Best API Security Testing Tools

Best API security testing tools are Apigee, Postman, JMeter, Astra Pentest, and Acunetix. These tools detect and analyze API threats and prevent attacks.

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List of 20 Best API Security Testing Tools

Showing 1 - 20 of 33 products

Contenders | 2024

Offers Ruby library for automating tests

Apache JMeter is open-source software for testing web applications and measuring performance. You can measure test performance on static and dynamic sources with this API security testing platform. It can load and performance test HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, LDAP, TCP, java objects, and more. Read Apache JMeter Reviews

Emergents | 2024

Apigee Edge is an API vulnerability testing tool with enhanced scale, security, and automation for operating APIs. It helps businesses detect and mitigate security vulnerabilities like misconfigurations, malicious bot attacks, and abnormal traffic patterns in their APIs. Apigee Edge monitors and analyzes traffic to gain reliable performance and actionable insights. Learn more about Apigee Edge

Emergents | 2024

Assertible is an API vulnerability testing software designed to test and monitor your web services. The software lets you set up scheduled monitoring to test your services and alerts you about problems instantly and continuously. Assertible can be integrated with your favorite tools to help you build dependable web application monitoring. Learn more about Assertible

Category Champions | 2024

Automation Testing Tools by KMS Technology

Katalon Studio provides critical API automated testing at minimal maintenance. Its test suite management capabilities define test scenarios and execute plans efficiently. The software's productive IDE for API automation helps optimize scripting, debugging, code inspection, snippets, etc., and supports all types of REST, SOAP/1.1, and SOAP/1.2 requests. Read Katalon Studio Reviews

Category Champions | 2024

Postman Pro is a fully featured API security testing platform that tests your APIs consistently to ensure they function as expected. The program builds and runs tests independently or as part of a CI/CD pipeline to ensure that service integrations are reliable and that any modifications haven't affected any current functionality. Read Postman Pro Reviews

Tools by Sauce Labs

Sauce Labs is a simple and powerful API vulnerability testing software to ensure API quality at every stage of development. The software makes API testing more scalable and insight-driven with its advanced test management tools. Sauce Labs offers API test automation for faster debugging and for boosting API performance. Learn more about Sauce Labs

Category Champions | 2024

SoapUI is a user-friendly software that accelerates API quality through testing. Its multiple functionalities help with API's functional testing, performance testing, data-driven testing, security check, and mocking. The platform is scalable and flexible and provides comprehensive test reporting to improve testing and measure success. Read SoapUI Reviews

Emergents | 2024

Tools by SmartBear Software

Swagger is an advanced API security testing platform that helps developers identify security vulnerabilities in their APIs. Its open-source toolset helps API development by detecting security threats such as cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, and broken access control. It is ideal for API developers who want to ensure secure, vulnerability-free APIs. Learn more about Swagger

Emergents | 2024

Worlds most powerful mobile security tool

Appknox is an easy-to-use API vulnerability testing software that helps developers deliver great APIs. The software provides automated and manual testing capabilities, supports multiple platforms, and integrates well with popular CI/CD tools. Appknox tests APIs across various Android, iOS, and web platforms. Read Appknox Reviews

Most Reviewed

Emergents | 2024

SmartBear TestComplete is an automated UI functional testing software that enables testers of any skill level to automate UI tests for desktop, web, mobile, and packaged apps. Its API security testing tools allow developers to scan APIs for real-time vulnerabilities like injection attacks, broken authentication, access control, and denial of service (DoS) attacks. Learn more about SmartBear TestComplete

Tools by PortSwigger

Burp Suite offers API security testing tools to help developers identify security vulnerabilities in APIs by simulating real-world attacks. It offers a range of tools for manual and automated testing and scanners for identifying vulnerabilities. The software provides visibility with intuitive security reporting dashboards and role-based access control. Read Burp Suite Reviews

