The Digital Fortress: How APIs Are Reshaping Cybersecurity in the Age of AI
Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting networks. It’s about understanding the intricate digital highways that connect our most critical business systems.
APIs have become the invisible infrastructure powering everything from agricultural equipment to financial services. They’re no longer just technical endpoints – they’re the lifeblood of modern enterprise technology.
Stepan Ilyin, co-founder of Wallarm, understands this landscape better than most.
During an exclusive interview for Black Hat 2025, he painted a vivid picture of how cybersecurity is evolving at the speed of technological innovation.
“Back in 2016, nobody was talking about APIs,” Ilyin explained. “Now, everything is API-driven. AI is running on top of APIs, and every company is essentially becoming a technology company.”
The API Revolution
What makes APIs so critical? They’re the communication channels that allow different software systems to interact seamlessly. From mobile applications to complex enterprise systems, APIs enable data exchange and functionality across platforms.
Ilyin’s journey with Wallarm began with a simple observation: traditional security tools weren’t designed to understand the nuanced language of APIs. Tech companies in Silicon Valley needed a specialized solution that could protect these critical digital pathways.
“We put a lot of effort into educating people about why API security matters,” Ilyin said. “Your API is available to everyone in the world, 24/7. Bad actors can continuously probe for vulnerabilities.”
The Threat Landscape
Modern API attacks aren’t just about traditional vulnerability scanning. Attackers are now leveraging sophisticated AI tools to find and exploit weaknesses faster than ever before.
Wallarm’s research reveals a startling trend: malicious API traffic is skyrocketing. Many of these attacks aren’t even human-driven anymore – they’re automated reconnaissance missions designed to find the quickest path to potential exploitation.
“We see patterns that suggest attackers are using purpose-built tools to find vulnerabilities much faster,” Ilyin noted. “It’s changing everything about how we approach cybersecurity.”
Beyond Traditional Protection
Wallarm’s approach goes beyond the standard OWASP Top 10 threats. Their platform offers comprehensive protection that spans:
- API Discovery
- Risk Assessment
- Threat Protection
- Incident Response
- Security Testing
What sets them apart is their commitment to evolving alongside technological shifts.
As AI becomes more integrated into enterprise systems, Wallarm is already developing strategies to protect AI agents and emerging protocols.
The AI Security Frontier
Ilyin is particularly excited about the dual potential of AI in cybersecurity. Not only can AI help protect against emerging threats, but it can also enhance security tools themselves.
“We can use AI to automate triage, make more intelligent security testing, and even help new employees understand complex security data,” he explained.
This approach transforms security platforms from complex dashboards into intelligent, guidance-driven systems that can educate and protect simultaneously.
A Call to Action for CISOs
For security leaders, the message is clear: API security is no longer optional. It’s a critical component of your overall cybersecurity strategy.
Consider these immediate steps:
- Conduct a comprehensive API inventory
- Assess current API security measures
- Implement continuous monitoring
- Train teams on API-specific threat models
- Explore AI-enhanced security platforms
The Future is API-Driven
As industries from agriculture to finance become increasingly digital, APIs will continue to be the connective tissue of enterprise technology. Those who understand and protect these critical pathways will lead the next generation of cybersecurity.
Author’s Note: This exclusive interview was conducted live for the 2025 Black Hat Conference in Las Vegas, offering unprecedented insights into the future of API and AI security. Learn more at https://www.wallarm.com/.
About the Author
Pete Green is the CISO / CTO of Anvil Works, a ProCloud SaaS company and co-author of “The vCISO Playbook: How Virtual CISOs Deliver Enterprise-Grade Cybersecurity to Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs)”. With over 25 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity, Pete is a seasoned and accomplished security practitioner.
Throughout his career, he has held a wide range of technical and leadership roles, including LAN/WLAN Engineer, Threat Analyst, Security Project Manager, Security Architect, Cloud Security Architect, Principal Security Consultant, Director of IT, CTO, CEO, Virtual CISO, and CISO.
Pete has supported clients across numerous industries, including federal, state, and local government, as well as financial services, healthcare, food services, manufacturing, technology, transportation, and hospitality.
He holds a Master of Computer Information Systems in Information Security from Boston University, which is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance / Cyber Defense (CAE IA/CD) by the NSA and DHS. He also holds a Master of Business Administration in Informatics.
