The Hidden API Security Paradox: Why CISOs Still Face Blind Spots

Read full article from Salt Security here: https://salt.security/blog/the-cisos-api-security-paradox-high-priority-huge-blind-spots/?utm_source=nhimg

APIs are now the backbone of modern business, powering mobile apps, cloud integrations, and digital transformation. It’s no surprise that 73% of CISOs list API security as a top priority. But a recent survey of 300 security leaders reveals a troubling paradox: while the risks are well understood, only 17% of CISOs have a fully implemented API security strategy.

This gap between awareness and action leaves enterprises exposed. Development cycles move at lightning speed, research shows 75% of APIs are updated weekly or daily, while security teams often only audit for shadow APIs monthly or quarterly. That mismatch creates blind spots lasting weeks at a time, during which undocumented or unmanaged APIs can slip into production unchecked. In fact, 74% of CISOs admit to being surprised by the discovery of shadow APIs, and nearly 90% can’t confirm that their environments are free of them.

Outdated Defenses, False Confidence

The problem is compounded by overreliance on legacy tools. 76% of organizations still rely on WAFs and 72% on API gateways as their primary defenses. But these tools weren’t designed to detect today’s business logic attacks, where attackers exploit legitimate API functions to steal sensitive data. Yet, 85% of CISOs remain confident these outdated tools can handle the job—an assumption that could prove costly.

Closing the Gap with Salt Illuminate

To bridge the gap, CISOs need visibility and control that match the speed of modern development. Salt Illuminate is a purpose-built API security platform designed for this challenge. It helps organizations move from awareness to action by delivering:

• Instant, total visibility: Build a real-time inventory of every internal, external, managed, and shadow API in minutes.
• An attacker’s-eye view: Map relationships, data flows, and attack signals across your entire API fabric to uncover hidden risks.
• Governance and compliance at scale: Automate security guardrails and accelerate compliance with OWASP, PCI, and other frameworks.
• Real-time threat detection: Use intent-based AI to stop BOLA, abuse of functionality, and data exfiltration before attackers succeed.

From Priority to Practice

The CISO API security paradox is clear: APIs are critical, yet visibility and defenses lag dangerously behind. Salt Illuminate provides the unified visibility, context, and protection security leaders need to finally align security practices with business priorities—closing blind spots, stopping hidden threats, and enabling innovation without compromise.