Key points:
1. The rise of cloud-native applications has revolutionized business operations, but it has also increased the reliance on APIs, creating new risks and vulnerabilities.
2. APIs act as intermediaries between applications, enabling communication and data exchange. However, if attackers gain access to APIs, they can bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
3. API security is critical because developers often prioritize speed and functionality over security, leaving APIs vulnerable to attacks. Additionally, cloud-native APIs are often exposed directly to the internet, making them accessible to hackers.
4. Shadow APIs, used without the knowledge or approval of IT security teams, and Zombie APIs, no longer in use but still active, pose significant risks to organizations. They lack proper security controls and can be exploited by attackers.
5. To mitigate these risks, organizations should develop a comprehensive API management strategy, including a centralized API inventory catalog, implementation of security controls, and scanning and observability capabilities. Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPPs) offer a proactive approach to API security, protecting against various API attack threats and identifying Shadow and Zombie APIs.
