Choosing API Security Tools

The API security market has rapidly expanded since 2021, offering a wide array of tools, which can be overwhelming for those responsible for software security within organizations. Key considerations in selecting an appropriate API security tool include the specific needs of an organization's application security program, the level of developer engagement, the software development lifecycle (SDLC) methodology, and the types of applications being developed. Tools that support the OpenAPI/Swagger protocol are emphasized, as they provide more options compared to those using SOAP. Common features of API security tools include API inventory, fuzzing or dynamic testing, web application firewalls, and API gateways, which are crucial for authentication, authorization, and bot defense. The importance of understanding the "context" feature, static analysis, API linters, and using API-specific dynamic testing tools is highlighted, as they can identify vulnerabilities and ensure code quality. It is recommended to continue using existing software composition analysis tools for APIs and consider factors such as concerns and functionalities before conducting a proof of concept exercise to select the most suitable tool.