API (Application Programming Interface)

A set of protocols and standards allowing different software applications to communicate and exchange data. In telecommunications, APIs enable third-party developers to integrate with carrier networks but introduce security risks if not properly authenticated, rate-limited, and validated.

Categories: Protocols and Standards

API in context

Telecom security is written into standards from 3GPP, GSMA, ETSI, IETF and ITU-T. Understanding which body owns which specification, and how they interlock, is essential for both design and audit work.

To place API in the wider telecom-security picture, review 3G, 3GPP, 4G, 5GNR, 6G and ADSL — each entry cross-references back to this page so you can walk the topic in either direction.

Related terms

3G
3GPP
4G
5GNR
6G
ADSL
AES
A5/1

More from the TelcoSec Glossary

Browse the full TelcoSec Glossary, the Ultimate Guide to Mobile Network Security, or the P1 Arsenal of telecom-security tools.