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Modern businesses depend on third-party apps for everything from customer service and analytics to cloud storage and security. But this convenience comes with risk, every integration introduces a potential vulnerability. In fact, 35.5% of all recorded breaches in 2024 were linked to third-party vulnerabilities. 

The good news? These risks can be managed. This article highlights the hidden dangers of third-party API integrations and provides a practical checklist to help you evaluate any external app before adding it to your system.

Why Third-Party Apps Are Essential in Modern Business 

Simply put, third-party integrations boost efficiency, streamline operations, and improve overall productivity. Most businesses do not create each technology component from scratch. Instead, they rely on third-party apps and APIs to manage everything from payments to customer support, analytics, email automation, chatbots, and more. The aim is to speed up development, cut costs, and gain access to features that might take months to build internally. 

What Are the Hidden Risks of Integrating Third-Party Apps? 

Adding third-party apps to your systems invites several risks, including security, privacy, compliance, and operational and financial vulnerabilities.

Security Risks

Third-party integrations can introduce unexpected security risks into your business environment. A seemingly harmless plugin may contain malware or malicious code that activates upon installation, potentially corrupting data or allowing unauthorized access. Once an integration is compromised, hackers can use it as a gateway to infiltrate your systems, steal sensitive information, or cause operational disruptions.

Privacy and Compliance Risks

Even with strong contractual and technical controls, a compromised third-party app can still put your data at risk. Vendors may gain access to sensitive information and use it in ways you never authorized, such as storing it in different regions, sharing it with other partners, or analyzing it beyond the agreed purpose. For instance, misuse of a platform could lead to violations of data protection laws, exposing your organization to legal penalties and reputational damage.

Operational and Financial Risks

Third-party integrations can affect both operations and finances. If an API fails or underperforms, it can disrupt workflows, cause outages, and impact service quality. Weak credentials or insecure integrations can be exploited, potentially leading to unauthorized access or costly financial losses.

What to Review Before Integrating a Third-Party API 

Before you connect any app, take a moment to give it a careful check-up. Use the checklist below to make sure it’s safe, secure, and ready to work for you.

1. Check Security Credentials and Certifications: Make sure the app provider has solid, recognized security credentials, such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, or NIST compliance. Ask for audit or penetration test reports and see if they run a bug bounty program or have a formal vulnerability disclosure policy. These show the vendor actively looks for and addresses security issues before they become a problem.
2. Confirm Data Encryption: You might not be able to inspect a third-party app directly, but you can review their documentation, security policies, or certifications like ISO 27001 or SOC. Ask the vendor how they encrypt data both in transit and at rest, and make sure any data moving across networks uses strong protocols like TLS 1.3 or higher.
3. Review Authentication & Access: Make sure the app uses modern standards like OAuth2, OpenID Connect, or JWT tokens. Confirm it follows the principle of least privilege, giving users only the access they truly need. Credentials should be rotated regularly, tokens kept short-lived, and permissions strictly enforced.
4. Check Monitoring & Threat Detection: Look for apps that offer proper logging, alerting, and monitoring. Ask the vendor how they detect vulnerabilities and respond to threats. Once integrated, consider maintaining your own logs to keep a close eye on activity and spot potential issues early.
5. Verify Versioning & Deprecation Policies: Make sure the API provider maintains clear versioning, guarantees backward compatibility, and communicates when features are being retired.
6. Rate Limits & Quotas: Prevent abuse or system overload by confirming the provider supports safe throttling and request limits.
7. Right to Audit & Contracts: Protect yourself with contractual terms that allow you to audit security practices, request documentation, and enforce remediation timelines when needed.
8. Data Location & Jurisdiction: Know where your data is stored and processed, and ensure it complies with local regulations.
9. Failover & Resilience: Ask how the vendor handles downtime, redundancy, fallback mechanisms, and data recovery, because no one wants surprises when systems fail.
10. Check Dependencies & Supply Chain: Get a list of the libraries and dependencies the vendor uses, especially open-source ones. Assess them for known vulnerabilities to avoid hidden risks.

Vet Your Integrations Today 

No technology is ever completely risk-free, but the right safeguards can help you manage potential issues. Treat third-party vetting as an ongoing process rather than a one-time task. Continuous monitoring, regular reassessments, and well-defined safety controls are essential.

If you want to strengthen your vetting process and get guidance from experts with experience building secure systems, we can help. Our team has firsthand experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and business operations, and we provide practical solutions to help you protect your business and operate more safely.

