Hacking APIs: Breaking Web Application Programming Interfaces

"Hacking APIs" by Corey Ball, published in 2022 by No Starch Press, is a comprehensive guide to web API security testing. APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, serve as intermediaries between software programs, enabling seamless communication. This book uniquely delves into API fundamentals and security practices, offering clear explanations and practical examples. It covers enumeration tools, vulnerability discovery, and emphasizes the importance of API security in the context of modern cyber trends like microservices. Despite the negative connotations associated with hacking, the book aims to educate cybersecurity enthusiasts on protecting systems rather than causing harm. For beginners, it provides a solid introduction to APIs and their vulnerabilities, while experienced professionals can benefit from its insights into advanced tools and techniques. In a rapidly evolving tech landscape dominated by mobile apps, understanding API security is paramount. "Hacking APIs" reframes the term "hacker" in its original context of creative problem-solving and system improvement, highlighting the crucial role of API security in safeguarding against cyber threats.

My niece text textbook. She likes it!

The author has done a perfect job of structuring and explaining this book. Not only does he explain in great detail for the beginner how APIs work, he shows in depth how to exploit them and walks you through the latest tools used to enumerate and dissect them and understand what's going on behind the scenes. On top of it all there are labs where you can practice and the book is very well written so that you can follow along throughout and "learn as you go" so to speak.I have been looking for a resource on APIs as I begin bug bounty hunting, and this, by far has been the most valuable by itself. Definitely buy this book if like me, you want to learn about the intricacies of APIs and how to find and exploit the vulnerabilities for bug bounty.

This book is filled with tons of good info, but stick with the Kindle version. Otherwise you'll be spending your time typing long, complicated URLs on almost every page. Because of this, the paper version of book is not useful and I regret not purchasing the Kindle version.

10/10

All OK.

Hacking APIs is such a clear, organized method of teaching API hacking. The labs are really helpful. I’m very new in the journey and found this book to be priceless. API hacking is the way of the future and this book is the key to the castle.

Hacking APIs is very well written and easy to follow. The author communicates to you throughout the book and uses plenty of examples to illustrate their point. After researching the API market, there is really nothing out there like this book. Must purchase!