Ensuring API security has taken an equivalent place during software development these days. It is the provision and maintenance of reliable APIs that becomes a key to eradicating all those security risks that are linked with data breaches and unauthorized entry.
This follows a critical review of five of the best books on API security. A book provides the full guide and practical knowledge with regard to learning the security of the API, like mitigations of the security risks associated with the APIs and building powerful APIs.
1. “Hacking APIs: Breaking Web Application Programming Interfaces” by Corey J. Ball
Corey J. Ball’s “Hacking APIs” is a crash course on web API security testing. This book will prepare readers to penetration-test APIs and make their APIs more secure while reaping high rewards on bug bounty programs. The book encompasses various topics, such as how REST and GraphQL APIs work in the wild and how to set up an API testing lab with Burp Suite and Postman.
Readers can master tools useful for surveillance, endpoint analysis, and fuzzing, such as Kiterunner and OWASP Amass. Additionally, the book covers a range of common attacks targeting an API’s authentication mechanisms and injection vulnerabilities. Readers can practice their newfound knowledge with nine guided labs targeting intentionally vulnerable APIs.
2. “API Security in Action” by Neil Madden
Neil Madden’s “API Security in Action” offers a comprehensive guide to API security and best practices. The book covers critical topics such as threat models, authentication, and authorization for APIs. Furthermore, readers will gain practical guidance on designing secure APIs that novices can understand. The book provides an excellent foundation for developing secure APIs.
3. “Advanced API Security: OAuth 2.0 and Beyond” by Prabath Siriwardena
Prabath Siriwardena’s “Advanced API Security” thoroughly examines OAuth 2.0 and other advanced security concepts related to APIs. Readers will learn to use OAuth 2.0 to secure their APIs and design secure API architectures that can withstand even the most sophisticated attacks. Accordingly, this book is an excellent resource for professionals seeking to implement secure APIs.
To learn more about API security, check out our articles on Understanding API Security and API Security Testing.
4. “Build APIs You Won’t Hate” by Phil Sturgeon and Ashley Hockney
Phil Sturgeon and Ashley Hockney’s “Build APIs You Won’t Hate” is a practical guide to designing and developing APIs that developers will love. The book covers numerous topics, including API design principles, security, and versioning. Readers will gain practical guidance on building APIs, making them easy to use and secure. Hence, this book is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to build APIs that developers will find easy to use.
5. “Designing Web APIs: Building APIs That Developers Love” by Brenda Jin, Saurabh Sahni, and Amir Shevat
Brenda Jin, Saurabh Sahni, and Amir Shevat’s “Designing Web APIs” offers guidance on building APIs that developers will love. This book covers various topics, such as API design principles, security, and versioning. Additionally, readers will gain practical guidance on building APIs that are both easy to use and secure. This book is an excellent resource for developers seeking to develop user-friendly and secure APIs.
Also read, API Gateway Security Best Practices
Conclusion
In conclusion, the books described above offer comprehensive guidance and practical knowledge to build and maintain secure APIs that adhere to best practices.
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