for API security is shared between the API security provider and the organization implementing the APIs.
While a provider offers advanced tools and technologies for securing APIs, it’s up to the organization to ensure these tools are appropriately integrated, and security best practices are followed.
API security management involves a range of processes and practices designed to maintain the integrity and security of APIs. It includes threat identification and mitigation, user access management, encryption practices, API key maintenance, and regular security audits.
The main goal of API security management is to prevent unauthorized API access and protect data from security threats.
API security helps protect an organization’s data, so that it cannot be accessed by unauthorized users. It also ensures that APIs are functioning correctly and aren’t misused or overloaded, which helps maintain the performance and availability of the applications that use these APIs.
API management and API security are two related but distinct areas. API management is the process and practice involved in publishing, promoting, and overseeing the use of APIs.
API security is a part of API management that focuses specifically on protecting the APIs against potential threats. This includes implementing security measures, like authentication and authorization, encryption, and threat protection.
Why customers choose Akamai
Akamai powers and protects life online. Leading companies worldwide choose Akamai to build, deliver, and secure their digital experiences — helping billions of people live, work, and play every day. Akamai Connected Cloud, a massively distributed edge and cloud platform, puts apps and experiences closer to users and keeps threats farther away.