The most significant cybersecurity threat facing the tech ecosystem today

Imagine this: it’s a typical morning—you book a ride, check your bank balance, and stream your favourite playlist on the way to work. Seamless, right? These interactions feel effortless, but behind the scenes, a complex network of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) is at work, connecting apps and systems to create these smooth digital experiences.

APIs quietly facilitate all these digital interactions, from ride-hailing services to online shopping, yet their critical role makes them prime targets for cyberattacks. What makes APIs both indispensable and vulnerable is their function as connectors—they allow systems to share data, but when exploited, they can expose sensitive information to cybercriminals.

API security lapses are not just technical concerns—they’re real-world challenges with huge consequences. Take the 2021 T-Mobile breach, where hackers exploited an API to access personal data from over 40 million users. Similarly, the Australian government’s COVIDSafe app faced an API vulnerability that could have exposed sensitive health data to unauthorised access.

A recent report highlights the alarming rise of API attacks, with the number of breaches in 2024 going up by 80 percent and the volume of compromised records soaring by 214 percent compared to the previous year. For individuals, the consequences include stolen identities, financial losses, and exposure of private information. For businesses, the stakes are even higher: according to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, API-related breaches cost companies an average of $4.88 million, inflicting severe damage to brand reputation and eroding customer trust.

API security isn’t just a corporate problem—it’s a shared responsibility that impacts everyone. Think about it: every time you log into an app or authorise a transaction, you’re trusting that the API transmitting your data is secure. When APIs are compromised, it’s not just the companies that suffer; users are left vulnerable, often unaware of the risks they face.

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This reliance on secure APIs demands accountability from both developers and organisations. Prevention is far more effective—and less costly—than remediation. Investing in robust API security measures is not just about avoiding breaches; it’s about fostering trust in a digital ecosystem that we all depend on.

As technology evolves, the need for secure APIs becomes even more critical. Innovations like IoT, AI-driven systems, and blockchain rely heavily on APIs. The question is not whether we should secure APIs but how quickly we can implement higher security standards across industries.

Proactive measures are critical to addressing API security risks. These include conducting comprehensive API audits, implementing robust authentication methods, and regularly updating security protocols. Organisations must also prioritise education and training to empower developers to build secure systems from the ground up.

Meanwhile, regulatory bodies worldwide are intensifying their focus on cyber threats. Frameworks like GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California hold companies accountable for safeguarding user data. Non-compliance with these standards can lead to substantial fines, emphasising the need for preventive action.

For users, awareness is essential. Recognising the importance of API security can drive demand for stronger protections, pushing organisations to adopt best practices. Achieving this requires a collective effort, with vigilance at every level.

API security is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. Prioritising protection today safeguards the future of innovation, ensuring technology continues to be a force for good. Together, we can create a tech ecosystem that not only connects us but also protects us.

Sylvia Onwukwe is the co-founder and CTO at APISentry, a unified API security company that offers comprehensive protection against cyberattacks to businesses.