Although traditional security measures, such as API gateways and Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) can add value to an organization’s security stack, they cannot keep up with today’s increasingly sophisticated API attack methods. In fact, they’re not keeping attackers from stealing sensitive data, affecting the user experience, or causing other damage. To prevent and mitigate API attacks, you need a security strategy and technology that is purpose-built for APIs.
Therefore, an API that is not properly managed and protected is like leaving the door wide open to your private data. Organisations should implement security best practices to protect all API calls and responses from interception and abuse. Below, this blog explores the simplest rules businesses should apply to their API security process for best results and a secure infrastructure.
Input Validation
When it comes to the safety of API endpoints, input validation is a must. Validate and sanitise all incoming data as though it were malicious. Common security flaws such as SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and Remote Code Execution can be avoided using input validation modules and frameworks. Refrain from assuming that the information provided by an API has been thoroughly checked and verified. Instead, businesses should set up server-side data cleaning and validation processes to reduce exposure to injection problems and cross-site request forgery attacks. Organisations should also use debugging tools to investigate the API's data flow and detect bugs and anomalies.
Maintain Consistency
It is essential to keep security models consistent when applying them to APIs to guarantee that all APIs have the necessary authentication and authorisation procedures, whether they are internal or external facing. In addition, maintaining uniform security models streamlines the verification that all security rules have been correctly implemented across all APIs. When many models are used, unified API security management becomes more difficult. By adopting a unified strategy, changes to security measures can be implemented in a single area rather than individual implementation of an API. When new APIs are added to an ecosystem, consistency allows for more efficient policy enforcement, lowers the risk of incorrect setups, and makes it easier to keep API security up to date.
Use Encryption
All network traffic should be encrypted, especially API requests and responses, which frequently convey important credentials and data. Every application programming interface must require all traffic to be encrypted and sent over HTTPS. Instead of simply forwarding HTTP traffic to HTTPS, HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) should be used wherever possible. This is because API clients may sometimes react differently than expected. This eliminates the potential for snooping, man-in-the-middle attacks, and information manipulation. Maintain security in the face of ever-evolving threats by using robust SSL/TLS setups and updating certificates regularly.
Follow Industry Standards
Businesses should be familiar with their field's latest compliance and security regulations. Depending on the nature of your application and industry, organisations may want to implement security measures that adhere to general standards like the OWASP API Security Top Ten, international standards like ISO 27001, or even industry-specific rules like GDPR or HIPAA.
Implement Rate Limiting
Implementing rate limiting for API calls is an excellent way to protect your business from destructive automated assaults. This method ensures that requests are handled promptly and prevents users from overwhelming the system with excessive requests at once. Set restrictions according to your system's needs and be ready to adjust them as necessary as your consumption fluctuates. Implement rate limits to protect your API from abuse and DoS (Denial of Service) attacks. Establish caps on throughput according to user type, IP address, or other parameters. Limiting API requests per second helps keep things running smoothly and wards off brute-force attacks.
Conclusion
While API technology opens up a world of possibilities for web apps, a security breach can quickly negate any benefits achieved. Although it is impossible to eradicate all threats, the above principles are essential for any business that cares about its image and, more importantly, the trust and well-being of its customers. It is no longer possible to overlook API security in today's software development processes. The security of your APIs and the safety of your business from data breaches and cyber threats can be significantly improved by applying these simple rules to your API security process. Always remember that security is an ongoing procedure that must be constantly monitored and enhanced to keep up with ever-evolving online threats.
