In the rapidly changing field of software development, application programming interfaces (APIs) are very powerful tools. They allow different applications to communicate, share data, and collaborate seamlessly, constituting approximately 71% of all web traffic. However, as APIs become more essential to our applications, they also attract cyber threats. In fact, 57% of organizations reported experiencing at least one API-related data breach in the past two years.

Every single day, billions of API calls happen across the internet. Behind your favorite applications, APIs work quietly to move data and connect systems. But with the growing use of APIs, API attacks didn’t just increase – they exploded. Take the Optus breach in September 2022, in which attackers exploited an unprotected API endpoint and accessed the personal data of up to 9.8 million customers, leading to a $10 million fine.

APIs are essential for modern digital business operations, enabling smooth connectivity and data exchange between applications. However, the growing dependence on APIs has unintentionally widened the attack surface, making strong API security a vital concern for organizations. Traditional security measures often prove inadequate in effectively safeguarding this changing landscape.

In today’s interconnected digital ecosystems, traditional security mechanisms like Web Application Firewalls (WAFs), API gateways, and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) act as enforcement points. Think of them as bouncers at the entrance of a high-profile nightclub—they decide who gets in and who doesn’t. However, relying solely on these edge solutions to secure APIs is like assuming a bouncer can stop someone sneaking in through a side door or an open window.

The UAE Government API First Guidelines are a comprehensive framework designed to standardize API development and management across government entities, promoting innovation, interoperability, and secure data exchange. These guidelines emphasize an API-first approach to digital transformation, focusing on principles like consumer-centric design, robust security measures, lifecycle management, and seamless integration.

Recent advances in AI technologies have granted organizations and individuals alike unprecedented productivity, efficiency, and operational benefits. AI is, without question, the single most exciting emerging technology in the world. However, it also brings enormous risks. While the dystopian, AI-ruled worlds of sci-fi films are a long way off, AI is helping cyber threat actors launch attacks at a hitherto unknown scale and level of sophistication. But what are AI-powered attacks?

For organizations handling sensitive data, finding a secure and efficient way to test data protection solutions is crucial. The Protegrity API Playground offers a straightforward way to test Protegrity’s data protection features. The Playground grants you 10,000 API requests after registration to use as you see fit: protecting names, addresses, credit card numbers – or any other data your organization considers secure.

Since 2015, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced several cybersecurity and cyber resilience frameworks to address evolving cybersecurity risks and strengthen the resilience of regulated entities (REs). Additionally, SEBI has issued multiple advisories on best practices to guide REs in enhancing their cybersecurity posture.

In today’s rapidly interconnected digital environment, third-party APIs have become fundamental for enhancing functionality and enriching user experiences. However, as seen in recent incidents like the Kaiser data breach, these third-party integrations carry risks that, if unaddressed, can lead to significant security and privacy violations.

APIs have become the backbone of modern digital ecosystems, powering everything from mobile apps to e-commerce platforms. However, as APIs grow in importance, they also become prime targets for malicious actors. Increasingly, bots are being weaponized to exploit vulnerabilities, overwhelm systems, and siphon sensitive data—all without triggering alarms until it’s too late.