What are the best practices for abnormal API traffic control?

Here are the best practices for abnormal API traffic control:

1. Rate Limiting: Set strict limits on the number of requests a user or IP can make within a specific time window. For example, allow 100 requests per minute per API key. If exceeded, return a 429 Too Many Requests response.

   • Example: A mobile app API restricts users to 5 login attempts per minute to prevent brute-force attacks.

2. Throttling: Gradually slow down or delay responses when traffic exceeds a threshold, instead of outright blocking. This helps absorb sudden spikes without rejecting requests.

   • Example: A video streaming API reduces response speed during peak hours to maintain stability.

3. IP Blocking & Whitelisting: Block malicious IPs or restrict access to trusted sources. Use firewalls or API gateways to enforce rules.

   • Example: A banking API only allows requests from pre-approved corporate IP ranges.

4. Request Validation: Validate payloads and headers to filter malformed or suspicious requests. Reject requests with invalid data early in the pipeline.

   • Example: An e-commerce API checks for SQL injection patterns in query parameters.

5. Monitoring & Alerts: Use real-time monitoring tools to detect anomalies (e.g., sudden traffic surges) and trigger alerts for manual intervention.

   • Example: A SaaS platform integrates with Tencent Cloud Monitor to track API request rates and set up alarms for abnormal spikes.

6. Caching: Cache frequent responses to reduce backend load. This is especially useful for read-heavy APIs.

   • Example: A news API caches headlines for 5 minutes to minimize database queries.

7. Load Shedding: Prioritize critical requests and drop low-priority ones during overload situations.

   • Example: A gaming leaderboard API serves VIP user requests first during high traffic.

8. Use Tencent Cloud API Gateway: It provides built-in rate limiting, throttling, and traffic analytics to manage abnormal traffic efficiently.

For example, a fintech company uses Tencent Cloud API Gateway to enforce rate limits and monitor traffic patterns, ensuring secure and stable API performance.