API Security Tips

Overview

This page contains most valid recomendations for the API development

General

1. Strong Authentication. Use OAuth 2.0 or JWT for authorized access.

2. Access Control. Define granular permissions for endpoints.

3. HTTPS Encryption. Transmit data securely with HTTPS.

4. Sanitize Input. Sanitize incoming data.

5. Rate Limiting. API abuse with rate limiting.

6. Secure Error Messages. Avoid revealing sensitive info.

7. Data Encryption. Encrypt sensitive data in transit and at rest.

8. Logging and Auditing. Maintain comprehensive logs.

9. Throttle Login Attempts. Prevent brute-force attacks.

10. API Versioning. Gracefully handle changes and backward compatibility.

11. Security Headers. Use CSP and X-XSS-Protection.

12. CORS Configuration. Restrict cross-origin requests.

13. Token Expiration. Set short-lived access tokens.

14. Secure Data Validation. Validate input and output data.

15. Safe API Documentation. Avoid revealing sensitive information.

16. Security Testing. Regularly assess for vulnerabilities.

17. Disable Default Errors. Prevent revealing internal details (verbose error messages).

18. Secure Session Management. Invalidate sessions securely.

19. Use CSRF Tokens. Prevent unauthorized requests.

20. Regular Updates. Keep API up-to-date with patches.