Foundation · 2 min
What you need to know
How should ecommerce APIs be secured?
Secure APIs with strong client authentication, server-side authorization, validated input, encrypted transport, scoped access, rate limits, logging and prompt patching.
What is API authentication?
API authentication verifies the application, service or user making a request. It may use signed tokens, client credentials, or another protected mechanism suited to the client type.
What is an API key?
An API key is a credential that identifies and sometimes authorizes an API client. Treat it as a secret unless explicitly designed as a public identifier.
How should API keys be stored?
Store API keys in a managed secret store or protected server configuration, restrict who and what can read them, and keep them out of browsers, logs and repositories.
Should API keys have expiration dates?
Credentials should have a lifecycle and be rotatable; expiration is useful when renewal can be managed safely. Shorter lifetimes reduce exposure but must not cause uncontrolled outages.
What is API rate limiting?
API rate limiting restricts request volume over a defined scope and time. Limits may apply by credential, user, IP, endpoint or business action.
Why should ecommerce APIs use rate limits?
Rate limits reduce brute force, scraping, resource exhaustion, and accidental overload. They should protect expensive and sensitive actions without using one crude limit for all customers.
How should compromised API credentials be revoked?
Revoke or disable the credential, identify affected systems and requests, issue a replacement through a protected channel, investigate misuse, and correct the exposure path.
A quick store check
Inventory API credentials, scopes, owners, last use, rate limits and revocation steps; remove one unused test credential.
Foundation · 2 min
Frequently asked questions
Can a public API key be treated like a server secret?
Some keys are identifiers intended for clients but never assume this; follow the issuer’s classification and restrictions.
Should an API return the same error for every failure?
Return useful but non-sensitive errors; do not reveal credentials, internal structure or another customer’s records.