Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are the backbone of modern online interactions. They enable seamless communication between different systems, devices, and services, making them an essential component of our digital landscape. However, with the increasing reliance on APIs comes a growing concern: their security risks.
The API Security Risk Landscape
It’s estimated that around half of all internet traffic is generated by APIs. This staggering figure highlights the importance of APIs in modern computing. Unfortunately, it also underscores the potential security risks associated with them. Malicious actors can exploit vulnerabilities in APIs to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The Threat of Overly Permissive API Access
One common security risk related to APIs is granting third-party vendors overly permissive access. This can be done intentionally or unintentionally, and it’s often the result of inadequate security measures or a lack of visibility into API usage.
Cybersecurity startup Vorlon has developed a platform that helps businesses protect their data from such incidents. Founded in 2022 by former Palo Alto Networks executives Amir Khayat and Amichay Spivak, Vorlon analyzes network traffic to detect and remediate potential API abuse in real-time.
How Vorlon Works
Vorlon’s technology continuously observes a company’s APIs and notifies them when vendors make updates. This helps businesses better understand their exposure or potential exposure. The platform also looks at the type of data third-party APIs have access to and where that can be connected to other applications.
To provide actionable insights, Vorlon uses AI to analyze and map all API communication it monitors. It then translates this information into human-readable language, enabling users to get a summary of their third-party apps. Additionally, Vorlon provides an AI-powered chatbot that lets businesses search for information in natural language about security threats or issues they may have.
The Benefits of Vorlon’s Technology
Vorlon’s platform offers several benefits, including:
- Real-time threat detection: Vorlon can reduce the timeline between threat detection and remediation to minutes.
- Improved visibility: The platform provides a clear understanding of third-party APIs’ access to sensitive information.
- Enhanced security posture: By detecting potential API abuse in real-time, businesses can take proactive measures to protect their data.
Industry Recognition and Adoption
Vorlon has gained significant recognition within the industry. Since its launch in February, the company has secured early customers from various sectors, including SafeBreach and presales engineering platform Vivun. The Delaware-based startup plans to expand its team with the funds raised from its Series A round.
Conclusion
The growing threat of API security risks is a pressing concern for businesses today. With the increasing reliance on APIs comes the need for robust security measures to protect sensitive information. Vorlon’s innovative technology offers a solution to this problem, providing real-time threat detection and remediation. As the API landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential for businesses to prioritize API security to avoid potential data breaches.
Related Topics
- Accel
- API Security
- Exclusive
- North America
- Security
- Startups
Sources
- [1] Vorlon Raises $15.7M to Protect Businesses from API Security Risks (TechCrunch)
- [2] API Security: The Growing Threat and What You Can Do About It (Forrester)
Note:
The original article is around 500 words, so I have expanded on the content while maintaining the same headings and subheadings.