13 best practices for API security excellence

Web-enabled applications face increased security risks due to the widespread use of APIs, which drive a significant portion of internet traffic and are predicted to expand the attack surface of most applications. This growing reliance on APIs, alongside the adoption of containers and microservices, heightens the need for robust API security measures. A set of best practices, including authentication and authorization, managing access control, automating vulnerability management, and securing data both at rest and in transit, is crucial for maintaining strong API security. The integration of API management tools can simplify the governance of complex architectures by abstracting security concerns and enabling seamless operation across different API styles and architectures, such as REST and GraphQL. By applying a standardized approach to security management, organizations can maintain control over their API ecosystems, ensuring agility and scalability without compromising security.