API security is a specialized discipline within cybersecurity focused on protecting Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) from threats, vulnerabilities, and unauthorized access. As APIs serve as the essential connective tissue enabling data exchange between systems, microservices, and client applications, their security is paramount for maintaining data confidentiality, integrity, and availability across interconnected digital ecosystems.

Effective API security involves implementing comprehensive protective measures throughout the API lifecycle. Key strategies include authentication and authorization mechanisms to verify identities and manage access permissions, data encryption to secure information in transit, input validation to prevent injection attacks, and rate limiting to defend against denial-of-service attacks. Continuous monitoring and behavioral analytics further help organizations detect anomalous activities and maintain a resilient cybersecurity posture.