SECURING APIS IN CLOUD-NATIVE APPLICATIONS WITH ZERO TRUST PRINCIPLES

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive exploration of implementing Zero Trust principles in API security for cloud-native applications. It delves into the critical aspects of securing APIs in modern, distributed environments, addressing the challenges posed by multi-cloud deployments and containerized applications. The article covers a range of topics, including authentication and authorization strategies such as mutual TLS and OAuth 2.0, advanced security measures like API-level encryption and runtime anomaly detection, and the integration of security practices with cloud-native database systems. The article also examines the role of service meshes in securing APIs within Kubernetes environments and explores the unique challenges of maintaining API security across multi-cloud architectures. Furthermore, it investigates the evolution of API security in the context of application modernization, highlighting the importance of aligning security practices with DevOps methodologies and the need for continuous security testing and monitoring. By presenting current best practices and future trends, this article aims to provide organizations with a roadmap for building robust, secure API ecosystems that can adapt to the changing landscape of cloud-native computing while safeguarding sensitive data and services.