A more significant part of the efficient user experience that is taken for granted is powered by APIs, which operate in the background. Because of this, it is essential to ensure improved API security across mobile apps; otherwise, none of the benefits would be realized.
Some of the biggest cyber-attacks to date have been caused by stolen API keys. There has recently been a push to focus on API security as more businesses are depending on enterprise mobility and increasing their reliance on mobile app connectivity. Seventy-four percent of respondents of an Osterman Research report, “The State of Mobile App Security 2022,” believed mobile apps were essential to business success. Additionally, it was shown that mobile apps assist businesses in generating revenue and facilitating customer access to services.
Furthermore, forty-five percent in the same report claimed that their company would be significantly impacted by an attack on APIs that rendered a mobile app inoperable. The industry already understands that mobile apps are essential to mobility and productivity, and these results serve to confirm that.
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Risks to API Security Could Result in Complete Device Takeover
While there are many benefits to using APIs, there is also a clear drawback to their widespread adoption in mobile applications. This is especially true given how many businesses depend on apps and APIs from third parties.
The fact that mobile applications, particularly the APIs that underpin them, are frequently more vulnerable to cyber-attacks than websites on a computer makes things more challenging for businesses. Even when an app is running in the background, every time it is used, data is sent and received through calls, which is when that device is most vulnerable.
These API requests or calls between the device and the app can be exploited by a cybercriminal to steal data. Because an app resides on the device, a hacker can hijack the entire thing and compromise the data that is saved on it. Regardless of whether the device is company-owned or personal, every device an employee has access to probably has some sort of corporate data on it.
Safeguarding Data and Mobile Devices Against API Vulnerabilities
Not only are the profits, survival, and reputation of businesses at risk, but also the sensitive data of their partners and customers.
Thankfully, there are techniques to guard against these threats. For level-setting, it is crucial to first focus on developing a clear knowledge of the vulnerabilities affecting enterprise applications. This will raise awareness of the fact that, unless these applications are monitored or distinctly segregated, enterprise data on mobile devices used by employees are vulnerable to exfiltration.
Containerization – a strategy where the data is segregated from the device itself is an excellent way to better guard against vulnerable APIs. Another crucial factor is utilizing advanced encryption tools and making sure that data is protected when in motion, in transit, and at rest. In order to protect sensitive data, businesses should also consider using stringent authentication processes.
Also Read: Leaked Algolia API Keys Exposed User Information for Millions of Users
The way forward
Cybercriminals looking to take advantage of API vulnerabilities pose a wide range of challenges, and these challenges will only get worse as the API attack surface expands. Although these issues may initially appear overwhelming, businesses can proactively take action to secure their corporate devices and applications.
Although integrating an additional layer of security in the development process is a great idea, it is a luxury that businesses that depend on third-party applications sometimes cannot afford. Because of this, it is crucial that companies proactively consider how these applications interact with their data and develop additional authentication procedures to protect it.
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