Top 10 API Security Tools 2024

Securing your APIs is crucial for safeguarding data and maintaining system integrity. With the rise in API-based cyber attacks, businesses need robust API security tools.

According to OWASP, API vulnerabilities are among the top threats. In this article we evaluated, analyzed, and compared the top 10 API security tools to help protect your systems.

Top 10 API Security Solutions

1. Treblle

Treblle is an enterprise-grade API security tool that offers security, governance, and observability features. It helps monitor, secure, and manage your APIs effortlessly.

With its real-time monitoring and alerts, Treblle provides detailed analytics and insights, making identifying and addressing potential security issues easier.

The tool integrates seamlessly with existing workflows, enhancing the overall efficiency of API management. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its features that make it one of the best API security tools:

1. Continuous API Security Monitoring:

Treblle offers a proactive API security monitoring feature where the tool runs 15 security checks on every single API request and gives it one of three threat levels: Low, Medium, or High.

The tool also checks your incoming traffic by default using an automatic IP reputation check to help you evaluate the threat potential of your API traffic spikes as they happen. This proactive approach is very helpful in preventing SQL injection attacks among others.

2. API Governance:

Treblle as an API security testing tool offers an API governance feature where it evaluates your API against the industry benchmark and scores it based on performance, security, and quality.

Treblle API Security dashboard

As an enterprise architect, this score helps you understand how your team is building APIs on a code and infrastructure level. And, as an engineer who designed the APIs, this governance score helps you understand which part of your API needs to be fixed.

Pricing:

• Free plan with 250K API requests
• Starter plan for $25 that offers 5 Million API requests
• Enterprise plan for custom enterprise needs.

G2 Review:

• 4.5 out of 5

2. OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy): Open-source API Security Testing Tool

ZAP is an open-source API security testing tool. It offers automated scanners and a variety of plugins for thorough security checks. As an open-source project, ZAP is highly customizable and supported by a large community, making it a versatile option for developers.

ZAP dashboard

However, it requires technical expertise for setup and use, and manual configuration can be time-consuming, which may not be ideal for non-technical users.

Pros:

• Free and open-source.
• Extensive community support and resources.
• Versatile with various plugins and extensions.

Cons:

• Requires technical expertise for setup and use.
• Manual configuration can be time-consuming.

Pricing:

• Free

G2 Score:

• 4.7 out of 5

3. StackHawk

StackHawk is one of those API security tools that seamlessly integrates into the development pipeline, helping developers identify and fix security vulnerabilities early. It's favored by DevOps teams for its CI/CD workflow integration and support for multiple programming languages.

StackHawk dashboard

This API security tool is praised for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, making it a valuable tool for continuous security testing.

Pros:

• Seamless CI/CD integration.
• Developer-friendly with intuitive UI.
• Supports multiple languages and frameworks.

Cons:

• Requires technical knowledge for optimal use.
• May not be suitable for non-developer users.

Pricing: 

• Free version with basic scanning capability
• Pro plan for $42 per code contributor per month
• Enterprise plan for $59 per code contributor per month

G2 Score:

• 4.6 out of 5

4. Intruder

Intruder is a powerful proactive API security tool. It offers automated scanning, and detailed reporting, and integrates with various CI/CD pipelines. Intruder offers competitive pricing and has a strong reputation for reliability and ease of use.

Intruder dashboard

Pros:

• Automated, continuous vulnerability scanning.
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics.
• Easy integration with CI/CD workflows.

Cons:

• Subscription-based pricing might be high for small enterprises.
• Limited offline capabilities.

Pricing:

• Essential plan starts from $138/month
• Pro plan starts at $227/month
• Custom plan available upon request

G2 Score:

• 4.8 out of 5

5. Postman

Postman is a renowned API development and testing tool. It includes security testing capabilities like authentication, encryption, and parameter validation.

Postman API Security

While primarily a development tool, it offers sufficient features for basic security checks. Postman is highly rated for its usability and integration capabilities, making it a popular choice among developers. However, it lacks some advanced security features that specialized API testing tools might offer.

Pros:

• Wide range of testing capabilities.
• Easy to use with an intuitive interface.
• Strong community and support resources.

Cons:

• Primarily a development tool, not a full security solution.
• Lacks some advanced security features.

Pricing

• Free plan
• Basic: $19per user/month
• Professional: $39per user/month
• Enterprise: Available upon request

G2 Score:

• 4.6 out of 5

6. Astra API Pentest

Astra provides in-depth API penetration testing services. It focuses on identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities through comprehensive testing methodologies.

Astra API dashboard

Astra's pricing varies based on the scope and depth of testing, and it has garnered positive reviews for its thoroughness and expertise. However, it can be expensive for comprehensive testing and requires scheduling and planning to conduct tests effectively.

Pros:

• Thorough penetration testing with detailed reports.
• Customizable testing scopes.
• Excellent customer support and expert analysis.

Cons:

• Can be expensive for comprehensive testing.
• Requires scheduling and planning.