Tools by Acunetix

Acunetix is a reliable API security testing platform for finding and fixing risks that may harm your applications. The software eliminates false positives and pinpoints the exact line of vulnerable code, so you can start working on it promptly. Acunetpix's remediation guidance provides all the information developers need to resolve security flaws. Learn more about Acunetix

Tools by Beyond Security

beSECURE is an API security testing tool for developers. Its comprehensive automated and manual testing tools quickly identify vulnerability buffer overflows, SQL injection, and format string vulnerabilities. BeSECURE assists in finding quick solutions and offers the most precise and efficient network security enhancement. Learn more about beSECURE (AVDS)

Tools by Bright Security Inc

Bright Security is an API vulnerability testing tool designed to identify security weaknesses in the APIs. The software provides a user-friendly interface, practical insights, and detailed reporting to make understanding the issue and taking appropriate action simple. Bright can be easily connected with other apps and tools like JIRA to speed up testing and remediation. Learn more about Bright Security

Kong Enterprise is an API vulnerability testing solution designed to identify and mitigate potential security vulnerabilities. Its advanced capabilities allow various types of security testing on APIs, including penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and compliance testing. It also provides detailed reports to help security teams quickly prioritize and address potential security issues. Learn more about Kong Enterprise

Tools by Astra Security

Astra Web Security offers powerful API security testing tools that help find every security loopholes that even the automated tools would miss. Its intelligent scanning algorithm provides over 3000 vulnerability tests, including the industry standard OWASP & SANS tests. Astra Web Security ensures the security of APIs and protects them against cyber threats. Learn more about Astra Web Security

Tools by APIsec

APIsec is a comprehensive API security testing tool designed to help developers and security professionals identify and remediate vulnerabilities in their APIs. APIsec provides automated security testing on your APIs to identify known vulnerabilities and other flaws and fixes them before deployment in a live production environment. Learn more about APIsec

Emergents | 2024

REST Assured is a simple and intuitive API vulnerability testing tool that allows users to quickly and easily test APIs by sending requests and validating responses. The software helps simplify testing and validating REST services in Java compared to the dynamic languages. REST Assured helps developers enhance the security of applications. Learn more about REST Assured

Emergents | 2024

EdgeScan is a reliable and user-friendly API security testing tool for identifying and resolving security threats in APIs. Its comprehensive features, quick and accurate results, and seamless integration make it easy for developers to prioritize security testing and remediation. Moreover, EdgeScan helps developers save their precious time by eliminating false positives. Learn more about Edgescan

Category Champions | 2024

Tricentis Tosca is a cloud-based API security testing tool that offers intelligent test automation for your digital landscape. The software helps ensure the quality and security of their applications and APIs by providing testing at every level, including API, exploratory, mobile, system integration, and regression testing. Read Tricentis Tosca Reviews

Until 31st Mar 2024

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api security testing tools guide

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) have become an essential component of modern software development, enabling systems to communicate and exchange data with each other. 

As APIs become more ubiquitous, the importance of API security testing cannot be overstated. API security testing is critical in ensuring that APIs are secure from potential vulnerabilities that hackers or malicious actors could exploit.

In this buyer's guide, we will discuss the key considerations organizations should consider when selecting an API security testing solution. We will explore the different types of API security tests, the factors to consider when evaluating testing tools, and best practices for conducting API security testing.

What Is An API Security Testing Tool?

API (Application Programming Interface) Security Testing Tool is intentionally crafted to evaluate and assess the security level of various APIs. These tools can recognize and expose vulnerabilities and weaknesses within the API's design, deployment, and implementation. Furthermore, they assist in safeguarding the API against any potential and impending security threats.

These API security testing tools use various techniques to assess APIs, such as vulnerability scanning, fuzzing, and penetration testing. They can identify issues such as authentication and authorization vulnerabilities, broken access controls, injection attacks, and other security hazards that cybercriminals could potentially exploit.

Many people, including developers, security experts, and quality assurance teams, can use API security testing tools to stop any security flaws from being abused by bad actors. They can also ensure that the APIs comply with the prescribed and recommended security standards and best practices, such as the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP).

