APIs Are Doors Without Guards

APIs Are Doors Without Guards

An API is a direct connection between systems. No user interface. No buttons. Just requests and responses.

That makes APIs a target. An attacker can:

• Send thousands of requests per second
• Try to access data that isn't theirs
• Use the API in ways you didn't intend
• Steal the keys that authenticate requests

Three Main Risks

Broken Access Control: Attacker requests data belonging to someone else.

No Rate Limits: Attacker floods your API, crashing it or running up costs.

Exposed Secrets: API keys leaked in code, logs, or error messages.

Your Job

Secure APIs by:

1. Protecting secrets (keys, tokens, credentials)
2. Verifying who is making requests
3. Limiting how many requests they can make
4. Not revealing sensitive info in errors or responses