Top 9 API security testing checklist
Tags: security, securitytest, securitytesting, apisecuritytesting
Published: 2023-11-21 12:44:43

A vulnerable API could lead to parameter tampering, sanctioning fuzzy input, data leakage, unauthorized access etc. Hence, it becomes crucial to come up with a pragmatic testing method that can make the API endpoints robust and secure. For this purpose, API security testing comes into perspective and its strategic implementation ensures that all the issues and challenges pertaining to API are properly resolved. In this article, you will get to know the top 9 points that should be included in the API security testing checklist.  

**What is API security testing? **

It is a specific testing method wherein API endpoints are verified and pentested to make sure that it is free from tampered parameters, vulnerabilities, fuzzy inputs etc. When the team focuses on conducting API security testing regularly, it in turn ensures that the endpoints are safe and secure from malicious attackers.  

**Following are the top 9 API security testing checklist: **

1. API documentation: The OWASP Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS) provides in-depth documentation that can be used for building and integrating APIs by API teams. A range of activities are included in this document such as operations, security testing, design reviews and protection that are considered to be useful for all types of application designs.  
 
2. The value of front-end security: Automated discovery of parameters, API endpoints and data types is important for all organizations. An accurate API inventory checklist is created using this checklist so that IT needs can be appropriately served within the front-end application that is being secured. As part of a layered security approach, the data and functionality can be useful and hence the API client depends on back-end APIs. 

3. The significance of [API security testing](https://www.testingxperts.com/blog/api-security-testing): Certain elements of an API implementation such as vulnerabilities can be verified by using traditional security testing tools. 

4. Logging and monitoring: The telemetry that has been collected ultimately informs runtime protection, incident response and detection. Baselines can also be constructed using the logging and monitoring data. It constitutes "normal" so that any outlier events can be quickly resolved and identified. 

5. API mediation and architecture: API mediation is one of the key points that needs to be included in an API security checklist. Mediation will help you achieve improved enforcement capabilities, increased operational flexibility, accelerated delivery and improved visibility. 

6. The importance of network security: The objective of network security architecture is to restrict network access dynamically and enforce concepts of least privilege. In order for APIs to function, connectivity must be present and there are API attacks that occur in authenticated sessions and trusted channels. 

7. The importance of data security: The data security approach provides authentication, integrity and confidentiality of data. Exposures to sensitive data, which, in turn, leads to brand damage, large-scale privacy impacts and significant regulatory penalties can be reduced by the tactical use of this security checklist.           

8. The relevance of runtime protection: The deployment of runtime protection should be made sure that it should be learned continuously and should also be dynamic. This API [security testing checklist](https://www.quora.com/What-got-you-started-in-the-cyber-security-business/answer/Kathleen-1062) should be used so that protections can be enforced through which misconfigurations can be identified in API infrastructure as well as behavior anomalies such as scraping attempts, brute forcing and credential stuffing. 

9. The worth of security operations: SOC analysts must often depend on API project and application development teams because they are familiar with the logic and application architecture of APIs. The business and application logic is presented in a detailed manner, which, in turn, is crucial in incident response and digital forensics. The process and people aspects of SecOps (Security Operations) need to be emphasized more than technology.  

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing API security testing for your specific project, then get connected with a remarkable software testing services company that will provide you with a solid testing approach that is in line with your project specific requirements.