12 Essential Tips for API Security

APIs are the backbone of modern applications, enabling seamless integration and data sharing. But with great power comes great responsibility—API security is non-negotiable! 

Here are 12 essential tips to protect your APIs like a pro:

1. Use HTTPS: Ensure all communications between clients and servers are encrypted to prevent interception.
2. Use OAuth2: Implement OAuth2 for secure user authentication and resource access delegation.
3. Use WebAuthn: Adopt Web Authentication for password-less, phishing-resistant authentication.
4. Use Leveled API Keys: Assign API keys with access restrictions and implement rate-limiting.
5. Authorization: Ensure users only access resources they are authorized to view or modify.
6. API Versioning: Use proper versioning to manage updates and backward compatibility in APIs.
7. Whitelisting: Implement allowlists for IP addresses or users to enhance security.
8. Check OWASP API Security Risks: Regularly review the OWASP guidelines for API vulnerabilities.
9. Use API Gateway: Employ an API gateway to manage access, load balancing, and security.
10. Error Handling: Provide clear and helpful error messages without exposing internal stack traces.
11. Input Handling: Validate and sanitize all user inputs to prevent injection attacks.
12. Use Leveled API Keys (Rate Limiting): Apply rate limits based on IP, user, or action groups to control abuse.