LEVEL 5

Backend & API Security

Intermediate

🎯 Learning Objectives

Understand REST API security principles
Implement secure API design patterns
Apply rate limiting and throttling
Secure API authentication methods
Protect against common API vulnerabilities

🔐 API Security Principles

APIs are critical components of modern applications. Securing them is essential.

🌐 REST API Security

Authentication methods include API Keys and Bearer Tokens (JWT).

🚦 Rate Limiting

Rate limiting protects APIs from abuse and DoS attacks.

🛡️ Security Headers

Essential security headers include X-Content-Type-Options, X-Frame-Options, and HSTS.

✅ Input Validation

All API inputs must be validated to prevent injection attacks.

⚠️ Common API Vulnerabilities

OWASP API Security Top 10 identifies common vulnerabilities.

🔐 OAuth 2.0

OAuth 2.0 is the industry-standard protocol for authorization.

📝 Summary

API Security requires authentication, authorization, and input validation
Rate Limiting prevents abuse and DoS attacks
Security Headers add additional protection layers
OAuth 2.0 provides secure authorization framework
Input Validation is critical - validate all user input