API-Security-Checklist
A comprehensive checklist for securing your APIs, covering design, authentication, authorization, and operational best practices.
Overview
The API Security Checklist is a valuable open-source project hosted on GitHub, designed to guide developers and security professionals through the critical aspects of securing Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). It breaks down API security into manageable categories, offering a comprehensive list of items to consider from the initial design phase through to deployment and ongoing operations. This includes crucial areas like authentication mechanisms, authorization policies, input validation, error handling, and secure configuration. By providing a structured and detailed set of recommendations, the checklist aims to minimize the attack surface of APIs and protect against common threats such as injection flaws, broken authentication, excessive data exposure, and security misconfigurations. It serves as a practical reference for ensuring that APIs are built with security as a core component, rather than an afterthought, making it an essential resource for anyone involved in the API lifecycle.
Pricing
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Provides a clear, actionable list of security considerations
- Helps prevent common API vulnerabilities
- Free and open-source, accessible to everyone
- Community contributions ensure a broad range of perspectives and updates
- Useful for both new API development and auditing existing ones
- Covers multiple facets of API security, not just code
Cons
- Requires manual implementation and verification; not an automated tool
- Relies on user's understanding to interpret and apply guidelines correctly
- May not cover highly specialized or niche security concerns
- No built-in reporting or compliance features
- Can become outdated if not regularly maintained by contributors
- Lacks interactive features or direct integration with development workflows
Use Cases
Reviews & Ratings
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Best For
- Designing new APIs with security in mind
- Auditing existing APIs for potential vulnerabilities
- Training developers on API security best practices
- Creating internal security guidelines for API development teams
- Reviewing third-party API integrations for security posture
- As a reference during security assessments and penetration testing
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