What is API?
In computer programming, an application programming interface (API) is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications. An API expresses a software component in terms of its operations, inputs, outputs, and underlying types.
How it is accessed?
Mobile devices, smart televisions, games consoles and even nodes in the Internet of Things
API Security and Expert Review
APIs present a real security risk, and that hackers steal data by finding easy loopholes.
“What we have seen is applications being broken down into micro-services, and when you do that you are creating many more interfaces and exposing those interfaces. So of course the attack surfaces are much larger,” said Subra Kumaraswamy, head of product security at Apigee, a California-based API security platform vendor. “Hackers
API and Security Risk
no longer attack one application; they can look at lots of services. So there is a bigger risk that they can get access to data.”
API is itself new module which needs extra attention.
APIs present an extra headache to organizations because of their power, Kumaraswamy said. “Before, hackers had to sit behind a console and try different things to find vulnerabilities. But because APIs are programmable, they can program attacks. They can write a system that automates their attacks and tries different things.”
API has become a significant part of business.
“APIs are often made as part of an initiative like mobile, and businesses measure success by user engagement or user adoption,” Kumaraswamy said. “Sometimes that means they don’t pay attention to the security aspects of the API. Businesses need more agility, and security sometimes comes second.”
Security Product and API
Security products are extremely useful for API. Most businesses are belatedly waking up to the API security problem. The market is still relatively immature, though, and only 5 percent to 10 percent of organizations offering APIs use such products, Kumaraswamy estimates.
Alertsec strengthens security
Alertsec has created a web based encryption service that radically simplifies deployment and management of PC encryption by using industry leading Check Point Full Disk Encryption (former Pointsec) software.
Organizations, especially corporate giants, have to have an information security policy in place that proves they have taken the necessary steps and measures to safeguard the information they gathered. If these policies are not adhered to, the regulators may prosecute.
Alertsec Xpress is used by organizations that have recognized the need to protect their information. Customers range from single-user sole traders and consultants to multinational companies with a large number of offices around the globe. Over 4 million users worldwide use Alertsec Xpress’s Check Point Full Disk Encryption.