In an era of sophisticated automated attacks, securing your API is paramount. A single vulnerable endpoint can compromise your entire system.
Authentication vs Authorization
Authentication confirms who the user is (JWT, OAuth), but Authorization confirms what they are allowed to do. Never rely on the client to enforce permissions.
Rate Limiting and Throttling
Protect your resources from brute force attacks and DDoS by implementing strict rate limiting on every sensitive endpoint. Use Upstash or Redis for edge-compatible rate limiting.
- Use HTTPS everywhere without exception.
- Sanitize all inputs to prevent SQL injection and XSS.
- Implement a strict Content Security Policy (CSP).
Key Insight
Security is not a 'finish and forget' feature—it's an ongoing process of reducing your attack surface.