Lesson from a real-life API data breach
To further our understanding of the API security risks, we must learn from real-life data breaches that have occurred in the past. This section presents a few examples.
Uber data breach (2016)
The Uber data breach of 2016 serves as an alarming example of how lapses in API security can lead to unauthorized access and leakage of sensitive personal information. In this instance, the attackers compromised the personal information of approximately 57 million Uber users and drivers. The following are the critical aspects of API security that were highlighted by this incident:
- Improper API access management: The breach was instigated by attackers obtaining API credentials from Uber’s private GitHub repository. They subsequently accessed Uber’s backend systems and extracted user data, underscoring the necessity to secure API access and manage credentials meticulously.
- Third-party integration vulnerabilities: The incident...
