Mobile App API Security: A Complete Guide

Are you a software developer? Whether you are an experienced software developer or a novice developer looking to grow in the software development world, there are a few things you need to know to succeed. To begin with, it is best to understand how mobile App API works and how you can keep it safe.

With mobile apps becoming all the more popular, it helps sharpen your skills if you want to stand out in this crowded market. Mobile penetration has increased by more than 75% in the last couple of years. This is why cybercriminals have shifted their attention from computers to mobile phones.

API is the driving force of every app. Unfortunately, API gateway gives a free passage to hackers and other cybercriminals. That is why businesses need to pay close attention to mobile app API security. This comprehensive guide will discuss everything you ought to know about mobile app API security.

First Things First, What Exactly is a Mobile App API?

To better protect your mobile app API, it will help to understand what it is and what it does. API, also known as the application program interface, is used in mobile apps the same way it is used in web apps. APIs are the most crucial elements of every application since they allow the app to interact with other platforms and applications.

Simply put, API plays a vital role in extending an app’s resources beyond the set limitations. These critical tools allow an app to function much faster and integrate with other apps seamlessly. This will enable businesses to bundle resources and deliver them when users need them the most.

In an age where user demands have become all the more complicated, there is a great need to integrate resources from various sources. Finding an easy way of linking vital resources, including LDAP, database, server, and other elements, is no longer a luxury. Additionally, Google cloud vision API build metadata using machine learning to continuously improve business value. On the contrary, every savvy business needs to take advantage of mobile app APIs to deliver value to their clients.

Let us discuss practical examples of mobile app APIs to help you understand:

· Manufacturing Apps

If you are in the manufacturing feed, your mobile APPs need API for various reasons. For starters, it allows your app to integrate rapidly with other apps. This is especially important if your manufacturing company relies on a network of distributors. API will allow the distributors to embed vital features.

· Consumer Apps

Mobile app API plays a vital role when it comes to consumer apps. It allows clients to interact with data from other applications. Case in point, the Uber app integrates with different maps and features, including GPI, messaging, data, and calls to provide the best user experience.

· Enterprise Apps

While it is true that most enterprise apps are singularly focused, these apps still need mobile app API for various reasons. For starters, enterprise apps still need to be secure and flexible. Mobile app API allows just these apps to do just that.

So what is Mobile App API Security?

The Internet of Things has undoubtedly taken over all the phases of your everyday life. Now, API is the essential element connecting devices and microservices. With API playing such a vital role, it is not surprising that cybercriminals have turned their attention to mobile app API. This is why businesses need to invest more in mobile app API security.

Simply put, API refers to the steps taken to protect APIs’ security. These efforts range from privacy, spanning, and API access control. Businesses should also take advantage of reverse engineering to detect and stop threats right away.

Above all, companies should turn their attention and funds to mobile app API since cloud service providers are no longer offering API security. Having said that, business owners will have to invest in agencies and advanced API protection tools to safeguard the integrity of their APIs, whether in use or not.

Why Focus on Mobile App API Security?

Although most businesses are guilty of overlooking mobile app API security, it is vital to note that API plays an important role. First, it allows businesses to combine their services and improve user experience. As such, exposed and broken API can harm the company’s reputation. Cybercriminals will exploit the vulnerabilities in your API to launch data breaches and other illegal activities,

APIs allow businesses to connect their services with vital third-party services providers such as banks and online mobile payment services. APIs will funnel user applications to the users’ app to do this. Criminals can take advantage of the existing vulnerabilities to steal vital financial, personal, and medical information.

Protecting your API from malicious attacks will go a long way in safeguarding user information and security. It will also enhance the user experience and app functionality. Users will also trust your business, knowing that their personal and financial information is safe.

API Security Best Practices

Now that you know what mobile app API is and why it is essential, let us look at some of the best practices for mobile app API below:

· Identify the Possible Threats

It is safe to say that cybercriminals have an easy time compromising mobile app APIs because most developers focus on agility and functionality instead of security. On the other hand, cyber criminals think outside the book and identify possible weak links. Thinking about the potential API threats will go a long way towards helping you to keep your API secure.

· Introduce Encryption

Another way of securing your mobile app API is by introducing encryption. Encrypting your API with standard one-way TLS or two-way TLS will prevent cybercriminals from getting to the weakest cipher suites. It can also secure your finances and investments when used with the best bitcoin API applications. If you can, it is advisable to use two-way TLS.

· Add Authentication

Using authentication will allow you to determine who is trying to access your mobile app APIs. Use an API key, also known as an asymmetric key, to keep hackers away. You can also use basic access authentication to safeguard your APIs.

· Monitor Your APIs

It helps to audit and troubleshoot your APIs frequently. Always store the log data as long as possible since you might need it in the future.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your mobile app API is the right thing to do, and the right approach since it reduces financial losses and protects your company’s reputation. Follow these API best practices to protect your mobile app APIs today.