how should i protect my api

[Shriraj888]

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how should i protect my api

[11lunaric11]

To protect your API, follow these key steps:

1. Authentication – Use tokens (like JWT) or OAuth to control access.
2. Authorization – Make sure users can only access resources they’re allowed to.
3. Rate limiting – Prevent abuse by limiting requests per user/IP.
4. Input validation – Sanitize all incoming data to prevent injection attacks.
5. HTTPS only – Always use HTTPS to encrypt data in transit.
6. CORS policy – Restrict which domains can access your API.
7. Use API keys or signed requests for external integrations.

The exact approach depends on your stack and use case, but these basics apply to most APIs. Let me know if you want help with a specific setup.

[DejanJandric]

You should be :

• Enforce Strong Authentication and Authorization (Use robust authentication protocols (like OAuth 2.0, JWT, or OpenID Connect) to ensure only authorized users and applications can access your API)
  -Always Use HTTPS to Encrypt Data (Secure all API traffic by using HTTPS to prevent attacks and exposure of data)
  -Apply Rate Limiting and Throttling (Restrict the number of API requests from each user or IP address to prevent abuse such as brute force or denial-of-service attacks)
  -Check and monitor logs for suspicious activities (Thoroughly log API requests, errors, authentication failures, and any suspicious activity)

Those are some of the basics, you can also take a look at WAF and API gateway.

[Ravananlogesh]

Answer :
Use Authentication – Require login (API key, JWT, or OAuth).
Use HTTPS – Always encrypt traffic (no plain HTTP).
Validate Input – validator check .
Limit Requests – Rate limiter.
Hide Errors – give toast message for confidential error.
Use CORS Carefully – Only allow trusted websites.
Log Everything – Record who calls your API and what happens.
Keep Secrets Safe – Never expose passwords or tokens.
Use an API Gateway – Tools like NGINX or Kong help add protection.

[ebndev]

Hi @Shriraj888, thanks for being a part of the GitHub Community!

You are more likely to get a useful response if you share more information about anything specific you're working on. Giving a few more details might help someone give you a nudge in the right direction. 😄

[nareshkoppisetti-Kk]

Hey @Shriraj888,

It really depends on what kind of API you’re running, but the general best practices are:

Use strong authentication — OAuth 2.0 or OpenID Connect with short-lived tokens (JWTs).

Enforce authorization — make sure roles and scopes are clearly defined.

Always serve over HTTPS — no exceptions.

Rate-limit and throttle requests to stop brute-force or spam.

Validate and sanitize input to avoid injection attacks.

Monitor and log all access attempts.

If your API sits behind multiple apps or identity providers, adding a gateway that unifies SSO and token validation can really simplify things. Tools like SSOGEN handle centralized SSO and token management across different systems — makes life a lot easier when you’re scaling.