The text discusses the importance of API integration security and outlines several best practices to ensure data protection when using API integrations, which often handle sensitive information such as social security numbers and financial data. It emphasizes the necessity of confirming third-party API security measures, adopting robust error handling, protecting API keys and tokens, leveraging role-based access control, and minimizing data access to prevent unauthorized data exposure. The text also highlights the benefits of implementing secure API integrations, such as compliance with data protection regulations, preserving market reputation, and creating additional revenue opportunities. Merge offers a Unified API to facilitate these integrations and provides features like Audit Trails and multi-factor authentication to enhance security, aligning with compliance frameworks like GDPR and SOC 2 Type II.