expert
OPINION
Without visibility into the entire API landscape , effective management and risk reduction is unattainable . Governance programmes should also prioritise continuous API inventory assessment to uncover and document ‘ shadow APIs ’ that often elude traditional governance platforms . Taking action to limit this API sprawl before it becomes wholly unmanageable becomes an imperative to modern business and a priority for CIOs . Lastly , a good governance programme should also mandate and assess corporate and regulatory security posture standards throughout an APIs lifecycle .
Educating the wider organisation about API risks is another key initiative . CIOs should spearhead efforts to enhance understanding across teams regarding common API security threats , drawing on resources such as the OWASP API Security Top 10 list . CIOs should also ensure corporate standards for acceptable API posture are properly documented . Collaborating with security teams , CIOs must implement API programmes capable of ongoing monitoring for finding lapses in security posture and prevalent API abuses to limit the organisation ’ s exposure to cyberattacks . Furthermore , with developers rapidly deploying APIs into production , a safety net of runtime
protection becomes imperative to shield both known and unknown APIs .
In addition , CIOs can drive API security initiatives by raising organisational awareness about the potential risks and costs associated with API incidents . API breaches can have severe financial repercussions , with recent estimates placing the aftermath costs for Optus at a staggering AU $ 140 million . CIOs play a pivotal role in cultivating a security-aware environment across development , IT , and security teams , fostering collaboration to understand and mitigate these risks .
In conclusion , to counter the ever-evolving tactics of malicious actors , CIOs must grasp the intricacies of the API landscape . APIs , as the foremost business enabler and the primary attack vector , demand stringent security measures . CIOs , as leaders in technology strategy , must introduce comprehensive API strategies and controls , encompassing a complete API inventory and fostering crossfunctional understanding of the most significant API threats and associated business risks . This proactive approach is essential not only for reducing overall risk but also for maintaining a fast-paced , innovationfocused trajectory for their companies .
CIOs need to establish a robust governance strategy for APIs .
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