APIs are one of the most effective ways to encourage digital innovation and transformation. As video conferencing tools have grown in popularity, video chat API have become an important component in communication platforms. As the use of video calling API grows, a critical question that arises is how to keep their users secure. What are some best practices for protecting any relevant information?
With video-capturing devices becoming an integrated part of our daily life. More apps are powered by video and image APIs. Video chat APIs and SDKs used as an effective means to power solutions everywhere, from social media to healthcare, e-commerce and security.
Video Chat API and SDK Facts
To be clear, video APIs like those on Facebook and YouTube have not hacked themselves. The hackers are simply using them to display video content on their websites, in their tweets. And in the body of the text they send out. This is all trick you into clicking on a link that then leads you to a web page. where you are asked to provide your password or other personal information.
The lesson here is that you should never click on a link in a tweet or text message. that asks you to click to see any sort of video, especially if you don’t recognize the name of the company. They may be legitimate companies, but that does not guarantee that they’re using video APIs appropriately.
Most Common Video Chat API threats
It is essential to be aware that APIs from any device and in any state. This is a proper development process especially when APIs are created to be used on mobile devices. Most common Video APIs threats listed:
Encoding procedures
- Workflows for authorization and authentication
- Devices with security flaws such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops
- Access to sensitive data such as passwords, OTP in logs, and API responses.
- Incorrect use of API
- No API behavior data analysis
Encryption
Encryption has always been an essential feature that you need to consider when securing your video API. The HTTP connection is where encryption security begins, and REST is the most common type of API. It helps protect your security from interception so that you can feel confident that your conversation will remain confidential.
You must ensure that REST APIs are secure. Expose HTTPS endpoints, ensuring that all API communication is SSL/TLS encrypted. Encryption ensures the privacy of data by protecting it from unauthorized access. And ensuring that your conversations are always private and secure.
WebRTC
WebRTC Protocol is a technology that allows for a real-time communication protocol between browsers. which makes it an important tool in secure video call APIs and SDKs. It prevents third parties from intercepting and viewing your videos without authorization. Video streams compressed before transmission to reduce bandwidth usage and improve playback performance on mobile devices.
WebRTC IS a Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) that is used for encrypting data channels. Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) is used to encrypt media channels (SRTP). It also supports real-time streaming, which makes it possible to keep the conversation going. Even if there is the latency between the participants’ devices.
Authentication
If you’re going to use video chat API functionality in your own website or application. it is used only for viewing video content; and use proper authentication mechanisms. to make that the viewer is only allowed to view content from trusted sources. As you are aware, one of the first lines of defense is authentication and authorization. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, refer to two distinct protection processes:
- Authentication is verifying that users are who they say they are.
- Authorization is granting a user access to a specific function or resource (app, file, and data). This set of rights to a bare minimum.
And please remember that it’s just as bad for people to click on your links. As it is for you to include links on your site that lead people somewhere else.
Video Chat API Additional Security Best Practices
- Use platforms developed by professionals. Use popular programming languages, since they are easier to secure video call API/video call SDK against attacks. You can opt for AES encryption.
- Use the latest tools and technologies: Use tools that will secure the application. such as firewalls, virus protection, and so on. Client SDK/API are useful for iOS, Android, JavaScript, and Linux. because they keep track of browser and platform updates and find security flaws.
- Use video streaming services that conform to standards; this way you can ensure your security. Keep up with all changes, including new trends and industry innovations.
- WebRTC, the most robust and widely used real-time best communication protocol. It is appropriate for industry consensus and a developer community that responds quickly to security threats.
Conclusion
Using video API on mobile devices is possible and very feasible, thanks to their numerous benefits. To maximize their usage and make sure they are secure as well as easy to use. consider following the tips we have just outlined above. By doing so, your application will be secure video calling while still providing all the benefits.
