Roadmap for the Safest Network: API Authentication

Data is the new gold nowadays and securing it is something we all value. Data is valuable and important for online services, and yes, to cybercriminals. Keeping it as secure as possible is not only a good practice but also a requirement, and limit yourself to only using services that similarly value your privacy and security, that’s when API authentication comes in.

First of all, let’s introduce the concept of API authentication:

What is API Authentication?

It’s essentially an online ID verification, but how does it work? This process is all about proving or verifying the identity of the people accessing your system. It’s the process of using a software protocol to ensure that clients on a network are who they claim to be before granting them access.

The goal of API authentication is to prevent attacks from cybercriminals who poke around websites looking for the slightest vulnerability to take advantage of. It works as a gatekeeper that grants access to only authentic users. When an API software detects incorrect information about the user or a mismatch in the client’s identity, it instantly blocks or denies them access to the servers. This prompt defensive action makes API authentication one of the most effective data security solutions out there.

Granting access to an authentic user in a network through API authentication also requires authorization. Authorization and authentication may be similar but they perform distinct roles. In this case, authentication precedes authorization.

Why Is API Authentication Important?

API Authentication serves as the first defense between the users of a network and cyberattackers, and it secures your network in various capacities and makes you enjoy the following benefits:

• Enhanced Security: API authentication is a simple yet effective action you can take to prevent many breaches on your account. User authentication always makes password or account cracking harder for cybercriminals since they have several additional security measures to pass through before gaining access.
• Increased User Trust: A website with API authentication creates a sense of security in users and wins their trust. Users like to know that their personal information is protected even if they have to go through extra verification steps. Similarly, a website with GDPR compliance seems more secure than ones that don’t have privacy protection measures in place.
• Reduced Operational Costs: As a website owner, using API Authentication prevents you from incurring additional costs accrued when your customer’s data is at risk.

So, How Does API Authentication Work?

The dynamics of an API authentication may change according to the method you are using. The most common is to send or receive an API key which is often a long series of letters or numbers. This code calls programs from a different application, the key recognizes the code, its developer, the end-user, and the application where the API call is made from.

When the client authenticates the API key, the server imprints their identity and lets them access data. As a network owner, you don’t necessarily have to explain the internal details of how your website authentication works to users. You only need to educate them about their API keys. Information on authentication requests, error messages, invalid authentication, and the duration of the token or code should be made available to users.

A very useful tip is to encourage users to cultivate a healthy cybersecurity culture, this means that they shouldn’t share their private keys, codes, or tokens with anyone.

Which Method to Use?

There are three major API authentication methods. Each one is designed for specific systems and performs unique functions:

HTTP Basic Authentication:

The HTTP basic authentication is the simplest of all API authentication methods. It uses a locally acquired username and password and relies on Base64 encoding, relying on usernames and passwords, it doesn’t require session IDs, login pages, and cookies. It uses the HTTP header itself, so there is no need for a difficult response system.

Users can easily use login data and authentication through a copy-cat HTTP header. Enforcing strict processes to prevent such intrusions is best.

It’s important to always alternate passwords when using this method of API authentication because it uses shared credentials.

OAuth With OpenID:

This method of API authentication isn’t solely for authentication in its default state. It’s a combination of both authorization and authentication. OAuth with OpenID provides authorization services to decide which users have entrance to various corporate resources.

When it used solely for authentication, it’s called pseudo-authentication because it’s not designed for that purpose. Combining OAuth and OpenID offers stronger authentication and authorization. Implementing both commands confirms users and devices using a third-party authentication process, this combination is one of the most reliable authentication/authorization options available on the market today.

API Keys:

API keys were made as a fair fix for early issues of HTTP basic authentication and other comparable systems. It has unique identifiers for users each time they try to authenticate. It’s very suitable for applications that have several users seeking access.

A uniquely generated code or token is allocated to each first-time user to signify that the user is known. When they want to log in again, they use that code for verification.

The API authentication method you choose will depend on your situation or your surrounding network. Each is effective when assigned to a suitable role. Nonetheless, the OAuth method proves to be the most effective on a level playing field.

Implementing cybersecurity is necessary especially if you want everyone on your network to feel safe.