Benefits Of Using API Security Testing Tools 

API security testing tools provide numerous benefits that can fortify the security posture of APIs and guard them against potential security threats. This composition details the various advantages of utilizing API security testing tools.

  1. Identify and prevent vulnerabilities      

API security testing tools are remarkably effective in discerning and forestalling vulnerabilities in APIs. These tools can unearth and bring to light weaknesses in the API's blueprint, execution, and deployment. This enables developers and security professionals to deal with these issues before malicious actors exploit them.

  1. Improve security posture    

API security testing tools can dramatically uplift the security posture of APIs. By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, these tools aid in bolstering the security of APIs and precluding security breaches. Consequently, this improves the overall security posture of an organization.

  1. Ensure compliance     

Organizations can use API security testing tools to ensure compliance with security standards and best practices. These tools can check if APIs adhere to security guidelines like the OWASP API Security Top 10. This aids businesses in avoiding security compliance difficulties.

  1. Time effective     

API security testing tools can economize time in detecting and rectifying security issues in APIs. These tools automate the testing process and can swiftly spot and report vulnerabilities. This enables developers and security professionals to concentrate on rectifying the issues instead of spending time on manual testing.

  1. Remove threats  

API vulnerability testing tools facilitate the removal of security threats by detecting and rectifying vulnerabilities in APIs. Organizations can prevent security breaches and protect their APIs by eliminating these threats.   

  1. Language-independent     

API Security Testing Tools are language-independent, meaning they can examine APIs developed in different programming languages. These tools are highly adaptable and valuable for organizations with different programming languages.

  1. Faster resolution time     

API security testing platforms can significantly diminish the resolution time of security issues in APIs. By rapidly identifying and reporting vulnerabilities, developers and security professionals can rectify these issues and ensure that APIs are safeguarded.

Types of API Security Testing Tools

API security testing tools are of utmost importance in upholding the security of APIs and averting security threats. A wide array of API security testing tools is at our disposal, all of which aid in identifying vulnerabilities, enhancing security posture, and ensuring compliance with security standards. This segment will delve into the different kinds of API security testing tools and their corresponding functions.

types of api security testing tools

  1. Static application security testing (SAST) tools

SAST tools serve the purpose of recognizing and pinpointing vulnerabilities in the source code of APIs. By scrutinizing the source code, these tools detect potential security weaknesses, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and other vulnerabilities that malicious actors could exploit. SAST tools come in handy in forestalling security issues in APIs throughout the developmental phase.

  1. Interactive application security testing (IAST) tools

IAST tools are akin to SAST tools but are more sophisticated. These tools can identify security vulnerabilities in real time while the API is tested or executed. This feature enables developers and security experts to tackle security issues promptly upon identification, diminishing the likelihood of security breaches.

  1. Dynamic application security testing (DAST) tools

DAST tools serve the function of identifying vulnerabilities in APIs by analyzing their behavior during runtime. They can detect authentication problems, session management flaws, and other vulnerabilities that are arduous to identify using other testing tools. DAST tools effectively detect vulnerabilities in APIs that have already been deployed.

  1. Software composition analysis (SCA)

SCA tools serve the purpose of identifying vulnerabilities in third-party components and libraries utilized in APIs. These tools can detect potential security weaknesses in open-source libraries and other software components that may be vulnerable to exploitation by malicious actors.

  1. Penetration testing tools

Penetration testing tools come in handy when simulating attacks on APIs with the aim of identifying potential security vulnerabilities. These tools enable developers and security professionals to comprehend how malicious actors could exploit security weaknesses in APIs and take appropriate measures to address them.

  1. Fuzz testing

Fuzz testing is a testing type that involves generating random inputs to APIs to identify potential security vulnerabilities. These tools detect vulnerabilities in APIs that may not be identified using other testing tools.

