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Checklist For Api Security

The document provides a checklist of 12 items for API security best practices. It covers authentication, authorization, input validation, rate limiting, encryption, logging, error handling, versioning, third party integration, security testing, documentation, and compliance.

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Man Modi
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121 views

Checklist For Api Security

The document provides a checklist of 12 items for API security best practices. It covers authentication, authorization, input validation, rate limiting, encryption, logging, error handling, versioning, third party integration, security testing, documentation, and compliance.

Uploaded by

Man Modi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CHECKLIST FOR

API SECURITY

Prepared by HANIM EKEN

https://ie.linkedin.com/in/hanimeken

https://ie.linkedin.com/in/hanimeken
API Security Checklist:

Particularly with the rise of IoT, API security has become increasingly important. Crucial and
sensitive data is transferred between users, APIs, and the applications and systems they interact
with. An insecure API can be an easy target for hackers to gain access to an otherwise secure
computer or network. Attackers may seek to perform man-in-the-middle (MITM), distributed
denial-of-service (DDoS), injection, or broken access control attacks.

1. Authentication and Authorization:

Implement strong authentication mechanisms such as OAuth 2.0, JWT, or API keys.
Enforce proper authorization to restrict access to authorized users and roles.
Use token-based authentication for secure access to resources.
Regularly review and update access control policies.

2. Use of HTTPS:

Encrypt API communication using HTTPS to ensure data confidentiality and integrity.
Disable HTTP access to APIs to prevent unauthorized interception of data.
Use SSL/TLS certificates from trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs).
Implement HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) to enforce secure connections.

3. Input Validation and Data Sanitization:

Validate and sanitize all incoming data to prevent injection attacks and ensure data integrity.
Use parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks.
Employ whitelisting for input validation to allow only expected data formats and values.
Implement content validation for file uploads to prevent malicious file uploads.

4. Rate Limiting:

Implement rate limiting to prevent abuse and protect against Denial of Service (DoS)
attacks.
Set appropriate rate limits for different types of API requests based on usage patterns and
business needs.
Monitor API usage and adjust rate limits dynamically to mitigate sudden spikes in traffic.
Implement API usage quotas to prevent excessive usage by individual clients.

5. Encryption:

Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit to protect it from unauthorized access.
Use strong encryption algorithms (e.g., AES) and key management practices to safeguard
data.
Implement encryption for data stored in databases, caches, and backups.
Rotate encryption keys periodically and securely manage key storage.
https://ie.linkedin.com/in/hanimeken
6. Logging and Monitoring:

Log relevant information for auditing and incident response purposes.


Monitor API usage, traffic patterns, and security events in real-time.
Set up alerts for suspicious activities, anomalies, and security breaches.
Regularly review logs and monitor for unauthorized access attempts or abnormal behavior.

7. Error Handling:

Implement proper error handling mechanisms to provide meaningful error messages


without revealing sensitive information.
Use standardized error codes and messages to facilitate troubleshooting and debugging.
Log errors securely and handle exceptions gracefully to prevent information leakage.
Perform security testing to ensure error messages do not disclose sensitive information.

8. API Versioning:

Use versioning to manage changes to APIs and ensure backward compatibility.


Clearly define API versions in URLs or headers to avoid breaking existing client
applications.
Communicate API changes and deprecations to developers through documentation and
notifications.
Implement versioning strategies such as URI versioning, query parameter versioning, or
custom headers.

9. Third-Party Integration Security:

Review and vet third-party APIs and libraries for security vulnerabilities before integration.
Implement secure communication protocols and authentication mechanisms for third-party
integrations.
Regularly update and patch third-party dependencies to mitigate known security
vulnerabilities.
Monitor third-party API usage and access permissions to prevent unauthorized access or
data leakage.

10. Continuous Security Testing and Review:

Conduct regular security assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration testing of APIs.
Perform code reviews and security audits to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities.
Stay informed about emerging threats and security best practices in API security.
Establish a security response plan to address security incidents and breaches promptly.

https://ie.linkedin.com/in/hanimeken
11. Documentation and Training:

Provide comprehensive documentation on API usage, security best practices, and


guidelines.
Conduct security training and awareness programs for developers and API users.
Include security considerations in the development lifecycle and conduct regular security
reviews.

12. Compliance and Regulations:

Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and
industry standards (e.g., PCI DSS).
Regularly audit API security controls to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
Implement data governance policies and procedures to protect sensitive data handled by
APIs.

HANIM EKEN
https://ie.linkedin.com/in/hanimeken

https://ie.linkedin.com/in/hanimeken

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