Pricing:

• Scanner: $1999/year
• Pentest: $5999/year
• Enterprise: Starts from $9999/year

G2 Score:

• 4.6 out of 5

7. APIsec

APIsec offers automated API security testing, providing continuous assessment to detect vulnerabilities. It integrates well with CI/CD pipelines, ensuring security is embedded in the development process.

APIsec dashboard

APIsec is recognized for its efficiency and comprehensive testing features. However, subscription costs can add up, and require some technical expertise for setup and optimal use.

Pros:

• Continuous security assessment.
• Strong integration with development workflows.
• Detailed vulnerability insights and reporting.

Cons:

• Subscription costs can add up.
• Requires some technical expertise for setup.

Pricing: 

• Free plan with basic scanning capability
• Standard plan: $550/month
• Pro plan: $2200/month
• Enterprise plan: Available upon request

G2 Score:

• n/a

8. Akto

Akto specializes in API security monitoring and threat detection. This API security testing tool provides real-time alerts and detailed analytics, helping businesses stay ahead of potential threats. Akto offers two options: self-hosted and Akto cloud when it comes to API testing.

Akto Dashboard

Its robust feature set has earned it favorable reviews. However, it requires technical setup and maintenance, and it has limited offline functionality.

Pros:

• Real-time threat detection and alerts.
• Comprehensive analytics and monitoring tools.
• Competitive pricing.

Cons:

• Requires technical setup and maintenance.
• Limited offline functionality.

Pricing

• Self-hosted:

  • Free: 50 API endpoints/month
  • Team: $1999/month, 500 endpoints/month
  • Business: $4990/month, 1000 endpoints/month

• Akto Cloud:

  • Free: 100 endpoints/month
  • Business: 1990/month

G2 Score:

• 4.6 out of 5

9. IBM API Connect

IBM API Connect combines API management with robust security features, including an API gateway, developer portal, and analytics. It supports OAuth for secure authentication and offers comprehensive threat protection.

IBM API Connect dashboard

Despite its higher cost, this API testing tool is highly rated for its enterprise-grade capabilities. However, integration with non-IBM services may require additional effort.

Pros:

• Comprehensive API management and security.
• Strong support and integration with IBM services.
• Detailed analytics and monitoring.

Cons:

• High costs may not be suitable for small businesses.
• Integration with non-IBM services may require additional effort.

Pricing:

• Available upon request

G2 Score:

• 4.3 out of 5

10. Probely

Probely offers automated API security testing, identifying vulnerabilities and suggesting fixes. It integrates with various development tools, providing continuous security coverage. Probely is appreciated for its ease of use and effectiveness.

Probely dashboard

Pros:

• Continuous automated security testing.
• Detailed vulnerability reports and fixes.
• Easy integration with development tools.

Cons:

• May require a subscription for advanced features.
• Limited offline capabilities.

Pricing:

• Lite: Free plan with basic features
• Pro: $118/month/API
• Enterprise: Starts at $665 when billed annually.

G2 Score:

• 4.7 out of 5

Factors to Consider When Choosing an API Security Tool

When selecting an API security tool, consider the following factors:

Automation

Automation is pivotal in choosing your API security tech stack. Manual security testing is impractical due to time and budget constraints. Automated testing ensures comprehensive coverage and reduces errors at scale.

Coverage

Complete coverage is essential as threats evolve. Ensure your API security solution protects against a wide range of vulnerabilities, including business logic flaws, to prevent gaps that attackers could exploit.

Costs

Balance upfront costs with long-term benefits when selecting security tools. Consider your budget constraints and avoid solutions that may end up costing more in the long run due to the need for additional testing tools.

Scalability

Choose an API security solution that can scale with your business. As you add new APIs or expand your system, ensure your security setup remains robust to avoid vulnerabilities and bottlenecks.

Speed

Efficient security testing is crucial, especially in agile environments. Choose solutions that don't hinder development speed and allow for quick identification and resolution of vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

API security is a critical aspect of protecting your digital assets in 2024. With the rise in API-based cyber attacks, securing your APIs has never been more crucial. The API security tools listed here offer diverse features to suit different needs and provide comprehensive protection for your systems. By choosing the right API security tool, you can safeguard your APIs against evolving threats and maintain the trust of your users and stakeholders.

In 2024, the importance of API security cannot be overstated. By leveraging tools such as Treblle, OWASP ZAP, StackHawk, Intruder, Postman, Astra API Pentest, APIsec, Akto, IBM API Connect, and Probely, you can ensure your APIs are well-protected against potential threats.

Each tool offers unique features and benefits, from real-time monitoring and automated scanning to detailed reporting and seamless integration with development workflows. The choice of tool depends on your specific needs, technical expertise, and budget considerations.

Ultimately, the right API security tool can be a game-changer for your business. It enables you to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities early, maintain system integrity, and safeguard your valuable data.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying vigilant and well-equipped with the best API security tools is imperative for any organization. By prioritizing API security, you can ensure a secure and resilient digital presence in 2024 and beyond.