Wallarm Report Reveals Alarming Surge in API Security Threats
Q3 2024 API ThreatStats Report Highlights Disturbing Trends
Wallarm, a leading provider of API security solutions, has released its latest API ThreatStats Report for Q3 2024. The report paints a troubling picture of the current API security landscape, revealing a significant increase in API-based attacks and a broadening of the threat actor landscape.
Key Findings
- API attacks surged by an alarming 34% in Q3 2024 compared to the previous quarter.
- Bot-based attacks accounted for over 60% of all API traffic, with automated tools increasingly used to probe and exploit API vulnerabilities.
- The financial services and healthcare industries were the most targeted sectors, accounting for over 40% of all API attacks.
- Data exfiltration and account takeover were the top attack objectives, as attackers sought to steal sensitive data and gain unauthorized access to systems and applications.
- Emerging threat actors, such as state-sponsored groups and insider threats, are increasingly targeting APIs, posing a growing concern for organizations.
According to Wallarm's report, the surge in API security threats is being driven by several factors, including the increasing adoption of APIs, the evolving threat landscape, and the lack of adequate API security measures in many organizations.
Proactive Measures to Mitigate API Security Risks
In the face of these alarming trends, organizations need to take proactive measures to mitigate API security risks. Wallarm recommends the following steps:
- Implement strong API authentication and authorization mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
- Monitor API traffic for suspicious activity and implement anomaly detection systems.
- Use API gateways to manage and secure API access, providing centralized control and visibility. li>Educate developers about API security best practices and provide them with tools and resources to build secure APIs.
- Regularly review and update API security policies and procedures to ensure they align with evolving threats.
By following these recommendations, organizations can strengthen their API security posture and reduce the risk of data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.
Conclusion
The Wallarm Q3 2024 API ThreatStats Report serves as a wake-up call for organizations to prioritize API security. The significant increase in API attacks and the expanding threat actor landscape pose a real and growing threat to businesses of all sizes.
By proactively implementing comprehensive API security measures, organizations can protect their sensitive data, maintain business continuity, and stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape.