In this critical chapter on API Security, we explored the mechanisms and best practices required to protect APIs from modern threats. As APIs become the backbone of software, they also become the primary target for attackers.Key Concepts Recap#
1.
The CIA Triad: Security is about balancing Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.
2.
Authentication: Verifying identity (Who are you?).
Authorization: Verifying permissions (What can you do?).
3.
OAuth 2.0: The industry standard for authorization (Access Tokens).
OpenID Connect (OIDC): The standard for identity (ID Tokens).
4.
JWT tokens: Stateless, portable tokens used to carry identity and claims. Crucial for modern microservices but require careful handling (storage, expiration).
5.
OWASP Top 10: The most common vulnerabilities, including Broken Object Level Authorization (BOLA) and Broken Authentication.
6.
Encryption: HTTPS/TLS is non-negotiable for protecting data in transit.
Checklist for Secure APIs#
Securing an API is a continuous process, not a one-time setup. Stay vigilant!
Next Chapter: Now that we've secured it, what tools do we use to build and test it? Let's open the toolbox in API Tools: Overview. Modified atΒ 2025-12-29 04:30:23
