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APIs are the unseen backbone of connectivity. But here’s the catch: building them securely can feel like navigating a complex maze.
You Should Know:
1. Secure API Endpoints
Ensure endpoints are not publicly exposed unless necessary. Use firewalls and access controls.
Linux Command (UFW Firewall):
sudo ufw allow from 192.168.1.0/24 to any port 443 proto tcp
Windows Command (Firewall Rule):
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Allow API Access" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 443 -Protocol TCP -Action Allow
2. Enforce HTTPS Everywhere
Encrypt API traffic using TLS.
OpenSSL Command (Generate Self-Signed Cert):
openssl req -x509 -newkey rsa:4096 -keyout key.pem -out cert.pem -days 365 -nodes
Nginx Config (Force HTTPS):
server {
listen 80;
server_name api.example.com;
return 301 https://$host$request_uri;
}
3. API Key Rotation & Multi-Key Strategy
Use different keys for dev, staging, and production.
Bash Script (Key Rotation):
!/bin/bash NEW_KEY=$(openssl rand -hex 32) echo "New API Key: $NEW_KEY" Update in your secrets manager aws secretsmanager update-secret --secret-id api-keys --secret-string "$NEW_KEY"
4. Restrict HTTP Methods
Allow only necessary methods (GET, POST, etc.).
Node.js (Express Middleware):
app.use((req, res, next) => {
const allowedMethods = ['GET', 'POST'];
if (!allowedMethods.includes(req.method)) {
return res.status(405).send('Method Not Allowed');
}
next();
});
5. Request Signatures & Timestamp Validation
Prevent replay attacks.
Python (HMAC Signature):
import hmac
import hashlib
import time
secret_key = b'your-secret-key'
timestamp = str(int(time.time()))
message = f"{timestamp}{request_body}".encode()
signature = hmac.new(secret_key, message, hashlib.sha256).hexdigest()
6. Input Sanitization & Rate Limiting
Block malicious payloads and DDoS attempts.
Linux (Fail2Ban for API Protection):
sudo apt install fail2ban sudo nano /etc/fail2ban/jail.local
Add:
[api-ratelimit] enabled = true port = http,https filter = apache-auth maxretry = 10 findtime = 60 bantime = 3600
What Undercode Say:
API security is non-negotiable. From key rotation to strict HTTP method controls, every layer must be hardened. Use encryption, rate limiting, and input validation to shield against breaches.
Expected Output:
A secure, well-structured API with:
- HTTPS enforcement
- Key rotation automation
- Restricted HTTP methods
- Request signature validation
- Rate limiting
Prediction:
As API attacks rise, zero-trust architectures and AI-driven anomaly detection will become standard in API security.
Relevant URL:
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Algokube Api – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
