9 min read
Jan 9, 2024
Companies increasingly rely on messaging APIs to automate text communications to streamline customer interactions. However, ensuring the security and privacy of this sensitive data exchanged through these channels while maintaining convenience and efficiency remains a significant challenge.
You will learn how businesses and developers implement secure messaging APIs for customer communication. It will explain the importance of encryption, compliant data storage, and retention policies.
In this post, you'll learn strategies for maintaining data integrity and customer trust in automated text communication.
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What is API security?
It is the practice of protecting APIs from online attacks. APIs act as a backend framework for web and mobile applications. It is crucial to safeguard the sensitive data they transfer.
An API is an interface that specifies how different software interacts. It manages the types of requests between programs, how these requests are made, and the data formats used.
APIs are utilized in Internet of Things (IoT) applications and websites. They collect and process data or allow users to input information processed within the API environment. For instance, Google Maps has an API that a web designer can embed into a page they are building.
When users use Google Maps, they use an already-written API provided by Google. API security protects both the APIs you own and those you use indirectly.
API security is important
With the growing use of IoT, API security has become increasingly important. When users, APIs, and applications/systems interact, sensitive data is transferred.
An insecure API can make it easy for hackers to access an otherwise secure computer or network. Attackers may seek to perform a variety of attacks, such as man-in-the-middle (MITM), distributed denial-of-service (DDoS), injection, or broken access control attacks. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that APIs are secure to prevent potential security breaches.
REST API security
REST API security is a widely used method of securing APIs. It uses a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) to control the data the API can access while it operates.
As a result, REST API and security measures can help prevent attacks involving malicious data that attackers may try to introduce using an API.
How to secure REST API
REST APIs support different security protocols like SSL, TLS, and HTTPS, which encrypt data during transfer to provide security. You can also use tokens to validate communications before allowing them to go through, making REST APIs even more secure.
API security examines data moving into the API environment, while application-level API security prevents attempts to make the application malfunction or allow unauthorized users to steal sensitive information.
REST vs. SOAP
Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) is a messaging protocol that uses XML (Extensible Markup Language) to transfer information between computers.
SOAP API security uses XML signatures and SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) tokens to authenticate and authorize messages being moved.
This ensures the intended recipient can access the information and prevents attackers from gaining access.
The signatures and tokens must match the approved formats to allow the message to pass through. Unlike SOAP, REST does not require routing and parsing of data. Instead, it uses HTTP requests and does not require data to be repackaged during the transfer process.
While some users prefer SOAP over REST because it is easier to design and operate SOAP across proxies and firewalls without modifying it first, REST is gaining popularity because it is lighter and more straightforward than SOAP.
API Security standards
Vulnerabilities
It is crucial to protect data, especially with the increase in data-dependent web applications and projects. Following the API security best practices listed below is essential to secure APIs.
Vulnerabilities are the starting point for API security. Specific vulnerabilities should be checked to identify weak points in the API lifecycle.
For instance, signature-based attacks like SQL injections can be looked for, tighter rules for JSON paths and schemas can be used, and rate limits can be set to protect API backends.
Tokens
Security tokens function by confirming the authentication of a token on both ends of a communication before the communication is permitted to proceed. These same access tokens can be utilized to manage access to network resources, as any program or user attempting to interact with the network resource without the appropriate token will be denied.
What is an API gateway?
An API gateway is a reverse proxy between the client and backend services. It authenticates traffic according to predetermined standards.
Encryption
Encryption is a process that transforms data into a scrambled format so that it can only be understood by someone who has the correct decryption key.
If someone tries to read the encrypted data without the proper key, it will look like a random sequence of characters, letters, and numbers.
This method enhances API security by ensuring that unauthorized users cannot read the data, as their devices won't be able to decipher it.
What is end-to-end encryption?
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a secure method of communication that prevents third parties from getting access to data while it is being transferred between two devices or systems.
When using E2EE, the message is encrypted on the sender's device or system, and only the intended recipient can decrypt it.
This means that the message cannot be read or tampered with by any other entity or service as it travels to its destination, including internet service providers (ISPs), application service providers, hackers, and others.
Many popular messaging service providers, such as Facebook and Zoom, use E2EE to ensure the privacy and security of their users.
However, this technology has also faced controversy due to its potential to make it harder for providers of mobile apps to share user information with authorities and provide a platform for private messaging for people involved in illicit activities.
How does end-to-end encryption work?
The messages sent between two parties are encrypted and decrypted using cryptographic keys.
These keys are stored on the endpoints, and the encryption method used is called public key encryption.
Public key encryption is a method that uses two keys (a public key that allows information to others and a private key that is only known to the public key owner. The public key is used to encrypt messages.
However, in online communications, an intermediary is often involved, such as a server belonging to an ISP or telecommunications company.
The public key infrastructure used in end-to-end encryption (E2EE) ensures these intermediaries cannot eavesdrop on the messages being sent.
To ensure that the public key used is legitimate and belongs to the intended recipient, it is embedded in a certificate digitally signed by a recognized certificate authority (CA). The CA's public key is widely known, and its authenticity can be trusted.
Thus, a certificate signed by that public key can be presumed authentic. The certificate associates the recipient's name and public key.
The CA would not sign a certification that associates a different public key with the same name.
Effective network defense strategies
Strengthening network defenses against data breaches requires a multi-layered and proactive approach. Here are some effective strategies to ensure network security.
Strong access controls
It is essential to enforce excellent password policies and implement two-factor authentication to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
Additionally, user access privileges should be monitored and managed to prevent insider threats.
Employ next-generation firewalls
Upgrade to next-generation firewalls for advanced threat detection and prevention. Use intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to block real-time malicious activities.
Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing
Perform routine vulnerability assessments and frequent penetration testing to identify and mine security vulnerabilities and address weaknesses in network defenses.
Implement network segmentation
Divide the network into smaller segments to restrict unauthorized access and promote monitoring. Use VLANs to separate traffic and isolate critical systems.
Utilize encryption and secure communication protocols
Using strong encryption protocols to protect sensitive data during transmission is essential.
Secure communication protocols such as backend services such as HTTPS should also be implemented to establish secure connections between clients and servers.
Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices
Employees need to be trained to identify phishing attacks, use strong passwords, and practice safe browsing habits.
A culture of cybersecurity awareness should be created to minimize human error as a potential entry point for cybercriminals.
Compliant data retention policies
Organizations can store, manage, and use data for various purposes through data retention. These purposes include corporate intelligence and legal compliance.
However, modern data privacy laws prohibit retaining personal data for longer than necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was initially collected.
Data Retention is the practice of holding onto data for a specified period. This is done to meet legal, administrative, operational, or business needs. By retaining data, we can ensure that information is secure and easily accessible while complying with relevant privacy and data protection laws.
Create a data retention policy
Organizations must create a data retention policy to ensure compliance, efficient data management, and security.
Identify legal requirements
First, you must identify the specific legal and regulatory standards applicable to your organization. This includes legislation related to data privacy, industry-specific regulations, and protocols for informing parties about data breaches. You should determine the types of data that must be retained and the duration for which they should be kept.
Data inventory
Your organization needs to audit the data it collects comprehensively and stores. Once the data is identified, it should be categorized according to data types, such as customer data, financial records, HR information, etc.
Data categories and retention periods
Categorize data as critical, sensitive, or non-essential based on significance, sensitivity, and legal needs. Determine appropriate retention periods for each data category based on legal requirements, business needs, and industry standards. Some data require longer retention than others.
Handling procedures
It is essential to have clear policies for handling data at all stages of its lifecycle, from collection to disposal.
These policies should include data backups, encryption, access controls, application security, and storage guidelines.
Data destruction
Develop safe procedures for destroying data to ensure it is disposed of appropriately when its retention period expires. This could entail safely destroying digital data or shredding physical paperwork.
Access, retrieval, and training
Establish protocols so authorized individuals can access and retrieve data when required for operational, legal, or other purposes.
Implement training and awareness programs to ensure all employees are informed about the data retention policy and their roles in adhering to it.
Regular monitoring and updating the policy
Develop a mechanism to periodically audit and assess compliance with data retention policies to ensure the guidelines are followed correctly.
Developing a data retention policy is an ongoing process that requires careful planning and frequent updates to align with the changing business and legal requirements.
It is essential to periodically review the policy to ensure it stays up to date with industry standards and regulatory obligations.
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Conclusion
Ensuring security and privacy in messaging API is vital for a business to protect itself and its customers. If you follow these best practices and keep up to date with the latest regulations, you’ll be better prepared to prevent cyber attacks and keep hackers away.
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