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Nathan for BLST

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Shift Left within API Security

What is Shift Left?

Overall, shifting left is a proactive approach to security that can have many benefits for organizations. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges involved in shifting left in order to make sure that it is done effectively.

The Benefits of Shift Left

Another benefit of shift left is earlier detection and prevention of security vulnerabilities. In traditional waterfall development, security testing is often done near the end of the process, after the code has been completed. By that time, it may be too late to address any vulnerabilities that are found. In a shift left model, on the other hand, security testing is done continuously throughout the development process. This allows for earlier detection of potential vulnerabilities, which can then be addressed before they cause any harm.
Finally, shift left models are more efficient and effective use of resources. In traditional waterfall development, security testing is often done by a separate team of specialists who are not familiar with the codebase. This can lead to wasted effort and duplication of effort, as well as a lack of understanding of how the code works. In a shift left model, on the other hand, security testing is integrated into the development process and performed by the same team that writes the code. This results in a better understanding of how the code works and how to secure it, as well as more efficient use of resources.

How to Implement Shift Left

The next step is to integrate security testing into the development process. This means that developers should test for vulnerabilities early and often, and that they should fix any issues that are found before they reach production. By integrating security testing into the development process, organizations can find and fix vulnerabilities before they cause problems in production.
Finally, it's important to monitor APIs in production for potential threats. This includes monitoring for suspicious activity, such as unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts. By monitoring APIs in production, organizations can quickly identify and respond to potential threats.
Shifting left within API security requires a collaborative effort between development and operations teams. By working together to establish and enforce security policies, integrate security testing into the development process, and monitor APIs in production, organizations can ensure that security is a priority throughout the entire lifecycle of their API.

In Conclusion Shifting left within API security is a great way to stay ahead of the game and keep your APIs secure. By doing so, you can avoid costly security breaches and keep your data safe.

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