Why API Security Matters
APIs form the backbone of modern applications, but unsecured endpoints leave organizations vulnerable to data breaches, injection attacks, and unauthorized access. Implementing robust security measures is critical for protecting sensitive data and maintaining user trust.
"Secure your APIs as if they were the crown jewels of your application." - API Security Handbook
Key Security Threats
- Man-in-the-middle attacks (MITM)
- SQL injection and injection attacks
- Broken authentication and session management
- Excessive data exposure
API Security Best Practices
Authentication
-
Use OAuth 2.0 or JWT tokens for secure authentication
-
Implement strict access controls and scopes
Implementation
// Secure API Request Example
const request = await fetch('https://api.example.com/data', {
method: 'GET',
headers: {
'Authorization': 'Bearer ' + token,
'Content-Type': 'application/json',
'X-Requested-With': 'XMLHttpRequest'
}
});
Always validate tokens on the server side before processing requests