APIs have become the backbone of digital transformation, enabling seamless integration, data sharing, and automation.
However, the rapid expansion of API ecosystems has introduced significant security risks, with nearly all organizations (99%) reporting API-related security issues in the past year.
Why it matters
As businesses accelerate cloud adoption, platform integration, and data monetization, APIs are increasingly targeted by cyber threats.
The Q1 2025 State of API Security Report by Salt Security reveals that security measures are struggling to keep pace with API growth, exposing organizations to vulnerabilities and data breaches.
The big picture
- API adoption is skyrocketing—30% of organizations have seen a 51-100% increase in APIs, while 25% report growth exceeding 100% over the past year.
- Security gaps persist—58% of organizations do not monitor APIs daily, and only 20% have real-time monitoring in place.
- Key security risks include:
- 37% of incidents caused by vulnerabilities like misconfigurations and broken object-level authorization.
- 34% involving sensitive data exposure.
- 29% due to authentication failures, revealing weak access controls.
Driving the news
The report highlights the increasing difficulty organizations face in maintaining accurate API inventories and securing production environments. While more than half of companies have increased their API security budgets, challenges remain:
- 30% cite budget constraints as a major hurdle.
- 22% struggle with staffing shortages in cybersecurity roles.
- 10% lack the necessary security tools to protect APIs.
API security concerns are also impacting business operations—55% of organizations have delayed application rollouts due to security risks, while 14% find API management increasingly complex.
What they’re saying
“Organizations are facing the challenge of properly cataloging all their APIs so they can be placed into the proper security testing and awareness program,” said Thomas Richards, principal consultant at Black Duck.
“While APIs improve workflows and efficiency, security fundamentals—like documentation, testing, and verification—must not be overlooked.”
“Because API attacks most often result from unauthorized or inappropriate access credential use, modern security requires access control that goes beyond traditional perimeter-based identity access strategies,” explained Piyush Pandey, CEO at Pathlock.
“Dynamic access controls that start with compliant provisioning, continue with high-risk access monitoring, and finish with critical application infrastructure health maintenance are essential.”
Attack trends and emerging risks
- 95% of API attacks originate from authenticated users, emphasizing the dangers of compromised credentials.
- 98% of attack attempts target external-facing APIs, making them a prime vulnerability.
- Most exploited weaknesses include:
- Security misconfigurations (54%).
- Broken object-level authorization (27%).
- API authentication failures (19%).
- Generative AI (GenAI) introduces new risks, with one-third of security teams lacking confidence in detecting AI-driven threats and 31% concerned about AI-generated code security.
What’s next
To combat these challenges, the report urges organizations to adopt a proactive security approach, emphasizing:
- Real-time API monitoring to detect and respond to threats faster.
- Stronger inventory management to ensure accurate tracking of API assets.
- AI-driven security tools to counter evolving attack techniques.
- Adoption of the OWASP API Security Top Ten framework to mitigate common vulnerabilities.
“The main driver of API adoption is the need for loose coupling between complex systems,” said Jason Soroko, senior fellow at Sectigo. “While APIs enable rapid digital transformation, their growth often outpaces security measures.
Cloud platforms and API providers must offer built-in security diagnostics to help organizations deploy APIs with secure configurations.”
The bottom line
As API usage continues to surge, security must evolve in parallel. Organizations must prioritize comprehensive security strategies to safeguard sensitive data, prevent breaches, and maintain trust in their digital ecosystems.
Source: Infosecurity Magazine
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