When developing software in our modern digital security landscape the use of third parties is a required addition to a developers toolbelt. Whether it is third-party libraries that are imported through package managers, infrastructure that is provided by cloud hosting providers like AWS, or even third parties talking to third parties with tools that link up your code, these interconnected tools often communicate through developer API keys.
While necessary for seamless integration, API keys by nature come with vulnerabilities that make them attractive targets for bad actors and hackers. For example, recent security breaches, such as those at Sumo Logic and JumpCloud, occurred as the result of API keys that were compromised, opening the companies up to exposed credentials.
Nevertheless, there are ways to manage the risks around API keys. This can be done through understanding what they do, learning from recent breaches that occurred because of improper API key management, implementing and adhering to best practices, and ensuring a swift response in the event that a key is breached.
Understanding API keys
In an ever-evolving digital security landscape, API keys play an essential role in paving the way for seamless integration and maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of digital systems.
To put it simply, API keys are like a “secret code” that only business leaders and members of your organization know to get access to your organization's internal systems and data. API keys serve as unique identifiers for applications or users that enable systems to recognize legitimate access requests and determine whether to grant access or deny it. This is a critical mechanism, especially within environments where integration and data sharing are prevalent.
However, the core function of API keys makes them enticing to attackers because they can provide them with both access and easy-to-read developer documentation. Which is essentially a step-by-step guide on how to breach your systems.
A compromised API key can lead to bad actors gaining unauthorized access to an organization's systems, potentially resulting in significant security breaches and the loss of sensitive data.
API keys are only becoming more critical to our security’s infrastructure. Not only are they tools for seamless integration but are also pivotal in maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of digital systems.
Recent API key breaches: an alarming trend
API key breaches are becoming more and more common. They represent a significant threat to both corporate security and user privacy. The recent incidents involving major players like Sumo Logic, JumpCloud, and even Twitter (X) are beginning to show a concerning pattern in the cybersecurity landscape.
Twitter's (X) security breach in 2018 emphasized the importance of thorough internal security protocols when their systems were left vulnerable because their API keys were not securely managed.
Further, in 2022, cybersecurity firm CloudSek discovered another Twitter (X) security breach where 3,207 mobile apps inadvertently exposed Twitter (X) API keys leaking a valid Consumer Key and Consumer Secret for the Twitter (X) API. This discovery uncovered the larger issue of how third-party app developers manage and secure their API keys.
Whether it is securing internal systems or ensuring that third-party developers adhere to stricter security standards and best practices, these breaches are indicative of the need for robust API key management and comprehensive API security.
Importance of regular API key rotation
There are easy ways for people and organizations to reduce the likelihood that an API key breach leads to the leak of sensitive data. One of the effective ways to limit the damage of an API key that has been breached is implementing API key rotation. It is as simple as replacing old keys with new ones periodically, ideally on a set schedule. Regularly rotating API keys is an effective and proactive way to ensure data security on both a personal and an organizational level.
API keys should be deactivated and regenerated every few months or so. The frequency of API key rotation can be determined by examining your company’s risk tolerance – it is important to get on a schedule that best fits your company's needs. This can be done automatically or through a third party like AWS KMS which has the option to opt-in for automatic key rotation annually.
How to respond to API key breaches
More often than not, API key breaches are the result of an accident and can occur simply by a developer committing the API key to a public version control, or a secret API key being left in a javascript source code. These kinds of breaches are not always malicious or immediately detrimental to an organization's security infrastructure.
However, regardless of the intent behind the breach, taking swift and immediate action is crucial to limit the damage. The first step should always be to immediately deactivate the compromised API key to cut off any unauthorized access from the source. From there, quickly generating and implementing a new key ensures account security and service continuity.
Recommended actions for API key management
- Regular Rotation: A critical security routine needs to involve a schedule of regular key rotation that organizations adhere to.
- Scope Limitation: Limit the scope of each key, granting only the necessary access for functionality.
- Vigilant Monitoring: Implementing a system that allows you to continuously monitor key usage for unusual patterns and setting up alerts for anomalies will help you catch breaches before or immediately as they happen.
- Secure Storage: Avoid common mistakes by securely storing API keys and refraining from hardcoding them in applications or exposing them in public repositories.
The bottom line
Hackers and bad actors will continue to get more sophisticated alongside our cybersecurity innovations and practices so it is imperative that both individuals and organizations remain vigilant and proactive in order to safeguard their digital assets in this ever-changing cybersecurity environment.
The escalating instances of API key breaches emphasize the necessity of API security and efficient management of API keys. We can easily enhance our digital defenses by recognizing risks, regularly rotating keys, and adhering to industry best practices from scope limitation to secure storage.