Build your confidence, tighten your integrations, and ensure that every tool in your stack works for you rather than against you. Call us today and take your business to the next level.

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This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.

Have you ever been concerned about your credit card or personal data getting stolen while shopping online? You’re not alone. Each holiday season, as millions of shoppers flock online for convenience, hackers ramp up their activity. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned that scammers often create fake shopping websites or phishing emails to steal consumers’ money and personal information, especially during the holidays.

If you’re planning to shop this holiday season, now is the perfect time to boost your online security. Two simple tools, password managers and virtual cards, can make a big difference. But how exactly? This article will show you how to use them to enjoy zero-risk online holiday shopping.

Why People Prefer Password Managers and Virtual Cards for Online Shopping

Shopping online is quick, easy, and often cheaper than going to physical stores. However, it is fraught with security risks. Many people now use password managers and virtual cards for safer transactions. 

A password manager creates and keeps complicated, distinct passwords for all accounts. This minimizes the chance of unauthorized access and theft. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends using password managers to reduce password reuse and protect sensitive data from hackers.

Virtual cards also add an extra layer of protection when shopping online. Although the card numbers are linked to your real credit or debit card account, the merchant never sees your card details. This helps prevent identity theft and financial fraud.

Tips for Using Password Managers and Virtual Cards for Zero-Risk Holiday Shopping

Before you start adding items to your cart, the safety of your money comes first. Here are smart ways to use these tools to improve online security during the holidays.

Choose a Reputable Password Manager

Select a trusted provider with strong encryption and a solid reputation. Popular options include 1Password, Dashlane, LastPass, and Bitwarden. Fake versions are everywhere, so make sure you only download from the official website or app store.

Create a Strong Master Password

Your master password protects all your other passwords and should be the most secure. “Secure” means making it unusual and not something that can be guessed. You can achieve this by combining letters, numbers, and special characters. 

Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds another protection step by requiring two verification steps. Besides your password, you can choose to receive a verification code on your phone. Even if hackers steal your password, they can’t access your account without your verification code.

Generate Virtual Cards for Each Store

Set up a separate virtual card for each online retailer, many banks and payment apps offer this feature. That way, if one store is compromised, only that temporary card is affected, your main account stays safe.

Track Expiration Dates and Spending Limits

Virtual cards often expire after a set time or after one purchase. This is good for security, but make sure your card is valid before placing an order. Set spending limits as well, as this helps with holiday budgeting and prevents unauthorized charges.

Shop Only on Secure Websites

Be sure to purchase only from websites you are familiar with. Don’t shop from any link in an advertisement or email. You may end up on phishing sites that target your information. The URL of a safe site starts with “https://.”

Also, pay attention to data encryption. Look for the padlock symbol on your browser address bar. This indicates that the site has employed SSL/TLS encryption, which encrypts data as it is passed between your device and the site.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Safer Online Shopping

Even with the best security tools, simple mistakes can put your data at risk. Developing strong security awareness is key to safer online habits. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when shopping:

Reusing Passwords

One hacked password can put all your accounts at risk. Keep them safe by using a different password for every site, your password manager makes it easy.to generate and store strong, distinct passwords for each one.

Using Public Wi-Fi for Shopping

Hackers can easily monitor public Wi-Fi networks, making them unsafe not just for shopping but for any online activity. To protect your data, avoid using Wi-Fi in coffee shops, hotels, or airports for online shopping. Instead, stick to your mobile data or a secure private network.

Ignoring Security Alerts

Many people overlook alerts about unusual activity but ignoring them can be risky. If your bank, password manager, or virtual card provider alerts you to suspicious activity, act immediately. Follow their instructions to protect your data, for example, changing your password and reviewing recent transactions for any signs of fraud.

Saving Card Details in Your Browser

While browsers allow card information to be saved, it is less secure than virtual cards. If hackers access your browser, your saved cards are compromised.

Shop Smarter and Safer This Holiday Season

The holidays should be about celebration, not about worrying over hacked accounts or stolen card details. Using tools like password managers and virtual cards lets you take control of your online shopping security. These tools make password management easier, protect you from phishing scams, and add extra protection against cybercriminals. As you look for the best holiday deals, include security in your shopping checklist. Peace of mind is the best gift you can give yourself.

Need help improving your cybersecurity before the holiday rush? We can help you protect your data with smarter, easy-to-use security solutions. Stay safe, stay secure, and shop online with confidence this season. Contact us today to get started.

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This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.

