This paper summarizes NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, a foundational security and privacy framework for federal information systems that emphasizes a risk-based approach to protecting sensitive data, including APIs. It highlights the need to identify, assess, and continuously monitor risks while prioritizing controls based on impact. Key focus areas include system and information integrity through input validation and data sanitization to prevent API-based attacks, strong access controls grounded in least privilege and zero trust principles, and robust authentication and authorization. Although designed for federal agencies, the guidance is broadly applicable, positioning API security, monitoring, and governance as critical controls for safeguarding critical information and infrastructure.

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