Security Guide

API Security Best Practices

APIs are the backbone of modern applications but also a major target. Learn how to lock down your endpoints.

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01 Authentication & Authorization

Don't confuse authentication (who you are) with authorization (what you can do). For APIs, use modern standards:

  • OAuth 2.0 / OpenID Connect: The gold standard for delegated access.
  • JWT (JSON Web Tokens): Stateless and efficient, but ensure they are signed with a strong secret and have short expiration times.
  • Avoid API Keys in URLs: Never pass keys or tokens in query parameters, as they can be logged in server logs. Use headers (e.g., `Authorization: Bearer `).

02 Rate Limiting & Throttling

APIs are prone to abuse, whether malicious (DDoS) or accidental (a loop in a client script). Implement rate limiting to protect your resources.

Token Bucket Algorithm

Allows for bursts of traffic but enforces a steady average rate.

User-Based Limits

Set limits per user ID or API key, rather than just IP address, to prevent one user from monopolizing resources.

Return 429

Use the HTTP 429 Too Many Requests status code and include a `Retry-After` header.

03 Input Validation & Sanitization

Treat all input from the API as untrusted.

Use schemas (like JSON Schema or Zod for TypeScript) to strictly define expected payloads. Reject any request that contains unexpected fields or incorrect data types.

Sanitize output as well to prevent Stored XSS if API data is rendered in a browser.

04 Encryption in Transit

APIs often transmit sensitive data (PII, tokens). HTTPS (TLS) is non-negotiable.

Enforce TLS 1.2 or 1.3 and use HSTS to prevent downgrade attacks. Disable insecure cipher suites.

05 Frequently Asked Questions

Is Basic Auth secure for APIs?

Only if used over HTTPS, but it's generally recommended to use token-based authentication (like OAuth 2.0 or JWT) for better security and flexibility.

How do I secure a GraphQL API?

GraphQL requires specific defenses like query depth limiting, complexity analysis, and disabling introspection in production to prevent resource exhaustion and schema leakage.

What is the difference between specific API keys and user tokens?

API keys identify the client application (machine), while user tokens (like JWTs) identify the specific user and their permissions.

Should I expose my API documentation publicly?

Yes, for public APIs. However, ensure that sensitive internal endpoints are not documented or accessible without proper authorization.

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