API testing tool xAST is now folded into Traceable’s existing suite of API analysis and visibility capabilities. Credit: Loops7 / Getty Images Traceable AI today announced the general availability of xAST, an API security testing solution, as part of its API Security Platform. The new feature set, after extensive beta testing with some of the company’s larger customers, is available for immediate use, and builds on the Traceable’s existing visibility and risk analysis features.The idea is to reduce the impact of potential API vulnerabilities early in the software development process, by making it easy to actively test an API that has made it through development but before it goes into production. Traceable uses an “in-app” approach to API testing, which means it’s observing the behavior of software while it’s actually running, as opposed the “contract” model, which merely analyzes which behaviors an API should exhibit.“Distributed tracking” approach to API observabilityAccording to Omdia principal analyst Rik Turner, this approach is more computationally intensive, but could provide a better window into the security or lack thereof of a given piece of software. “In particular, Traceable argues that its ‘distributed tracking’ approach to API observability is a key differentiator,” he said. “Not only is it a form of tracing that is specially adapted to microservice architectures, but it allows Traceable to observe each request traveling through the system from its beginning to its end, and can be used to improve performance and understand what typical behavior looks like.” Another key benefit, according to Traceable, is the speed and integration of the testing process – API scanning using xAST should not change “dev-release cadences,” the company said, which should help keep the testing process from being a roadblock. The xAST system provides output in the form of a scan summary, comparing vulnerabilities to the OWASP top 10 list, seeking out data exposure, misconfigurations, authorization problems and known issues like Log4shell. It’s a fairly groundbreaking new development, according to Turner, who said that Traceable is “definitely onto something.”“They initially came to market with only the in-app approach to observability, which they continue to argue is superior, but have since backfilled with out-of-band observation at the behest of major customers,” Turner said. “Still, if they can nudge more customers in the direction of the in-app approach, I think they will enjoy considerable uptake and force other vendors to at least pay heed to what they’re doing and seek to emulate.” According to Traceable, the xAST features are currently available to any Traceable customer who’s currently using the company’s API catalog, without additional charge, although the company is considering marketing it as a stand-alone product if demand is thought to be sufficient. Related content brandpost Sponsored by Sans Institute Clock is ticking for companies to prepare for EU NIS2 Directive Many companies are still not ready for the impact of NIS2, but SANS can help them prepare. By Laura McEwan May 15, 2024 3 mins Security feature Backlogs at National Vulnerability Database prompt action from NIST and CISA A crisis at the key US service for ranking vulnerabilities has been fueled by short resources and an explosion of security flaws as the volume of software production increases. By John Mello Jr. May 15, 2024 10 mins Threat and Vulnerability Management Security Practices Vulnerabilities news FBI warns Black Basta ransomware impacted over 500 organizations worldwide CISA advisory includes indicators of compromise and TTPs that can be used for threat hunting. By Lucian Constantin May 14, 2024 6 mins Ransomware Phishing Healthcare Industry news Australian federal budget outlines investment in cybersecurity The Australian government announced its 2024-25 federal budget and CSO has selected highlights that indicate how much will go towards cybersecurity and in what areas. By Samira Sarraf May 14, 2024 5 mins Fraud Protection and Detection Software Data and Information Security PODCASTS VIDEOS RESOURCES EVENTS SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe