Introduction
The increasing reliance on APIs is a key driver of digital transformation, yet it simultaneously raises significant security concerns. A recent report highlights the widespread nature of these issues, with nearly all organizations experiencing API-related security challenges over the past year. The rapid expansion of API ecosystems, driven by cloud migration and data monetization [1] [9], is outstripping current security measures, thereby elevating organizational risk.
Description
A significant rise in API usage is driving digital transformation but has also led to widespread security concerns, with 99% of organizations reporting API-related security issues in the past year [1] [4] [6] [8] [9]. The rapid growth of API ecosystems [1] [9], fueled by cloud migration and data monetization [1] [9], is outpacing existing security measures [1] [2] [9], thereby increasing organizational risk [1] [9]. Key challenges include vulnerabilities from misconfigurations (37%) [1] [9], sensitive data exposure (34%) [1] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [9], and authentication failures (29%) [1] [9]. Alarmingly, 55% of organizations have delayed application rollouts due to API security concerns [2], and nearly 20% cannot identify runtime security gaps [2], indicating a serious blind spot [2].
The report highlights that 30% of organizations have experienced a 51-100% increase in APIs [1] [9], while 25% report growth exceeding 100% [1] [9]. This expansion complicates API inventory management [1] [9], with only 15% of organizations confident in their inventory accuracy and 58% monitoring APIs less than daily. Only 20% achieve real-time monitoring [1] [2] [9], revealing a critical gap in oversight [2]. Despite increased investments in API security [1] [5] [9], gaps remain [1] [9], with 30% of organizations citing limited funds as a challenge, 22% facing personnel shortages [1], and 10% lacking adequate security tools [9]. Notably, only 10% of organizations currently have API posture governance strategies in place [5], although 43% plan to implement them within the next year [3] [4] [5].
API security maturity remains low [3] [4] [5] [7] [8], with 69% of organizations increasing their security budgets by over 5% [3] [4]. However, 59% are still in the planning or basic stages of their security strategies [4], and only 6% report having advanced programs [8]. The report indicates that 80% of attack attempts align with the OWASP API Security Top Ten [3] [5] [7], with security misconfigurations (54%) and broken object-level authorization (27%) being the most exploited vulnerabilities. Adherence to these industry frameworks is low, with only 53% of organizations utilizing them [2] [3] [4] [5] [7], which could significantly enhance security [2].
API attack patterns reveal that 95% of attacks originate from authenticated users [1] [9], with external-facing APIs being the primary target (98% of attack attempts) [1] [9]. The rise of generative AI has introduced new security threats, with one-third of organizations lacking confidence in detecting AI-driven attacks and 31% concerned about the security of AI-generated code [1] [9]. This underscores the need for specialized tools and training to address these emerging risks.
To strengthen API security [1] [9], organizations are encouraged to adopt proactive strategies [1] [9], including timely threat detection [6], incident response [6], real-time monitoring [1] [2] [9], adherence to established security frameworks [2], and investment in advanced testing methodologies [2]. Improved API inventory management [1] [9], robust posture governance [2] [3] [4] [5], and comprehensive threat intelligence are essential for mitigating risks [2]. Measuring API security success can be achieved through compliance posture improvements (37%) and cost savings from preventing breaches (25%) [3] [4] [5]. As API usage continues to grow [1] [9], organizations must prioritize evolving security strategies to protect sensitive data and infrastructure against emerging threats [1] [9].
Conclusion
The report underscores the critical need for organizations to enhance their API security measures to mitigate the risks associated with rapid API growth. By adopting proactive strategies [1] [9], such as real-time monitoring and adherence to security frameworks, organizations can better protect their sensitive data and infrastructure. As API usage continues to expand, prioritizing security strategies will be essential to safeguarding against emerging threats and ensuring the success of digital transformation initiatives.
References
[1] https://ciso2ciso.com/99-of-organizations-report-api-related-security-issues-source-www-infosecurity-magazine-com/
[2] https://salt.security/blog/navigating-the-api-security-landscape-progress-and-persistent-challenges-in-2025
[3] https://digitalitnews.com/salt-labs-state-of-api-security-report-reveals-the-latest-challenges/
[4] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/salt-labs-state-of-api-security-report-reveals-99-of-respondents-experienced-api-security-issues-in-past-12-months-302385528.html
[5] https://cioinfluence.com/security/salt-labs-state-of-api-security-report-reveals-99-of-respondents-experienced-api-security-issues-in-past-12-months/
[6] https://betanews.com/2025/02/26/99-percent-of-organizations-experience-api-security-issues/
[7] https://vmblog.com/archive/2025/02/26/salt-labs-state-of-api-security-report-reveals-99-of-respondents-experienced-api-security-issues-in-past-12-months.aspx
[8] https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/101421-99-of-organizations-faced-api-security-issues-within-past-12-months
[9] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/99-organizations-report-api/
