Application Programming Interface (API) can enhance any website’s functionalities and data. It speeds up the software development process. Developers do not have to write redundant lines or any existing codes in the market. Like any other technological security aspect, API security is also necessary. Businesses should take it for granted.
The demand for quick development through API has become popular in the market. Many app development enterprises have begun developing custom APIs using SOAP and REST. But businesses should also consider API security and authentication. It is an essential aspect of API development.
This article is a complete walkthrough on Application Programming Interface (API) & API development. Let’s dig into the various API security and authentication best practices for businesses.
What is Application Programming Interface (API)?
Application Programming Interface is a software intermediary that increases the development speed. It enables two or more applications to communicate with each other. Many companies write APIs for a particular service or product. It helps developers to integrate these APIs without rewriting the code again.
API developers can create APIs through function calls. Any other product or web service that wishes to leverage this API must perform an API call to use it. APIs streamline the integration of new program elements into existing architecture.
It helps to collaborate between businesses or IT teams. API integration increases the development and deployment speed of any project. Hence, it boosts the business and reduces the time to market any product.
For example, you might have used any ride-sharing app like Uber. The product uses the Google Maps API to show the map. The map performs API calls for viewing the streets and ride locations within the app. Outsourcing API development services can help you secure your business and customer data.
What is API security?
API security is the technique of protecting and securing Application Programming Interface (APIs). The security postures protect APIs from unauthorized access. It also prevents data misuse, and potential vulnerabilities or threats. The advancements in digital systems lead to increased API integration in products and services.
Thus, it has become essential for businesses to secure the APIs and their communication. Security professionals implement various security aspects. These are authentication and rate limiting. Furthermore, techniques like encryption, end-point security, patch management, etc., help in API security. These security approaches can help protect the data and transactions happening through APIs.
Security and Authentication Practices for API Development
Appropriate security and authentication of APIs are essential. They help protect data and online transactions from cyber threats. To maintain proper security and authentication measures, developers can practice some approaches. These are:
1. Encryption in data communication
Securing API data in transit and at rest is the initial practice developers should check while utilizing any API. Developers should check whether the API uses an appropriate security encryption algorithm. The use of SSL/TLS for data encryption during transit is what web developers prefer.
A software development services company provides API security like encryption, end-point protection, etc.
2. Always Use an API Gateway
Another recommendation for securing your API is to place it behind a gateway. API gateways centralize all incoming and outgoing API traffic. All security stances and features get applied to every request that hits the API.
Developers can use well-known security features in API gateways. These are proper authentication checks, blocking malicious clients, and rate limiting. Implementing API gateways for centralizing security can help protect data and transactions.
3. Proper authentication is necessary
Authentication is the verification of the identity of a registered user. Users must verify themselves before accessing the protected API systems. API development utilizes API keys for preliminary authentication. Each registered API user gets a unique API key. They have to include it in the request header. That is how the system gets to know whether the API user is an authorized person or not.
There are various types of authentication. Token-based authentication is a popular one. API authentication also uses OAuth 2.0 or JSON Web Tokens (JWT). They help in the authentication process of API.
Conclusion
We hope you have gathered insights into API security and authentication techniques. Regular auditing and Web Application Firewalls (WAF) also help in API security.
Businesses can also integrate end-point security solutions while using API. It will also enhance the security of API.
