Application Programming Interface Security

API security involves safeguarding application programming interfaces from attacks that seek to obtain sensitive information, disrupt services, or achieve unauthorized access. Given that APIs serve as the backend infrastructure for contemporary web and mobile applications, they often manage sensitive information and reveal essential application logic. It is vital to secure these interfaces to prevent data breaches and maintain the integrity of the applications they support.

Implement robust authentication and authorization mechanisms using security tokens and frameworks such as OAuth to regulate access. Ensure all data transmitted is encrypted with TLS to protect sensitive information from interception. Employ rate limiting and throttling techniques to mitigate denial-of-service attacks and safeguard system resources from misuse.

Embrace a zero-trust approach by verifying every request, regardless of its source. Regularly conduct vulnerability scans, using standards like the OWASP Top 10, to proactively uncover weaknesses. Continuously monitor API traffic and log activities to swiftly identify and respond to threats.

APIs are often targeted by attackers due to their direct access to sensitive data and fundamental application functionalities. These vulnerabilities typically arise from insecure design and implementation practices. Common threats include exploiting authorization weaknesses and overwhelming the system with excessive requests.

Although both API security and web application security are essential for protecting digital assets, they address distinct architectural frameworks and threat models.