APIs are the backbone of modern software. They power mobile apps, connect microservices, expose data to partners, and drive entire business ecosystems. And yet, APIs are also one of the most commonly exploited attack surfaces in the wild.
Whether you're a startup shipping your first REST API or a platform team managing hundreds of internal services, the fundamentals of API security don't change. What does change is how thoroughly they're applied.
Here's a breakdown of 12 best practices that should be non-negotiable on any serious API project.
1. Use Modern OAuth/OIDC + MFA
Passwords are a liability. If your API still accepts username/password credentials directly, that's a problem worth solving today.