  1. API security gateway

An API security gateway is a tool to secure APIs by providing a security layer between the API and external requests. These tools can detect and prevent security threats, including DDoS attacks, SQL injection attacks, and other types of attacks that can jeopardize the security of APIs. API security gateways effectively create a secure environment for APIs to operate in.

How Do API Security Tools Work?

API security tools operate by identifying and mitigating potential security vulnerabilities that may exist in APIs. An assortment of API security tools exists, such as static application security testing (SAST) tools, interactive application security testing (IAST) tools, dynamic application security testing (DAST) tools, software composition analysis (SCA) tools, penetration testing tools, fuzz testing, and API security gateways.

SAST tools are utilized to scrutinize the source code of APIs and ascertain any security weaknesses that may exist, including SQL injection and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, during the development stage. IAST tools are akin to SAST tools; however, IAST tools can detect security vulnerabilities in real time while the API is being tested or executed, thus lessening the probability of security breaches. 

DAST tools are employed to scrutinize the performance of APIs during runtime and identify vulnerabilities, such as authentication problems and session management flaws, that may be difficult to detect with other testing tools.

With SCA tools, it is possible to identify security weaknesses in third-party components and libraries used in APIs. Penetration testing tools simulate attacks on APIs and identify potential security vulnerabilities.

Fuzz testing involves generating arbitrary inputs to APIs to identify possible security vulnerabilities. Lastly, API security gateways safeguard APIs by providing a layer of security between the API and external requests, detecting and averting security threats such as distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks and SQL injection attacks.

By utilizing these tools, developers and security professionals can identify and address security issues in APIs, ensuring they are secure and conform to security standards.

What To Look For While Selecting API Security Testing Tools? 

When picking an API security testing tool, one must contemplate several factors to ensure that the tool is both effective and efficient in pinpointing and resolving security issues. Here are some of the principal characteristics that one should seek in API security testing too.

how to select api security testing tools

  1. Ease of use

A key consideration when selecting an API security testing tool is its ease of use. The tool ought to sport a user-friendly interface that individuals, even those unfamiliar with security testing, can navigate and employ effortlessly.

  1. Risk recognition

The API security testing tool must recognize and discern potential security risks and vulnerabilities in APIs. The tool must peruse APIs' source code and identify potential security weaknesses, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.

  1. CI/CD Integration

The API security testing tool must integrate seamlessly with continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. Such integration guarantees that security testing becomes an integral part of the development process, with security checks performed automatically during the build and deployment process.

  1. Testing velocity

The speed at which a tool performs testing is critical to consider when selecting an API security testing tool. The tool should conduct testing rapidly without decelerating the development process or inducing delays.

  1. Adherence to standards

API security testing tools should be designed to comply with industry-standard security frameworks and guidelines, such as OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) and NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) standards.

  1. Business logic vulnerabilities

An efficient API security testing tool must be able to expose business logic vulnerabilities unique to an API's particular business logic and functionality.

  1. Crawling versus explicit API routes

The API security testing tool should be able to test APIs using both crawling and explicit API routes. Crawling tests involve automatically discovering API endpoints and testing them, while explicit API route testing involves manually defining the endpoints to be tested.

  1. Protocol support

API security testing tools must be equipped to handle multiple API protocols, including REST, SOAP, and GraphQL.

  1. Feedback and review check

The API security testing tool must provide transparent and actionable feedback concerning the security vulnerabilities and risks that it identifies. Furthermore, the tool must enable a straightforward review and verification of the testing results.

Top 5 API Security Testing Tools

API security testing is a crucial aspect of software development, as it ensures the security and integrity of data transmitted between applications. With the growing prevalence of APIs in modern web applications, developers must utilize reliable API security testing tools to identify potential security vulnerabilities. Here are the top 5 API security testing tools that developers can use to secure their applications:

Name
Free Trial
Demo
Starting Price

Bright

14 Days

Yes

Starts with $50/year

Astra

7 Days

Yes Starting price at $149

Insomnia

7 Days

Yes

Custom Pricing

Data Theorem API Secure

14 Days

Yes

Virtual Processor starts at $0.1209/Scale Out

Postman

14 Days

Yes

Starting price $999/hypervisor/year

1. Bright

Bright is an exceptional tool for evaluating the security of APIs, which is paramount for developers and security experts alike to scrutinize and root out any potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

The tool is fortified with advanced techniques such as dynamic analysis and fuzzing that can replicate cyberattacks, ensuring that potential security flaws are detected and averted.

