API security: 14 Essential Best Practices

Companies rely on their data to make decisions. If you want to keep your data private, work on improving your API security. Here are some tips to help you keep your ecosystem sealed off from data breaches.

API Management

One of the best ways to improve your API gateway security is to invest in API management tools. Look for software that you can use and that’s compatible with your current systems. With the right security solutions, you won’t have to worry about data leaks.

Encryption

Make sure your communication is encrypted. That goes for all your internal and external communications. You’ll want to shift to a secure protocol.

Upgrade

Whatever the software or encryption program versions, choose the latest upgrades. They’re typically equipped with better security features.

Authentication

It sounds tedious but thinks of it as an added defense for your information. That way, hackers won’t be able to access your data.

Don’t Talk to Strangers

Make it difficult for hackers to get your data. Don’t talk to anyone you don’t know. If you aren’t certain, don't answer the call.

Delegate

Don’t take on everything on your own. Make sure you delegate, especially security tasks. You’ll stand a better chance if you let experts handle your API security issues.

Call Pros

Let pros handle the installation of the system. If possible, ask for user training.

Monitor

Don’t forget to go over all the information on your APIs. You can also use your logs for debugging.

Share Little

Don’t expect to protect your data if you overshare a lot of your customer information and even your company’s private data. It might sound paranoid but displaying as little information as possible about your business is a smart move. Don’t let them know too much about you since hackers can use that, too.

System Protection

Restrict access to your system, too. You could put restrictions or limitations that could help you protect against hackers. Restricting access by API also helps. That way, you won’t have to worry about the API being in trouble.

Data Validation

Be picky. If you get gifts, are they big? Check everything that comes through. That way, you won't have to worry about anything else.

Infrastructure

Is your network up to date? If you haven’t upgraded to the latest version, that could provide hackers plenty of chances to leave a mess behind and compromise your company’s security and API programming.

API Gateway

If you want to improve your API gateway performance, then you need an API solution. Look for what you can use to make sense of your data as well as help you figure out how it can impact your technical as well as business decisions. You’ll want to learn more about the gateway, though, before you proceed. How much is the system? What programs or solutions fit the bill?

API Firewalling

Don’t forget to build a wall. You’ll want to organize the wall into two layers. That will make it even more effective. The first layer should be in DMZ and the second layer should be in LAN with advanced security measures.