Application programming interfaces (APIs) are key components in software development, as they enable the interplay between different applications and microservices. Like all organizations, the critical infrastructure sector – including energy, healthcare, finance and transportation – relies on APIs for smooth operations managed in digital spaces.
However, the increased use of APIs spells a greater risk of cyberattacks targeting these areas. As APIs enable data exchange and operational efficiencies, they also become attractive targets cybercriminals can exploit.
Google Plus’s API flaw, Facebook’s 2018 breach, and vulnerabilities affecting T-Mobile are just a few examples of high-profile API security storylines from the last decade. These events exposed millions of users’ data, and the threat continues to persist, despite more focus on security.
The stakes are higher in the critical infrastructure sector, because the smallest breach can have dire consequences. Stringent API security measures are essential to fortify critical infrastructure against cyberattacks.
In this article, we will explain the threats, their implications, and the necessary measures to address them.
The rising threat of API attacks
The threat of API attacks is escalating, and the bigger concern is that critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, dams, bridges, and water systems are being targeted. The outcomes can be far more dangerous than one can imagine.
The 2021 Colonial Gas Pipeline attack is an unnerving example. In this incident, Russian hackers took out almost half of the East Coast’s fuel supply. US cyber warriors compared the incident to foreign governments and insidious gangs stealing into the nervous system of the economy.
This year, Chinese hackers broke through AT&T, Verizon, and other telecoms to dig deep into the ways companies work with authorities to track criminals. These attacks aren’t confined to the US, either. European oil-refining hubs in Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) came under a cyberattack in 2022, leading to safety hazards and financial losses.
While hackers may exploit the smallest of system vulnerabilities, APIs have emerged as primary targets. Recent reports indicate a staggering projected increase of 996% in API attacks by the end of the decade. The average cost for a security breach will also rise by 95% during the same period.
Cybercriminals eye APIs as targets due to their key role in application functionality and data access. Additionally, APIs connect various software systems due to their inherent openness, making them attractive for hackers looking to exploit vulnerabilities.
The rapid deployment of APIs often outpaces security measures, leaving organizations vulnerable to exploitation and data breaches.
API vulnerabilities and critical infrastructure
APIs are like a double-edged sword for organizations, fostering innovation through third-party integration and exposing them to an increased risk of cyber threats. Injection risks, broken authentication, and lax data access permissions are the common types of API vulnerabilities. Improper asset management and lack of resources and rate limiting are other potential culprits.
These vulnerabilities may have severe consequences for critical infrastructure. For instance, a successful attack on energy supply APIs could cause power outages or disruptions in service delivery. Even worse, unsecured APIs pose significant risks of data breaches.
In the worst-case scenario, this may expose sensitive information related to national security or public safety. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) data breach in 2022 was one of the biggest in the education sector. It affected 1000 schools and 600,000 students, leaking their confidential information.
Further, unauthorized access to control systems can lead to operational hindrances. In sectors like water management and transportation, the smallest disruptions may have far-reaching impacts. Addressing these vulnerabilities is the only way to safeguard essential services and maintain public trust.
Essential security measures for APIs
Fortunately, several effective security measures for APIs are available for safeguarding critical infrastructure against cyber threats. Here are some key strategies to enhance API security.
Implementing robust security frameworks
Knowing the enemy is the first step to protect your systems against it. Regularly evaluate vulnerabilities within your API ecosystem to identify potential threats. Look for API security solutions that automate threat classification.
This can help you tailor a security strategy that addresses specific API vulnerabilities and operational needs. Employ a layered security model throughout the API lifecycle to ensure safety at every stage from design to deployment.
Having key strategies already in place
Considering the multiple API security risks, you need diverse security strategies to address each of them. These include the following:
- Use firewalls and secure protocols (e.g., HTTPS) to safeguard data in transit.
- Utilize encryption for sensitive data at rest and in transit to protect against unauthorized access.
- Implement strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication, to verify user identities.
- Set up controls to restrict the number of requests an API can receive.
- Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate weaknesses.
Continuous monitoring and incident response
You may have the best API security measures in place, but you cannot take a set-and-forget approach. Hackers may find the weakest spot to penetrate your system.
Invest in real-time threat detection with runtime monitoring tools that immediately identify suspicious activities. Develop a tailored incident response plan to address API-related incidents swiftly.
Compliance with regulatory standards
Regulations like Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2) ensure high-level security for APIs. NIS2 lists essential requirements for risk management, incident reporting, and enhanced cybersecurity.
Additionally, organizations are advised follow the best practices outlined by the Open Source Foundation for Application Security (OWASP) to prevent common API vulnerabilities.
The takeaway
APIs lie at the heart of organizational strategies for growth and innovation. At the same time, they represent a considerable security risk, particularly for the critical infrastructure sector. Understanding these risks, foreseeing their potential outcomes, and implementing security solutions can help organizations make the most of the benefits of APIs.
