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How to ensure API security under microservice architecture?

Created on 2025-07-25 18:16:42
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Ensuring API security under microservice architecture requires a multi-layered approach, addressing authentication, authorization, encryption, and monitoring. Here’s how to do it with examples and relevant Tencent Cloud services:

  1. Authentication & Authorization

    • Use OAuth 2.0 or OpenID Connect for standardized identity verification.
    • Implement JWT (JSON Web Tokens) for stateless authentication between microservices.
    • Example: A user logs in via OAuth, receives a JWT, and microservices validate the token before processing requests.
    • Tencent Cloud Recommendation: Use CAM (Cloud Access Management) to define fine-grained permissions for APIs and services.

  2. API Gateway

    • Centralize API management with a gateway to enforce security policies (rate limiting, IP filtering, etc.).
    • Example: An API gateway blocks requests from unauthorized IPs or excessive calls.
    • Tencent Cloud Recommendation: API Gateway provides built-in security features like throttling, SSL encryption, and request validation.

  3. Encryption

    • Use HTTPS (TLS 1.2/1.3) for data in transit.
    • Encrypt sensitive data at rest using AES-256.
    • Example: All microservice communications use TLS, and databases store encrypted user credentials.
    • Tencent Cloud Recommendation: SSL Certificates for HTTPS and KMS (Key Management Service) for encryption key management.

  4. Input Validation & Rate Limiting

    • Validate all API inputs to prevent injection attacks (SQLi, XSS).
    • Limit request rates to avoid abuse (e.g., DDoS).
    • Example: A microservice rejects requests with malformed JSON or exceeds 100 calls/minute.
    • Tencent Cloud Recommendation: API Gateway includes rate limiting and WAF (Web Application Firewall) for input protection.

  5. Monitoring & Logging

    • Track API usage and detect anomalies (e.g., sudden spikes in failed logins).
    • Example: Logs show repeated failed JWT validations, indicating a potential attack.
    • Tencent Cloud Recommendation: Cloud Monitor and CLB (Cloud Load Balancer) logs for real-time visibility.

  6. Service-to-Service Security

    • Use mTLS (mutual TLS) for secure communication between microservices.
    • Example: Service A verifies Service B’s certificate before exchanging data.
    • Tencent Cloud Recommendation: VPC (Virtual Private Cloud) isolates services, and CAM restricts cross-service access.

By combining these measures—especially leveraging Tencent Cloud API Gateway, CAM, KMS, and WAF—you can secure microservice APIs effectively.