api-security

REST API authentication and authorization are enforced through identity verification and access control mechanisms. Implement JWT-based authorization or API key authentication by generating OpenAPI security definitions, configuring token validation middleware, and defining role-based access policies for endpoints to prevent unauthorized access.

Rate limiting controls request frequency to protect APIs from brute-force and abuse attacks. Apply rate limiter middleware that tracks requests per IP or user, enforces configurable thresholds, and implements backoff strategies to block excessive traffic while allowing legitimate users to access your endpoints.

Input validation sanitizes all API requests to block injection attacks. Use schema-based validation, content-type checking, and size limits to enforce strict rules on incoming data. Generate validators in Python or other languages that reject malformed or suspicious payloads before processing.

Both REST and GraphQL APIs require authentication, authorization, input validation, and rate limiting to prevent unauthorized access and data exposure. The core security controls—JWT tokens, API keys, schema validation, and request throttling—apply across both protocols and microservice architectures.

Microservice architectures require API gateway security, server-to-server authentication, input validation, rate limiting, IP allowlists, bot detection, and robust logging. Configure OpenAPI security definitions, enforce short-lived JWT tokens with refresh rotation, and monitor all inter-service and external API traffic for threats.

Cryptographic key handling and hashed API key storage are critical for API security. Store API keys using secure hashing, rotate short-lived tokens regularly, implement refresh token flows, and use PKCE-enabled OAuth for OAuth flows to prevent key exposure and unauthorized token reuse.