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API-Security-Interview-Questions.md

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Basics of API Security:

  1. What is API security, and why is it important?
  2. Differentiate between authentication and authorization in the context of API security.
  3. Explain the concept of API tokens and how they contribute to security.
  4. What are the common threats to API security?

Authentication and Authorization:

  1. Describe the OAuth 2.0 authorization framework.
  2. Explain the differences between OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect.
  3. What is API key authentication, and when is it appropriate to use?
  4. How does JWT (JSON Web Token) enhance API security?
  5. Discuss the concept of API rate limiting for security purposes.

Encryption and Data Protection:

  1. How does HTTPS contribute to API security?
  2. Explain the role of TLS/SSL in securing API communication.
  3. What is end-to-end encryption, and why is it important for API security?
  4. Discuss the use of HMAC (Hash-based Message Authentication Code) in API security.

API Security Standards:

  1. What is the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), and how does it relate to API security?
  2. Describe the key principles of RESTful API security.
  3. How does GraphQL handle security concerns compared to REST APIs?
  4. Explain the importance of adhering to the OWASP API Security Top 10.

Secure Coding Practices:

  1. What are common security vulnerabilities in API implementations?
  2. How does input validation contribute to API security?
  3. Discuss the use of parameterized queries to prevent injection attacks.
  4. Explain the concept of Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) and its impact on API security.

API Gateway and Access Control:

  1. What is an API gateway, and how does it enhance API security?
  2. Describe the role of API gateways in handling authentication and authorization.
  3. How can you implement role-based access control (RBAC) for APIs?

Logging and Monitoring:

  1. Why is logging important in API security, and what kind of information should be logged?
  2. Discuss the importance of real-time monitoring in API security.

JSON Web Tokens (JWT):

  1. How are JWTs used for authentication in API systems?
  2. Explain the structure of a JWT.
  3. Discuss potential security concerns with JWTs and how to mitigate them.

Threat Modeling:

  1. What is threat modeling, and how does it apply to API security?
  2. Describe the steps involved in conducting a threat modeling exercise for an API.

API Security Tools:

  1. Mention some popular tools used for API security testing.
  2. How does a web application firewall (WAF) contribute to API security?

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF):

  1. What is XSS, and how can it affect API security?
  2. Explain CSRF attacks in the context of API security.

Single Sign-On (SSO):

  1. How does Single Sign-On contribute to API security?
  2. Discuss security considerations when implementing SSO for APIs.

Secure File Uploads:

  1. What security measures should be taken for handling file uploads through APIs?

Mobile API Security:

  1. How does API security differ in mobile applications compared to web applications?
  2. Discuss security considerations for mobile API endpoints.

Containerization and API Security:

  1. How does containerization (e.g., Docker) impact API security?

GraphQL Security:

  1. What are common security challenges associated with GraphQL APIs?

Serverless Computing and API Security:

  1. Discuss security considerations for APIs in a serverless computing environment.

DNS Security:

  1. How can DNS-related attacks impact API security?

Incident Response:

  1. What steps should be taken in the event of a security incident affecting an API?

Compliance and Regulations:

  1. How does API security align with regulatory requirements, such as GDPR?

DevSecOps:

  1. Explain how DevSecOps practices can enhance API security.

Emerging Technologies:

  1. How do emerging technologies like AI and machine learning impact API security?

Best Practices:

  1. Summarize key best practices for ensuring API security.
  2. What advice would you give to a development team to improve API security in their projects?