Leading the Way in API Security: Which U.S. States Are Setting the Standard?

With just days to go before the U.S. election, securing our digital landscape is more critical than ever. Our latest infographic, Vote for API Security: Which States Are Leading the Charge?, provides an in-depth analysis of state-by-state API infrastructures, highlighting both strengths and vulnerabilities. Cequence analyzed the public-facing attack surface of each state in the U.S. and analyzed metrics related to API hosting, provider distribution, and security findings. Discover where risks are minimized and learn about best practices in API security. This is your opportunity to make a difference – not just at the polls but also in the vital realm of cybersecurity.

Which States Are Excelling in API Security?

According to our data, states like Kansas, New Mexico, and Hawaii demonstrate the lowest levels of API security risk. These states have implemented rigorous API management and security practices, setting a standard for others to follow. By focusing on proactive risk mitigation, they exemplify what it means to build secure digital infrastructure.

On the other end of the spectrum, California and Alabama show higher instances of security vulnerabilities in their API setups, particularly around Transport Layer Security (TLS) and publicly accessible non-production environments. These findings highlight areas where there’s room for improvement to better protect sensitive data.

For an in-depth look, explore the full Infographic to see which states are leading the charge and which still have work to do.

Key API Security Insights by State

States with the Most API Hosts

States like California, Texas, and New York host a high volume of APIs hosts, indicating a heavy reliance on APIs to deliver services and manage data. This also makes them prime targets for cyberattacks, as each API represents a potential entry point for malicious actors. Organizations in these data-rich environments must prioritize robust security measures to protect sensitive information and maintain resilience against evolving threats.

States with the Fewest API Hosts

States with fewer API hosts, such as Kentucky, New Mexico, and Hawaii, may have a smaller attack surface, but that doesn’t mean they are invulnerable. With fewer resources allocated to API security, these states could be using outdated or less secure technology, making them attractive targets for attackers looking for “low-hanging fruit” vulnerabilities.

States with the Most Security Findings

States like California, New Hampshire, and Alabama have high numbers of security findings, highlighting gaps in API management and security practices. Each security finding represents a risk that could lead to data breaches or service disruptions. Addressing these vulnerabilities helps reduce exposure to attacks and strengthens cyber resilience across the state.

Top Security Vulnerabilities in Focus

The infographic identifies the Top 3 Security Findings in APIs across the United States:

1. TLS Misconfigurations: Weak or outdated encryption practices jeopardize secure data transmission.
2. Login Risks: Authentication vulnerabilities at login endpoints increase the risk of unauthorized access.
3. Publicly Accessible Non-Production Environments: Poorly secured test environments can unintentionally expose sensitive data to public access.

These common vulnerabilities indicate areas that are often overlooked but critical to securing API infrastructure. By addressing these specific risks, organizations can better protect user data, maintain operational integrity, and reduce the likelihood of security incidents.

The Role of API Providers in Security

The infographic also sheds light on the top API infrastructure providers:

• Cloudflare, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are the most popular hosting providers for APIs, supporting vast networks of data-driven services across the country.
• Akamai, AWS API Gateway, and Azure API Management are among the top gateway providers, helping organizations centralize and secure their API management.

These providers are integral to modern API ecosystems, and their configurations play a critical role in either reinforcing or undermining API security.

Security Best Practices Checklist

To help organizations and public sector entities minimize risks, we’ve compiled a list of API Security Best Practices:

• Restrict API Exposure: Limit access to sensitive data by enforcing strict access controls.
• Minimize Provider Dependencies: Rely on fewer, highly secure third-party providers.
• Utilize Mature Cloud Providers: Choose providers with strong security track records and continuously monitor for vulnerabilities.
• Limit Gateway Diversity: Using fewer gateway types can simplify management and improve oversight.
• Implement Strong Transport Encryption: Regularly audit encryption methods to ensure secure traffic transmission.

For a complete list, be sure to check out our Infographic for actionable steps you can take to secure your digital landscape.

Why API Security Matters During Election Season

The current landscape of API security is as divided as the political map, with states led by different political parties showing varied readiness levels. Our findings show that Democratic-led states currently pull slightly ahead in cybersecurity readiness, though the difference is slight. Just as we participate in elections to shape our political future, adopting robust API security practices allows us to shape a safer digital future for all.

Let’s make sure we’re protecting what matters most, from the polling stations to our digital platforms.

Get a Free API Security Assessment

Curious about where your organization stands in the API security landscape? Cequence Security offers a Free API Security Assessment to help you understand potential vulnerabilities and bolster your defenses. Request your free assessment today and join the states leading the way in API security.