Why API Encryption Matters
🔒 Protecting sensitive data is critical for any API. Encryption ensures that data remains confidential during transmission and storage. Here are key methods to implement:
1. Transport Layer Security (TLS)
🔐 Use TLS to encrypt data in transit. Always enforce HTTPS (HTTP over TLS) for public APIs.
Learn more about TLS configuration
2. End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)
🔄 Implement E2EE to secure data from sender to receiver. Libraries like OpenSSL or AWS KMS can help.
3. Data at Rest Encryption
💾 Encrypt stored data using AES-256 or similar standards. Tools like Vault manage encryption keys securely.
4. Token-Based Authentication
🔑 Combine encryption with token systems (e.g., JWT) to validate user access. Always sign tokens to prevent tampering.
Best Practices 📌
- 🔐 Use strong encryption algorithms and keep them updated.
- 🔄 Validate SSL/TLS certificates for trusted connections.
- 📁 Store encryption keys in secure, dedicated services.
- 📱 Avoid plaintext data in logs or error responses.