Moreover, Bright is engineered to be seamlessly integrated into the existing workflows of its users, and its proficiency isn't limited to any specific programming language or platform, as it can conveniently test APIs across different platforms such as SOAP, REST, and GraphQL.

Features 

  • Tests every aspect of apps & APIs
  • Spin-up, configure, and control scans with code
  • Super-fast scans
  • Comprehensive security testing
  • Integration with other platforms
  • Dynamic analysis
  • Simulates cyberattacks

Pros

  • Detects potential security flaws
  • User-friendly design 
  • Seamless integration into existing workflows for easy API testing
  • Test APIs across multiple platforms
  • Rapid identification and resolution of security issues

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • Time-consuming 
  • Require significant computational resources.
  • cannot guarantee that all vulnerabilities have been identified and resolved.
  • ?Overlooked vulnerabilities

Pricing

  •  Pro user:? 7128/Per Month
  •  Business user:? 71928/Per Month

2. Astra

Astra

Astra is a cutting-edge security assessment tool that specializes in web applications. It employs sophisticated techniques such as automation, machine learning, and AI to uncover potential security flaws and vulnerabilities in web applications. Astra is user-friendly and can be seamlessly integrated into current development workflows, rendering it an optimal selection for developers and security professionals interested in elevating their web applications' security.

Features

  • Automated scanning
  • Vulnerability scanner
  • Reporting & dashboard
  • Manual pentest
  • Advanced API techniques
  • Multiple integrations
  • Customizable scanning parameters
  • Continuous monitoring

Pros

  • Automated testing
  • Comprehensive testing
  • User-friendly interface
  • Cost-effective

Cons

  • False positives
  • Technical knowledge required
  • Limited customization

Pricing

  • Scanner:$99/month per installation
  • Expert:199/month per installation
  • Pentest$4500/month per installation

3. Insomnia

Insomnia

Insomnia is a powerful open-source API testing tool that makes it easy for developers to test and debug their APIs.It is a desktop program that runs on various platforms for free. Its main objective is to make HTTP-based API interaction and design simpler.

The unique combination of Insomnia's user-friendly interface and sophisticated functionality, such as authentication wizards, code generation, and environment variables, makes it stand out from other software.

Features

  • Multi-protocol support
  • Develop faster with code generation
  • Advanced authentication
  • Testing APIs
  • Performance tests
  • Environment variables
  • Request chaining
  • Scripting
  • Code generation

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • Cross-platform usability
  • Advanced features
  • Collaboration tools

Cons

  • Learning curve
  • Limited reporting
  • Slow performance
  • Limited automation

Pricing

  • Individual:$5 per user/month
  • Team:$12 per user/month
  • Enterprise:$25 per user/month

4. Data Theorem API Secure

Data Theorem API Secure

Data Theorem API Secure is a powerful API security testing tool that uses automation and AI to identify potential security vulnerabilities in APIs. It offers a comprehensive approach to security testing that includes dynamic analysis, static analysis, and penetration testing. Data Theorem API Secure provides developers and security professionals with an easy-to-use platform that integrates seamlessly into existing development workflows. 

Features

  • Continuous inventory management
  • Inspection of API security
  • Auto-triage
  • Auto-remediation
  • Fuzzing techniques
  • Integration

Pros

  • Comprehensive testing
  • Real-time monitoring
  • Automation
  • User-friendly interface

Cons

  • Technical knowledge required
  • Support can be improved
  • Limited scope

Pricing

  • Github: Free
  • Acunetix by Invicti: $4500
  • Indusface WAS: $59/month

5. Postman

Postman

Postman is an API security testing tool that facilitates the swift and easy testing, documentation, and dissemination of APIs by developers and security experts. With its user-friendly interface, Postman streamlines the API building and testing process, making it the perfect tool for teams of any magnitude.

