API Security Fundamentals

API Security Fundamentals

API security differs from traditional web application security in several key ways. APIs typically handle structured data formats like JSON or XML, serve diverse clients including mobile apps and other services, and often process higher volumes of automated requests. These characteristics require specific security measures tailored to API architectures. Understanding these differences is crucial for implementing effective API security controls.

The attack surface of APIs includes authentication endpoints, data manipulation operations, file uploads, and integration points with other services. Each endpoint represents a potential vulnerability if not properly secured. APIs must implement defense-in-depth strategies, combining authentication, authorization, input validation, rate limiting, and monitoring to protect against various attack vectors. Security must be built into the API design from the beginning, not added as an afterthought.