How Equixly Helps Financial Institutions Secure Their APIs
APIs have transformed mobile banking, wealth management, and insurance services, offering customers real-time information and intuitive, mobile-first experiences. However, this increased connectivity has expanded the security threat landscape. Financial institutions now need to embed security into every stage of API development and management.
The Importance of Security by Design
Security by design is about embedding protective measures into the entire API development lifecycle. By proactively identifying vulnerabilities early, institutions can ensure compliance with critical regulations like NIS2, GDPR, and DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act). DORA, which took effect in January 2025, emphasizes data security, operational resilience, and rapid incident response—making robust API security essential.
Unlike traditional tools like Web Application Firewalls or API gateways, which often fail to detect complex business logic flaws, security by design ensures that resilience is built into systems from the start. Measures like strict authentication controls prevent account compromises and data breaches while reducing reliance on perimeter defenses.
Early and continuous security testing strengthens defenses and ensures regulatory compliance. Financial institutions that embed these tests directly into their CI/CD pipelines gain the ability to identify vulnerabilities quickly and deploy updates more securely and frequently.
Real-World Applications of Equixly’s API Security
Example 1: Automated Testing for Continuous Protection
A major financial institution used Equixly API Security to automate testing across more than 700 APIs, receiving test results within hours. This allowed them to identify business logic flaws—a critical step in preventing fraud. Integrating Equixly’s testing into their CI/CD pipelines enabled faster vulnerability detection and more frequent, secure deployments.
Example 2: Real-Time Vulnerability Mitigation
An Italian bank integrated Equixly’s vulnerability event streams into its Security Operations Center (SOC). Detected vulnerabilities appeared on the SOC dashboard in real time, enabling immediate responses and stronger protection of sensitive financial data. This integration allowed the institution to maintain continuous vigilance and operational resilience.
DORA’s Impact on Financial Services Security
DORA represents a significant shift in how financial institutions approach digital security. It mandates robust ICT risk management systems, regular resilience testing, and strict oversight of third-party providers. Financial institutions must conduct regular penetration tests, report incidents within tight timeframes, and continuously assess vulnerabilities. These requirements align perfectly with Equixly’s automated API testing, making it essential for maintaining DORA compliance and operational resilience.
Are You Ready to Strengthen Your API Security?
Ready to protect your financial services infrastructure and meet regulatory standards? Contact us today to learn how Equixly’s proactive API testing solutions can help.
Carlo De Micheli
Director of Product Marketing
Carlo is a versatile professional with extensive international experience. His enthusiasm for innovation extends across cybersecurity, automotive, and aerospace, where he actively engages in pioneering projects. Holding a technical background in aerospace engineering and supplementing it with independent studies in programming and security, Carlo has organized and presented at international conferences and established tech startups related to the sharing economy and fashion before embracing marketing and sales.