So many companies today use the cloud to store critical data, company information, customer databases, and so much more. Far fewer businesses today invest in their own onsite storage. That’s why cloud cybersecurity is so important. If you have important data in the cloud, you must make sure it is properly secured.
That’s why in today’s blog installment looking at cloud security, we’re going to talk about insecure APIs and misconfigured cloud storage. Both represent big risks to your security.
What is an Insecure API and How Can You Prevent it?
An API stands for application user interface. APIs are used to operate systems within the cloud infrastructure. Whether it be through internal use by company employees or consumer use through mobile or web applications, APIs are critical to application use within the cloud. APIs typically use authentication and encryption to secure their connections into the cloud. However, sometimes the configuration of the API may introduce a vulnerability. The most common API security problems include:
- Access without authentication
- Lack of access monitoring
- Reusable tokens and passwords
- Clear-text authentication
A prominent example of how an insecure API caused customer harm is in the Facebook/Cambridge Analytica scandal. There was a ‘lack of access’ monitoring on the part of Facebook, so Cambridge Analytica used Facebook’s internal consumer data in nefarious ways.
So, how do you prevent problems with insecure APIs? One, conduct penetration testing. One of the best tools developers can use to test the security of their network is through emulation. This way you can attempt to break through and gain access as an unauthorized user. If you can, then your team has some work to do.
You should also be conducting regular general system security audits, which include checking API connections. Also, ensure you use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security to encrypt the data and ready it for transmission. Multi-factor authentication can also be used to prevent unauthorized access if there’s a security breach.
Here at CHIPS, we work with companies to secure their API connections day-in and day-out. Our cybersecurity solutions include military-grade technologies designed to cloak the “kernel” your system runs out of. To learn more about how we can help you prevent problems from data breaches to insecure APIs, contact us today. We are waiting for your call. (651) 280-4701
