This report highlights the escalating threat of API security incidents in government, with costs averaging $717,500 per breach—21% higher than the cross-industry average. Key vulnerabilities include poor authentication and reliance on outdated tools. Agencies struggle with limited visibility into sensitive-data-handling APIs, leaving them exposed to sovereign threats and compliance failures. The study also explores global regulatory frameworks (e.g., GDPR, My Number Act) and initiatives like Data.gov that aim to standardize and secure API usage. The emotional toll — team stress, reputational damage, and leadership scrutiny — is emphasized as a growing concern. Akamai advocates for proactive API security strategies to reduce risk and restore trust.
531150