TCP #50: Designing Secure API Architectures on AWS

How to secure APIs using Amazon API Gateway, WAF, Cognito, and Lambda Authorizers?

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APIs are critical connectors between applications, services, and systems in today's interconnected digital landscape.

However, with this connectivity comes risk. Insecure APIs have become the most common vectors for data breaches and system compromises.

In today’s newsletter issue, I'll explore a comprehensive approach to building secure API architectures on AWS, leveraging services like API Gateway, WAF, and various authorization mechanisms.

Source: Unsplash

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The Foundation

Before diving into specific AWS services, it's essential to understand that API security requires a multi-layered approach.

No single security control is sufficient.

We need to implement security at every level:

1. Network layer (traffic filtering, encryption)

2. Application layer (input validation, output encoding)

3. Authentication (verifying identity)

4. Authorization (controlling access)

5. Monitoring and response (detecting and reacting to threats)

Let's explore how AWS services can help us implement these layers effectively.