--- title: "API Security In an Agile World: What You Need to Know | Dreamfactory" description: Here are some tips to help you determine how safe they are and some API security tips to protect your company’s sensitive data. image: https://blog.dreamfactory.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/56.jpg --- [![DreamFactory logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/68d51994d3678214b54acb60_dreamfactory-navbar-logo.svg)](https://www.dreamfactory.com/) Products & Services [AI Data Gateway](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/overview) [Overview Why DreamFactory exists](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/overview) [Data Gov, Comp, Security Policy enforcement at the API layer](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-data-governance) [Standard API Layer One contract for every backend](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/standard-api-layer) [API Gateway Functionality Routing, auth, rate limits, observability](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/api-gateway-functionality) [Deployment & Integration Self-hosted, cloud, hybrid](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/on-premise-deployment-and-integration) [Developer Productivity Auto-generated, never hand-coded](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-development-accelerated) [AI App Architectures Patterns for RAG, agents, MCP](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/enterprise-ai-architectures) AI Data Models [AIOpenAI](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/openai) [GGoogle Gemini](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/google-gemini) [CAnthropic Claude](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/anthropic-claude-landing) [LMeta Llama](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/meta-llama) [MMistral AI](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/mistral) [CoCohere](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/cohere) Services and support [Quickstart Service Packages Expert-led Quickstarts to production](https://www.dreamfactory.com/services-and-support/quickstart-services-packages) API Management [Generate & Manage REST APIs From any database, in seconds](https://www.dreamfactory.com/api-management/generate-rest-apis) [Features Security, scripting, self-hosted & more](https://www.dreamfactory.com/api-management/features) [API Generation The complete guide to auto-generated APIs](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/a-complete-guide-to-api-generation) [API Management Concepts, tools, and best practises](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/what-is-api-management-a-brief-overview-of-api-management-concepts-and-tools?_gl=1*jl0njh*_gcl_au*MjQzMjgwMTc3LjE3ODIzMjI3MzY) Use Cases AI Use Cases [AI Data Access Secure, governed reads for your LLMs](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/ai-data-access) [MCP Server Drop-in Model Context Protocol](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/mcp-server) [Legacy Modernization Wrap mainframes with REST](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/legacy-modernization) [Data Governance Audit every call, enforce every policy](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/data-governance) [Customer Case Studies](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies) [Energy Modernization](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/energy-snowflake-modernization) [Government Modernization](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/government-mainframe-oracle-modernization) [Government Business Intelligence](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/government-sql-server-bi-analyst-queries) [Manufacturing Modernization](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/steel-manufacturing-sap-erp-modernization) [Financial Services Investor Portal](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/financial-services-sql-server-investor-portal) [Non-Profit Partner Data Sharing](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/non-profit-sql-server-partner-data-sharing) [Professional Services Exec Dashboards](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/professional-services-erp-dashboards) [Education HR and External Data Sharing](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/education-student-hr-sql-server-mysql-external-data-sharing) Industries Industries #### [Healthcare HIPAA-grade APIs across EHR, claims, and labs.](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/healthcare) #### [Financial Services Portfolios, partners, and portals on one layer.](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/financial-services) #### [Government Modernize mainframes without re-platforming.](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/government) #### [Manufacturing SAP, MES, and shop-floor data, governed.](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/manufacturing) #### [Spotlight How enterprises run on DreamFactory From healthcare to energy to finance — governance baked into every endpoint. Browse case studies →](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies) Connectors SQL Database [SQL SQL Server](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/sql-server) [OR Oracle](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/oracle) [PG PostgreSQL](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/postgresql) [My MySQL](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/mysql) NoSQL & Docs [Dy DynamoDB](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/dynamodb) [Do DocumentDB](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/azure-documentdb) [Mo MongoDB](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/mongodb) [Cb CouchDB](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/couch-db) Cloud Warehouses [S3 S3](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/amazon-s3) [Ab Azureblob](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/azure-blob) [FS FTP/SFTP](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/ftp-sftp) [LS Local Storage](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/local-storage) C & SaaS [Sf Salesforce](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/salesforce) [API REST / SOAP](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/soap-to-rest) [See all 30+ connectors](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors) [Blog](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/) [FREE 30 Minute Demo](https://www.dreamfactory.com/demo) [![DreamFactory logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/68d51994d3678214b54acb60_dreamfactory-navbar-logo.svg)](https://www.dreamfactory.com/) ![hamburger](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/dreamfactory/images/megamenu/menu-hamburger.svg) ![close](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/dreamfactory/images/megamenu/close-menu.svg) Back to main menu Products & Services Use Cases Industries Connectors [Blog](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/) [FREE 30 Minute Demo](https://www.dreamfactory.com/demo) [AI Data Gateway](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/overview) [Overview Why DreamFactory exists](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/overview) [Data Gov, Comp, Security Policy enforcement at the API layer](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-data-governance) [Standard API Layer One contract for every backend](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/standard-api-layer) [API Gateway Functionality Routing, auth, rate limits, observability](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/api-gateway-functionality) [Deployment & Integration Self-hosted, cloud, hybrid](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/on-premise-deployment-and-integration) [Developer Productivity Auto-generated, never hand-coded](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-development-accelerated) [AI App Architectures Patterns for RAG, agents, MCP](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/enterprise-ai-architectures) AI Data Models [AIOpenAI](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/openai) [GGoogle Gemini](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/google-gemini) [CAnthropic Claude](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/anthropic-claude-landing) [LMeta Llama](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/meta-llama) [MMistral AI](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/mistral) [CoCohere](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/cohere) Services and support [Quickstart Service Packages Expert-led Quickstarts to production](https://www.dreamfactory.com/services-and-support/quickstart-services-packages) AI Data Models [Generate & Manage REST APIs From any database, in seconds](https://www.dreamfactory.com/api-management/generate-rest-apis) [Features Security, scripting, self-hosted & more](https://www.dreamfactory.com/api-management/features) [API Generation The complete guide to auto-generated APIs](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/a-complete-guide-to-api-generation) [API Management Concepts, tools, and best practises](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/what-is-api-management-a-brief-overview-of-api-management-concepts-and-tools?_gl=1*jl0njh*_gcl_au*MjQzMjgwMTc3LjE3ODIzMjI3MzY) AI Use Cases [AI Data Access Secure, governed reads for your LLMs](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/ai-data-access) [MCP Server Drop-in Model Context Protocol](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/mcp-server) [Legacy Modernization Wrap mainframes with REST](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/legacy-modernization) [Data Governance Audit every call, enforce every policy](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/data-governance) [Customer Case Studies](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies) [Energy Modernization](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/energy-snowflake-modernization) [Government Modernization](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/government-mainframe-oracle-modernization) [Government Business Intelligence](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/government-sql-server-bi-analyst-queries) [Manufacturing Modernization](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/steel-manufacturing-sap-erp-modernization) [Financial Services Investor Portal](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/financial-services-sql-server-investor-portal) [Non-Profit Partner Data Sharing](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/non-profit-sql-server-partner-data-sharing) [Professional Services Exec Dashboards](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/professional-services-erp-dashboards) [Education HR and External Data Sharing](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/education-student-hr-sql-server-mysql-external-data-sharing) Industries #### [Healthcare HIPAA-grade APIs across EHR, claims, and labs.](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/healthcare) #### [Financial Services Portfolios, partners, and portals on one layer.](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/financial-services) #### [Government Modernize mainframes without re-platforming.](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/government) #### [Manufacturing SAP, MES, and shop-floor data, governed.](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/manufacturing) SQL Database [SQL SQL Server](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/sql-server) [OR Oracle](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/oracle) [PG PostgreSQL](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/postgresql) [My MySQL](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/mysql) NoSQL & Docs [Dy DynamoDB](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/dynamodb) [Do DocumentDB](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/azure-documentdb) [Mo MongoDB](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/mongodb) [Cb CouchDB](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/couch-db) Cloud Warehouses [S3 S3](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/amazon-s3) [Ab Azureblob](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/azure-blob) [FS FTP/SFTP](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/ftp-sftp) [LS Local Storage](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/local-storage) C & SaaS [Sf Salesforce](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/salesforce) [API REST / SOAP](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors/soap-to-rest) [See all 30+ connectors](https://www.dreamfactory.com/connectors) [![back arrow](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/dreamfactory/images/orange-arrow.svg) Blog](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/) # API Security In an Agile World: What You Need to Know | Dreamfactory by Spencer Nguyen ![calendar icon](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/dreamfactory/images/calendar-icon.svg) January 14, 2026 Table of contents RECOMMENDED ARTICLES - [A Complete Guide to API Generation](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/a-complete-guide-to-api-generation) - [10 Best API Management Tools](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/what-is-api-management-a-brief-overview-of-api-management-concepts-and-tools) - [Creating a Microsoft SQL Server API in Less Than 5 minutes with DreamFactory](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/creating-a-microsoft-sql-server-api-in-less-than-5-minutes-with-dreamfactory) - [Hasura vs. DreamFactory: A Comprehensive Comparison](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/hasura-vs-dreamfactory) - [Build A Snowflake REST API in Less Than 5 Minutes](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/generate-a-snowflake-rest-api-in-less-than-5-minutes) The rise of web services creates many challenges that companies must address to avoid data breaches. Companies are embracing the power of APIs to extend their business capabilities. However, they began adopting them so quickly, security didn’t get as much attention as it deserved. Many organizations are now taking a strong look at API security to avoid being the next victim of a data breach. Here’s our take on security and what you can do to address it in your company. ## What is API Security?  Application programming interface (API) is an acronym for an application programming interface. APIs serve as connectors between different applications. They enable applications to exchange data and communicate with one another. API security refers to security best practices applied to APIs. As described in the [OWASP API Security Top 10,](https://owasp.org/www-project-api-security/) API security includes access control and privacy, as well as the detection and remediation of attacks. ## Why API Security Is Important Hackers will take advantage of any vulnerability to gain access to your systems. Why? Because they provide direct access to your backend and data. Securing APIs is a strategic priority due to the proliferation of APIs and their allure to cybercriminals. To avoid becoming the next victim, you must shift from an exclusive API management mindset that focuses primarily on authentication, authorization, and rate-limiting to an security posture that covers all API operations and infrastructures. Use DreamFactory’s robust API management platform to generate a secure API in minutes. Sign up for our free [14 day hosted trial](https://genie.dreamfactory.com/register?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=How%20Digital%20Transformation%20is%20Changing%20the%20Insurance%20Industry;utm_campaign=blog) to learn how. ## [![API](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/44870387/interactive-178934315268.png)](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLI8CKoEbkCchXF%2FLcY6vXzBMmTuJDCIcSD1vgH6MqzHuYBBOtFPO%2FSZImjNyLk%2FcONnP8xKhN1%2FBHNJh4P4cKf2M%2FqMG49DtPPDBhvu72bmUerfho37pYVIEz92W%2FOd0qqYDpK7MdBGozgemV6yZ0lTIDZ%2BPvHWTccIw77Rmp6FrXx6lw%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=178934315268&portalId=44870387) ## How API Security Is Different From Traditional Application Security There are significant differences between securing APIs and traditional applications security. Previously, the task was simple: defend a single large application. That has changed. Now, API developers hundreds of small web applications that need protection. Each microservice is its own environment that you must safeguard. Also, when securing APIs, you need to keep up with multiple API endpoints. ## Common API Security Risks Cybersecurity threats evolve regularly. Companies need to keep up with the latest threats to secure their APIs effectively. Following trusted sources like [OWASP's](https://owasp.org/www-project-api-security/) top 10 API vulnerability list certainly helps provide information on the latest threats.  ## Best Practices For API Security Securing APIs is challenging given the number of threats that plague companies. Not only that, as each attack grows more sophisticated, companies will need to find ways to keep up to date to ensure their systems remain secure. API security is less concerned with API requests you make to other parties. The focus is on securing the APIs you control. Specifically those you expose directly or indirectly. It's also worth noting that securing APIs is a practice that cuts across multiple teams and systems. Securing APIs includes network security concepts like rate limiting and throttling, as well as data security, identity-based security, and monitoring/analytics concepts. *DreamFactory’s API management platform generates secure APIs that conform to OWASP standards. Sign up for our free *[*14 day hosted trial*](https://genie.dreamfactory.com/register?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=How%20Digital%20Transformation%20is%20Changing%20the%20Insurance%20Industry;utm_campaign=blog)* to learn how.* ### Leverage OAuth Access control for authentication and permission is one of the most crucial parts of Securing APIs. [OAuth](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/how-to-secure-rest-apis-api-keys-vs-oauth/), a token-based authorization mechanism that allows third-party services to access information without revealing user credentials. ### Use Encryption All data, particularly personally identifying data, should be encrypted using a technique like Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS). Developers should additionally require signatures to verify that data is decrypted and modified only by authorized users. ### Use Rate Limiting And Throttling APIs are a common target for Denial of Service (DDoS) and SQL injection attacks and brute force attacks. Set rate limits on how often your API can be called. Rate limiting is one of the many security configurations you can use to prevent common issues these types of issues and other performance and security problems.  ### [![DreamFactory_blog_CTA_163x200@2x-May-07-2024-08-15-34-3229-AM](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/44870387/interactive-167690643360.png)](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJRUdbd%2B7d3KaxNIdUzmgPvQ5039s7lJjfNxy6BJkkbReZZDiLVU5mGiimJ6R5t9liP29%2BmXHX06UTMWb3xaT2GVkWWvNEuN0mwkOROqqwWwD2r7tB5%2FGXIuB5wt4PvpkKPEtPaJT7QNsz71ZQtNpi2l7v00yhOLTWT%2FKpXSE1k6%2Fa5kQ%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=167690643360&portalId=44870387) ### Use an API Gateway [API gateways](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/building-microservices-applications-with-an-api-gateway-advantages-and-strategies/) are the central source of API call traffic enforcement. They analyze traffic, authenticate traffic and control API usage. ### Develop a Security Strategy A web API security strategy is vital to identifying risks in your API ecosystem. Threat models are best used as a preventative measure. However, they should also be considered a [continuous cycle](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/5-essential-considerations-prior-to-building-an-api/) for assessing, mitigating, and preventing web application security vulnerabilities.  ### Validate Input Parameters Validating parameters helps ensure that incoming data is safe. Validate all incoming data against a strict schema that specifies permissible inputs. ## Getting Started with DreamFactory These are just a few of the API security best practices. Utilizing APIs for your digital transformation efforts is key to helping you gain a competitive edge. Following these suggestions helps keep your data secure. *Use DreamFactory’s robust API management platform to generate a secure API in minutes. Sign up for our free *[*14 day hosted trial*](https://genie.dreamfactory.com/register?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=How%20Digital%20Transformation%20is%20Changing%20the%20Insurance%20Industry;utm_campaign=blog)* to learn how.* Read More: [5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs APIs](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/5-reasons-why-your-business-needs-apis/) TAGS: [API Security](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/tag/api-security) ![Spencer Nguyen](https://blog.dreamfactory.com/hs-fs/hubfs/d0352ad8ab4e13aed9bf6eb0839b43c5.png?width=100&height=100&name=d0352ad8ab4e13aed9bf6eb0839b43c5.png) Spencer Nguyen As a seasoned content moderator with a keen eye for detail and a passion for upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity in all of their work, Spencer Nguyen brings a professional yet empathetic approach to every task. Stay Connected with The Connector Newsletter! Subscribe to stay up-to-date with DreamFactory's latest product updates, API best practices, and tech humor in your inbox. 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