WC1 builds custom software, so we know that security has to fit how developers work or it will be bypassed. Application security and API security services embed threat modelling, automated testing, and runtime protection into your software delivery lifecycle, so vulnerabilities are caught early and critical applications are protected in production. We work with in-house teams, vendors, and our own delivery squads in Singapore and the Philippines.
The problem: why application and API security matters
Web applications and APIs are prime targets. Broken access control, injection flaws, exposed APIs, and vulnerable open-source components are among the most common causes of breaches. Security testing performed only before go-live finds issues late, when they are expensive to fix.
Security tools added to pipelines without tuning produce floods of findings that developers ignore. APIs multiply faster than they are documented, creating shadow and zombie endpoints.
Who this service is for
Product and engineering teams, CTOs, and security teams at software companies, banks, fintechs, e-commerce firms, and government digital services, as well as organisations that outsource development and need assurance over vendor code.
What WC1 delivers
Every engagement is scoped to your environment and risk. These are the building blocks we combine for application and API security:
- Secure SDLC design: Security requirements, coding standards, and review gates aligned to OWASP SAMM and your delivery model.
- Threat modelling: Practical threat modelling sessions for new features and architectures, producing concrete security requirements.
- Pipeline security testing: SAST, software composition analysis, secrets scanning, container scanning, and DAST integrated into CI/CD with tuned rules.
- API security: API discovery, inventory, schema validation, authentication and authorisation review, and runtime protection.
- WAF and bot protection: Web application firewall and bot management configuration and tuning for critical applications.
- Developer enablement: Training and secure coding guidance focused on the vulnerabilities your teams actually introduce.
How the engagement runs
1. Assess
Review your SDLC, pipelines, application portfolio, and past findings.
2. Prioritise
Select critical applications and the controls with the best return, often SCA, secrets scanning, and access control reviews.
3. Integrate
Add and tune security tools in pipelines, with clear policies on what blocks a build.
4. Protect
Deploy API security and WAF protections for production applications.
5. Enable
Train developers, set up security champions, and track metrics such as time to fix.
Commercial shape follows the work: a fixed-scope assessment or implementation when the problem is well bounded, or a retainer when you need ongoing operation, tuning, and reporting. Coverage hours, response times, and responsibilities are written into the statement of work so there are no surprises.
Deliverables you can expect
- Secure SDLC policy and standards
- Threat models for priority applications
- Tuned pipeline security tooling and policies
- API inventory and security review
- WAF and bot protection configuration
- Developer training and security champion programme
Platforms and tools we integrate
We integrate GitHub Advanced Security, GitLab security scanning, Snyk, Checkmarx, Veracode, SonarQube, Semgrep, and OWASP ZAP, plus runtime protection with Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud and Cortex Cloud application security, Fortinet FortiWeb, Microsoft Defender for Cloud DevOps security, Cloudflare, Akamai, and AWS WAF.
WC1 is vendor-neutral: we integrate the platforms you already own before recommending anything new. Naming a product here describes technology we work with; it does not imply a partnership, reseller agreement, or vendor certification.
Singapore: regulatory and market relevance
The MAS TRM Guidelines set specific expectations for secure software development, source code review, and application security testing, including for software acquired from vendors. IM8 requires secure development and testing for government systems, and CSA’s Safe App Standard provides guidance for mobile applications. A documented secure SDLC provides evidence for these requirements.
Philippines: regulatory and market relevance
BSP Circular 1140 covers IT project management and system development, including security in development, for supervised financial institutions. Government agencies commissioning software are increasingly specifying security testing in procurement. Philippine software and outsourcing companies serving overseas clients benefit from demonstrable secure SDLC practices in customer due diligence.
How this fits the rest of your security programme
Application and API Security rarely stands alone. It works best alongside VAPT and Vulnerability Management, Cloud Security and CNAPP, AI Security, Supply Chain and Third-Party Cyber Risk. It also connects to our Custom Software, DevOps in Singapore services. See the full catalogue on our Cybersecurity services page.
Related reading: API versioning ownership between product and vendor teams.
Frequently asked questions
Will security scanning slow down our releases?
Not when tuned properly. We start with fast, high-signal checks, block builds only on agreed critical issues, and run slower tests asynchronously.
What is software composition analysis?
SCA identifies open-source components and their known vulnerabilities and licences. Since most modern applications are largely open source, it is one of the highest-value controls.
Do we need a WAF if our code is secure?
A WAF adds a protective layer for known attack patterns, zero-day vulnerabilities, and bots. It complements, but does not replace, secure code.
How do you find undocumented APIs?
Through traffic analysis, API gateway data, code scanning, and external discovery, then reconciling them with your documented inventory.
Can you assess code written by our vendors?
Yes. We review vendor secure development practices and test delivered code, and help set security requirements in contracts.
Next step
Tell us about your development pipeline and your most critical applications. We will propose a practical first set of controls. Contact WC1 for a no-obligation conversation; we will tell you honestly if we are not the right fit.