During an era of digital transformation, data and security are king. That is why, as cyber threats evolve in this age of digital transformation, businesses need to be prepared. Credential theft has become one of the most damaging cyber threats facing businesses today. Whether through well-crafted phishing scams or an all-out direct attack, cybercriminals are continually honing their skills and adapting their tactics to gain access to system credentials. They seek to compromise the very fabric of the corporate digital landscape and access sensitive corporate resources.

The stakes are incredibly high. According to Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report, over 70% of breaches involve stolen credentials. The implications for businesses of every size are crippling financial loss and reputational damage. The days of relying solely on passwords to secure systems and devices are long gone. With the new age of cyber threats lingering just beyond the gates, organizations have to take advanced measures to properly secure the authentication infrastructure. Only by doing this can they hope to mitigate the risk of credential-based attacks.

Understanding Credential Theft

Credential theft is not a single act, but rather a symphony that builds from the first note and rises in intensity and intent over the course of weeks or months. It typically begins with cyber attackers gaining access to usernames and passwords using a variety of methods:

• Phishing Emails: These can trick users into revealing their credentials via fake login pages or official-looking correspondence. 
• Keylogging: This is a malware attack that records each keystroke to gain access to the login and password information.
• Credential Stuffing: This is the application of lists of leaked credentials from other data breaches to try to breach security measures.
• Man-in-the-middle (MitM) Attacks: These occur when attackers are able to intercept credentials on unsecured networks.

Traditional Authentication Limitations

Organizations have historically depended on username and password combinations to provide their primary means of authentication. This is not adequate any longer. There are several reasons why organizations need to up the ante on their authentication processes:

• Passwords are often reused across platforms.
• Users tend to choose weak, guessable passwords.
• Passwords can be easily phished or stolen.

Advanced Protection Strategies for Business Logins

To effectively combat credential theft, organizations should adopt a multi-layered approach that includes both preventive and detective controls. Below are several advanced methods for securing business logins:

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

This is one of the simplest yet most effective methods to prevent credential theft. It requires users to provide two verification points. This typically includes a password, coupled with an additional piece of information sent to a secure device or email account that needs to be entered. It could also require a biometric measure for authentication, usually a fingerprint scan. 

There are hardware-based authentication methods as well, including YubiKeys or app-based tokens like those required by Google Authenticator or Duo. These are highly resistant to phishing attempts and recommended for high-value accounts.

Passwordless Authentication

In a move to further secure systems, some of the emerging frameworks have completely abandoned the username and password authentication method entirely. Instead, they employ the following:

• Biometrics employ fingerprint or facial recognition for authentication purposes.
• Single Sign-On (SSO) is used with enterprise identity providers.
• Push notifications employ mobile apps that approve or deny login attempts.

Privileged Access Management (PAM)

High-level accounts like those held by executives or administrators are also targeted by attackers because of the level of their access to valuable corporate information. PAM solutions offer secure monitoring and the enforcement of ‘just-in-time’ access and credential vaulting. This helps minimize the attack surface by offering stricter control for those who access critical systems.

Behavioral Analytics and Anomaly Detection

Many modern authentication systems employ artificial intelligence-driven methods to detect unusual behavior surrounding authentication attempts. Some of the anomalies these methods look for include: 

• Logins from unfamiliar devices or locations
• Access attempts at unusual times
• Multiple failed login attempts

Organizations that provide continuous monitoring of login patterns can proactively prevent damage before it occurs. 

Zero Trust Architecture

This architecture adopts the simple principle of “never trust, always verify.” This basis is the opposite of most traditional methodologies. Instead of trusting users inside the network, Zero Trust authenticates and authorizes on a continuous basis. Every request made by a given user is determined by contextual signals such as device location and identity. 

The Role of Employee Training

While digital methods to secure digital landscapes are vital, they can all be undone by simple human intervention. In fact, human error is the leading cause of data breaches. To curb this trend, organizations should train personnel to be diligent in their system use. They should be aware of:

• Recognize phishing attempts
• Use password managers
• Avoid credential reuse
• Understand the importance of MFA

An informed workforce is a critical line of defense against credential theft.

Credential Theft Will Happen

Attackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to compromise system credentials. Today, credential theft is no longer a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Organizations can no longer rely on outdated defenses; stronger protection is essential. By implementing multi-factor authentication, adopting Zero Trust policies, and prioritizing proactive security strategies, businesses can stay ahead of emerging threats. Contact us today for the resources, tools, and expert guidance you need to build stronger defenses and keep your business secure.

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Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.