API Design: Are You Secure?

By /

Listen to this Post

Featured Image
APIs are the backbone of modern connectivity, but security is often overlooked. Here’s how to secure your APIs effectively.

You Should Know:

1. Secure Endpoints & HTTPS

  • Ensure endpoints are not publicly exposed unless necessary.
  • Enforce HTTPS to encrypt data in transit.

Linux Command to Check Open Ports:

sudo netstat -tuln | grep LISTEN

Windows Command to Test HTTPS:

Test-NetConnection -Port 443 -ComputerName your-api-domain.com

2. Multiple API Keys & Rotation

  • Use different keys for dev, staging, and production.
  • Rotate keys periodically.

Bash Script for Key Rotation:

!/bin/bash 
NEW_KEY=$(openssl rand -hex 32) 
echo "New API Key: $NEW_KEY" 
 Update in your config/secrets manager

3. HTTP Methods & Restrictions

  • Allow only necessary methods (GET, POST, etc.).
  • Block unsafe methods (PUT, DELETE) where not needed.

Nginx Configuration to Restrict Methods:

location /api { 
if ($request_method !~ ^(GET|POST)$ ) { 
return 405; 
} 
}

4. Request Signing & Timestamping

  • Generate HMAC signatures for requests.
  • Include timestamps to prevent replay attacks.

Python Code for Request Signing:

import hmac 
import hashlib 
import time

secret_key = b'your-secret-key' 
timestamp = str(int(time.time())) 
message = f"GET/api/data?timestamp={timestamp}".encode() 
signature = hmac.new(secret_key, message, hashlib.sha256).hexdigest()

5. Input Sanitization & Rate Limiting

  • Sanitize all inputs to prevent SQLi/XSS.
  • Implement rate limiting to block DDoS attempts.

Using `fail2ban` for Rate Limiting:

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 request signing, every layer matters. Automation (scripts, fail2ban, HTTPS enforcement) reduces human error. Always validate inputs and log suspicious activity.

Expected Output:

A hardened API with:

✔ Encrypted traffic (HTTPS)

✔ Restricted HTTP methods

✔ Key rotation & request signing

✔ Input sanitization & rate limiting

Prediction:

API attacks will grow as AI automates exploit discovery. Zero-trust and automated key rotation will become standard.

Relevant URLs:

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Ashsau Api – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

Join Our Cyber World:

💬 Whatsapp | 💬 Telegram

Related Posts: