Introduction
The Data Bridge between the UK and the US brings both opportunities and challenges, especially in API security and data classification. In our previous blog post, we discussed the importance of classifying sensitive data transmitted over APIs. Now, let’s delve into how the combined capabilities of Contxt and APImetrics can help UK companies prepare for these challenges.
The Contxt API Maturity Model and APImetrics Functionality
Our API maturity model, complemented by APImetrics’ advanced analytics, guides companies through the various stages of API development. Here’s how:
Stage 1: Planning and Documentation
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Why It’s Important: Proper planning and documentation are crucial for classifying data and understanding its flow through your APIs.
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How Contxt and APImetrics Help: Contxt’s tools assist in generating comprehensive API documentation, while APImetrics provides analytics to understand API usage patterns, ensuring that data classification is part of the initial design.
Stage 2: Monitoring and Observation
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Why It’s Important: Real-time monitoring helps in identifying unauthorized data transfers or vulnerabilities.
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How Contxt and APImetrics Help: Contxt’s observation tools provide real-time insights into API performance and security, while APImetrics offers advanced analytics that can flag any irregularities or potential security risks.
Stage 3: Governance and Compliance
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Why It’s Important: Regulatory compliance, including data protection laws, is non-negotiable.
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How Contxt and APImetrics Help: Contxt’s governance module helps you set and enforce policies, and APImetrics ensures that your APIs are compliant with regulations like the Data Bridge through continuous monitoring and reporting.
Addressing Data Bridge-Specific Challenges
Data Classification
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Why It’s Important: The Data Bridge necessitates stringent data classification to ensure secure transatlantic data transfer.
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How Contxt and APImetrics Help: Contxt’s product suite includes features that enable robust data classification, while APImetrics provides the analytics to monitor and validate these classifications in real-time.
Human Review of Automated Decisions
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Why It’s Important: The Data Bridge lacks provisions for human review of automated decisions, making it crucial for companies to implement this at the API level.
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How Contxt and APImetrics Help: Contxt’s governance features can trigger human reviews for specific automated actions, and APImetrics analytics can flag these instances for review, adding an extra layer of scrutiny.
Why Contxt and APImetrics are Coming Together
The regulatory landscape is ever-changing, and companies need a holistic solution to navigate it successfully. The merger of Contxt and APImetrics brings together Contxt’s robust API governance capabilities with APImetrics’ advanced analytics, offering a comprehensive solution for companies to address regulatory headwinds effectively.
Conclusion
The Data Bridge presents both opportunities and challenges in API security and data governance. The combined strengths of Contxt and APImetrics are designed to help UK companies navigate these complexities, ensuring secure and compliant API operations.