Web Services Security

Web Services Security is a set of protocols, standards, and practices designed to protect web services (such as REST APIs and SOAP services) from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber threats. It encompasses authentication, authorization, encryption, and integrity mechanisms to ensure secure communication between distributed systems over networks like the internet. This includes implementing security at multiple layers, from transport-level security (e.g., TLS/SSL) to application-level controls (e.g., OAuth, API keys).

Also known as: API Security, Web API Security, REST Security, SOAP Security, WS-Security

Why learn Web Services Security?

Developers should learn and apply Web Services Security when building or consuming APIs and web services to protect sensitive data, comply with regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA), and prevent attacks like injection, man-in-the-middle, and denial-of-service. It is essential in modern applications, especially in microservices architectures, cloud deployments, and integrations with third-party services, to ensure trust and reliability in distributed systems.

Learning Resources

• docs: OWASP API Security Top 10
• course: REST API Security Essentials Course on Pluralsight
• tutorial: Web Services Security Tutorial by TutorialsPoint
• book: API Security in Action by Manning Publications