Telecoms 42Crunch is Scaling API Security-by-design for the world’s largest Telcos
API-Driven Subscriber Services
The telecom industry was among the first industrial sectors to embrace APIs as an enabler of digital transformation initiatives. API programs enabled telecom providers to drive internal efficiencies but also to generate new sources of revenue by delivering new value-added services to their subscribers. APIs are used to expose traditional carrier services (e.g. billing, account management and payments) but also to hook into the external API ecosystems of third-party service providers (e.g. Netflix, Disney & Apple). Securing APIs isn’t just about protecting one system — it’s about safeguarding the entire telecom ecosystem, ensuring that data flows securely and reliably across every integration.
Telecoms: A High-Value Target
Telecom providers are high-value targets for cyber attacks because their databases carry detailed information on millions of customers. A successful telecom data breach could expose contact details, dates of birth, social security numbers, driver’s license information and credit card details.
Telecom operators are the second most targeted industry for cyberattacks, after the financial sector, according to the 2022 World Economic Forum report on the Global Risks Report. The telecom industry was among the most frequently targeted industries by ransomware operators during the second quarter of 2021, according to research by McAfee Enterprise.
Mobile apps are the primary touchpoint for accessing these services and providing new business opportunities. Failure to properly secure APIs leads to system breaches, unauthorized access to private data, and ultimately loss of customers.
..securing telecom infrastructure comes with a set of functional requirements to support massive scale. … cybersecurity vendor 42Crunch is shown to effectively support these scaling requirements for API security in the context of telecom usage.Dr. Edward Amoroso
Founder & CEO TAG,
Former CISO AT&T
API Security-by-Design at Carrier Scale
Operators have invested heavily over the past decade in API management platforms to empower their global teams of developers to consume and build API-based services. Yet neither these API management platforms nor traditional application security tools are designed to automate or scale to the required levels of protection for APIs in the telecoms industry.
That is why some of the world’s largest operators, such as British Telecom (BT), Verizon and others, are using the 42Crunch API Security platform to address the unique scaling needs of telecommunications providers. Our platform enables a secure-by-design approach to API security to enable operators stay ahead of security threats — ensuring that their APIs are built with security baked in rather than treated as an afterthought. This proactive strategy is essential to protect sensitive customer data, maintain regulatory compliance, and preserve service availability. Don’t undermine the advances achieved with an API-first approach by accepting a second-class approach to security.
Analyst Report
Scaling API Security for Telecoms
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are APIs critical in telecoms?
APIs are critical in telecoms because they enable digital services such as billing, account management, and third-party integrations. Telecom providers use APIs to expose core services and connect with external ecosystems, making APIs central to both operations and revenue generation.
Why is API security important for telecom companies?
API security is essential for telecom companies because APIs expose sensitive customer data and connect multiple systems. A single insecure API can compromise the entire telecom ecosystem, leading to data breaches, service disruption, and loss of customer trust.
Why are telecom APIs a major security risk?
Telecom APIs are a major security risk because they provide access to large volumes of sensitive customer data and critical services. Telecom operators are among the most targeted industries, and insecure APIs can enable unauthorized access, data leakage, and large-scale cyberattacks.
Can traditional security tools protect telecom APIs?
Traditional application security tools and API gateways are not designed to scale to telecom-level API traffic or provide continuous, automated API security. Telecom environments require purpose-built API security platforms that operate at scale.
How do APIs enable AI in telecom?
APIs enable AI in telecom by providing access to real-time data and services that AI systems use to automate operations, personalize services, and optimize networks. APIs act as the execution layer through which AI interacts with telecom infrastructure.
Why is API security critical for AI in telecom?
API security is critical for AI in telecoms because AI systems rely on APIs to access customer data and execute actions. Any vulnerability in an API can be exploited by AI-driven automation, leading to large-scale data exposure or system misuse.
How do telecom operators secure APIs used by AI agents?
Telecom operators secure APIs used by AI agents by adopting a secure-by-design approach, auditing API contracts, enforcing authentication, and continuously testing API behavior. Platforms like 42Crunch enable scalable API security across development and runtime environments.
Which telecom companies use API security platforms like 42Crunch?
Leading telecom operators such as British Telecom (BT) and Verizon use 42Crunch to address the unique challenges of securing APIs at scale and protecting complex telecom ecosystems.
Secure Your APIs Today
#1 API security platform