Have you ever thought the internet can be a little frightening? For people running hosting platforms, API attacks are starting to become an unfair burden. I remember one time a client called me, scared because their server got attacked through an API. It was not a virus or a hacked password—it was an API attack. At the time, I could hardly wrap my mind around it.
APIs are often left open to the Internet, or not properly protected. If a hacker finds a hole in your API, they can steal your data and/or overload your server. It’s like having your front door wide open and just hoping nobody comes in.
• Many APIs – Hosting platforms generally contain many APIs to perform functions on the site, more APIs equal more potential places the hacker can attack.
• Automation – Hackers are able to use bots to penetrate APIs in seconds. If a hacker is able to penetrate one API successfully, this can put the whole hosting domain and its APIs at risk.
• Hidden Attacks – The biggest challenge with API attacks is that the traffic often appears to be normal traffic, so it’s not detected until it’s too late.
I have witnessed attacks that have knocked servers offline and trusted security firms said it had nothing to do with their well-configured firewalls. Normal security rules typically don’t stop API attacks.
• Credential stuffing – Using stolen credientials (usernames and passwords) against APIs.
• Rate limits – Sending excessive amounts of requests to disable the API.
• Data scraping – Stealing the data from APIs without using the website.
1. Strong Authentication - Use API keys or secure tokens.
2. Request Limits - Block too many requests from one source.
3. Observe the Traffic - Monitor traffic for unusual behavior.
4. Review APIs Frequently - Remove old and unused endpoints.
Making your APIs secure is like putting a shield over your servers.
Have you ever experienced an API attack? I can assure you that it is not nice—and super-stressful.
What Are API-based Attacks?
If you are a little confused, think of APIs as helpers that let those apps, websites, and servers talk to one another. They make everything easier. The flipside? Hackers love to target them too.APIs are often left open to the Internet, or not properly protected. If a hacker finds a hole in your API, they can steal your data and/or overload your server. It’s like having your front door wide open and just hoping nobody comes in.
The Risks Facing Hosting Platforms
Why do hackers target hosting platforms for their attacks? Here are few reasons:• Many APIs – Hosting platforms generally contain many APIs to perform functions on the site, more APIs equal more potential places the hacker can attack.
• Automation – Hackers are able to use bots to penetrate APIs in seconds. If a hacker is able to penetrate one API successfully, this can put the whole hosting domain and its APIs at risk.
• Hidden Attacks – The biggest challenge with API attacks is that the traffic often appears to be normal traffic, so it’s not detected until it’s too late.
I have witnessed attacks that have knocked servers offline and trusted security firms said it had nothing to do with their well-configured firewalls. Normal security rules typically don’t stop API attacks.
How Hackers Attack APIs
Here are just a few common methods employed by hackers:• Credential stuffing – Using stolen credientials (usernames and passwords) against APIs.
• Rate limits – Sending excessive amounts of requests to disable the API.
• Data scraping – Stealing the data from APIs without using the website.
Ways To Protect Your Platform
You can easily protect your servers while following some simple procedures:1. Strong Authentication - Use API keys or secure tokens.
2. Request Limits - Block too many requests from one source.
3. Observe the Traffic - Monitor traffic for unusual behavior.
4. Review APIs Frequently - Remove old and unused endpoints.
Making your APIs secure is like putting a shield over your servers.
Conclusion
API attacks are real and growing rapidly. However, if you protect your APIs and watch your traffic, your chance of being compromised is reduced. If you are using APIs (most hosting platforms use them), don't wait for a problem to arise. Secure it now.Have you ever experienced an API attack? I can assure you that it is not nice—and super-stressful.
