API Security Essentials for Ethical Hackers

Day 1: Foundations of API Security

Agenda:

• Introduction to API architecture and modern applications.
• Understanding the importance of API security in today’s digital landscape.
• Overview of common API vulnerabilities and threats.
• Deep dive into the OWASP API Security Top 10 risks.

Learning Objectives:

• Grasp the fundamentals of API architecture and communication protocols.
• Identify critical API vulnerabilities using real-world examples.
• Understand how attackers exploit APIs and the importance of defensive strategies.

Day 2: Offensive API Security Techniques

Agenda:

• Overview of API attack strategies and common tools.
• Exploring authentication and authorization vulnerabilities.
• Techniques for exploiting misconfigurations and injection flaws.
• Hands-on lab: Performing API reconnaissance and testing.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize vulnerabilities in API authentication and authorization.
• Master API reconnaissance techniques using industry-standard tools.
• Perform basic API penetration testing to uncover security gaps.

Day 3: Defensive API Security Practices

Agenda:

• Strategies for secure API design and implementation.
• Implementing rate limiting, input validation, and encryption.
• Introduction to API gateways and threat modeling.
• Hands-on lab: Securing APIs using defensive coding techniques.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply secure coding practices to prevent common API vulnerabilities.
• Design and implement robust access control measures.
• Utilize API gateways and monitoring tools to mitigate threats.

Day 4: Advanced Security Techniques and Customization

Agenda:

• Advanced API testing tools and frameworks.
• Automating API testing for large-scale applications.
• Customizing course duration and content for varying business needs.
• Final hands-on lab: Conducting an end-to-end API vulnerability assessment.

Learning Objectives:

• Execute advanced API testing using tools like Postman and Burp Suite.
• Understand how to customize API security practices for specific organizational requirements.
• Complete a comprehensive API security audit and report findings.

Instructor Kit

(PPTX/PDF of Slides + Optional Instructor Notes)
Comprehensive slide deck with detailed content covering all modules, plus optional instructor notes to enhance teaching effectiveness.

Student Kit / Handout

(with Free Branding)
Professionally designed handouts for students, including all essential course information and customizable branding options for your organization.

Course Agenda / Outline

Detailed day-by-day course agenda and outline, ensuring smooth course delivery and a structured learning experience for students.

Study Guide

A concise guide summarizing key concepts and topics covered in the course, perfect for post-course review and exam preparation.

FAQ

Answers to commonly asked questions about the course content, delivery, and labs to support instructors and students.

Briefing Doc

A high-level document summarizing the course objectives, target audience, and key learning outcomes, ideal for internal use and marketing.

Sales Enablement Kit for IT Training Sales Engineers

(Additional Fee)
Exclusive toolkit designed for IT training sales teams, including pitch decks, objection handling, and ROI documentation to support course sales.

Course AI GPT

(Course Assistant GPT so students can talk to the course materials!)
A cutting-edge AI-driven assistant that allows students to interact with course content, ask questions, and receive instant feedback.

Optional Podcast

(of the entire course or for each individual module)
Engaging audio content covering the entire course or individual modules, perfect for on-the-go learning or reinforcement.

Lab Guide

(Lab Environments are additional and can be found at CourseLabs.io)
Step-by-step lab guide to support hands-on learning, with lab environments available separately at CourseLabs.io.

Lab Files

(If you choose to host your own lab environment)
All necessary files and instructions for setting up and running labs in your own environment, offering flexibility in deployment.

Postman - API testing.

Burp Suite - Security testing.

Kali Linux - Pentesting OS.

OWASP ZAP - Vulnerability scanner.

Metasploit - Exploitation framework.

Gatling - Load testing.

AFL - Fuzz testing.

Arjun - Query parameter finder.

FoxyProxy - Proxy manager.

Steghide - Data embedding.

Elastic Stack - Log analysis.

Splunk - Monitoring.

Nessus - Vulnerability scanner.

ModSecurity - WAF.

FFUF - Web fuzzing.

Course Objectives

• Equip learners with the skills to identify, exploit, and secure API vulnerabilities.
• Provide practical knowledge of API security frameworks, tools, and methodologies.
• Enable participants to implement defensive strategies against real-world API threats.

Learning Objectives

• Understand API architecture, communication protocols, and security principles.
• Learn to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities like broken authentication and injection attacks.
• Master API penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and secure API design.
• Gain hands-on experience with tools such as Burp Suite, Postman, and OWASP ZAP.

Who This Course Is For

• Ethical Hackers and Bug Bounty Hunters: Enhance your API exploitation and mitigation skills.
• Developers and Engineers: Build and maintain secure APIs with confidence.
• Security Professionals: Strengthen your organization’s API defenses against emerging threats.
• Students and Enthusiasts: Gain a solid foundation in API security concepts and tools.

Key Features

• 50% Lecture, 50% Hands-On Labs: Theory combined with real-world application for optimal learning.
• Customizable Course Durations: Choose from 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5-day formats tailored to your needs.
• Affordable Pricing: Flexible courseware at $40 per student, per day.