Postman's security testing capabilities include endpoint authentication, encryption, and vulnerability scanning. Postman is an influential mechanism that bolsters the security and reliability of APIs.

Features

  • API testing
  • Integration with multiple platforms
  • Automated testing
  • Endpoint authentication
  • Vulnerability scanning

Pros

  • User-friendliness
  • Accessibility
  • Advanced features 
  • Request tracking capabilities

Cons

  • Limited testing area
  • Low script reusability
  • Constrained integration

Pricing

  • Basic:$12 per user/month
  • Professional:$29 per user/month
  • Enterprise:$99 per user/month

Challenges Faced In API Security Testing Tools   

API security testing tools are indispensable for contemporary software development as they aid in identifying and resolving probable security susceptibilities in APIs. However, utilizing these tools may come with several obstacles. Below are some of the customary hurdles faced when using API security testing tools.

challenges faced in api security testing tools

  1. Sequencing of API calls

One of the major impediments in API security testing tools is the sequence of API calls. This challenge arises when APIs have a plethora of reliant calls that need to be executed in a precise order to ensure proper API functioning. This sequencing issue can be intricate, and any blunder in the order can result in potential security vulnerabilities.

  1. Knowledge of business logic

Another significant obstacle encountered in API security testing tools is the absence of business logic knowledge. API testing tools should understand the API's business logic to identify potential security susceptibilities and weaknesses accurately. However, insufficient knowledge of the API's business logic can cause the tool to miss potential security threats.

  1. API versioning

API versioning can also present a significant challenge for API security and performance testing tools. With frequent modifications to APIs, security testing tools should handle diverse API versions and variations accurately. Failure to test all API versions may lead to potential vulnerabilities for security teams.

  1. Complicated architectures

API security testing tools may encounter difficulties when dealing with intricate API architectures, particularly when multiple APIs are involved. Testing such complicated architectures can be challenging and time-consuming, and the tool may not always spot all possible security threats.

  1. Validation of parameters

Validation of parameters is another major challenge faced in API security testing tools. The tool should be able to detect invalid or unforeseen input parameters that may result in potential security vulnerabilities. However, pinpointing such parameters can be challenging, particularly in APIs with several input parameters.

  1. Complexity of tools

Finally, the complexity of API security testing tools may pose a challenge. Many security testing tools may be intricate and require comprehensive training to use them effectively. This complexity may result in errors or oversights in the security testing process, potentially leaving security vulnerabilities undiscovered.

Pricing for API Security Testing Tools  

The cost ofAPI security testing tools may vary considerably, depending on their distinct features and capabilities. Some tools offer rudimentary security testing functionality, available without cost, while others present advanced testing capabilities with a substantial price tag. Overall, the cost of API security test can range anywhere between 500$ to 6000$ per scan based on the requirement. 

pricing for api security testing tool

When determining which API security testing tool to select, it is crucial to consider the pricing model of the tool and its compatibility with your budget. Certain tools require a one-time fee for their software, while others require a subscription or annual license fee.

Apart from the initial cost, it is also vital to consider any continuous maintenance and support fees associated with the tool. Certain tools mandate regular updates or may need additional support for effective usage, thereby augmenting the overall cost of the tool.

Conclusion

It is impossible to emphasize the significance of API security testing tools, particularly in the current digital era where data breaches and cyber-attacks have become all too regular. However, choosing the best one for your firm can be challenging due to these products varied costs and features.

Therefore, while selecting an API security testing tool, it is crucial to consider its pricing structure, ongoing maintenance and support costs, and general fit to your requirements. By doing this, you can ensure that your choice will assist in protecting your company's reputation and priceless data.

Last Updated: January 02, 2024