Securing Networks | Protecting Data | Since 2011
API Security Testing
Secure Your APIs From Sophisticated Attacks
Comprehensive REST, GraphQL, and SOAP API security testing using OWASP API Top 10 standards. Our proprietary methodology identifies vulnerabilities that automated scanners miss.
500+
APIs Tested
94%
Had Critical Flaws
7 Days
Avg Turnaround
AED 2.1M
Avg Breach Prevented
Threat Landscape
APIs Are Attack Magnets
Ensure your remote workforce meets all UAE regulatory requirements with our compliant security solutions
#1
Broken Object Level Authorization
OWASP API Top 1: APIs expose endpoints handling object IDs, creating wide attack surface for object-level access control issues
76%
Broken Authentication
of API breaches involve authentication flaws—weak tokens, missing MFA, or improper session management
68%
Excessive Data Exposure
of APIs return more data than needed, relying on client-side filtering instead of server-side controls
54%
Lack of Rate Limiting
of APIs lack proper rate limiting, enabling brute force attacks, credential stuffing, and DoS attacks
41%
Injection Vulnerabilities
of APIs vulnerable to SQL, NoSQL, command injection when untrusted data is sent to interpreters
62%
Improper Asset Management
of organizations have shadow APIs, deprecated endpoints, or undocumented APIs exposed to attackers
Testing Methodology
Proprietary RESTful API Testing
Our unique methodology combines automated scanning with rigorous manual testing to identify vulnerabilities in logic that standard tests miss.
API Discovery & Reconnaissance
Comprehensive API endpoint enumeration, documentation analysis (Swagger/OpenAPI), version detection, and attack surface mapping.
Authentication & Authorization Testing
OAuth 2.0, JWT, API keys, mTLS testing. BOLA/IDOR detection, privilege escalation, and access control bypass attempts.
Rate Limiting & Resource Testing
Brute force protection, resource exhaustion, pagination attacks, and denial of service vulnerability assessment.
Input Validation Testing
Injection testing (SQL, NoSQL, command), XSS in API responses, parameter tampering, and type confusion attacks.
Data Exposure Analysis
Response payload analysis for sensitive data leakage, excessive data exposure, and improper filtering validation.
Business Logic Testing
Workflow bypass, transaction manipulation, race conditions, and API-specific business logic vulnerability testing.
Testing Capabilities
Comprehensive API Coverage
We test all API architectures including REST, GraphQL, SOAP, WebSocket, and gRPC with protocol-specific security methodologies.
Endpoint enumeration & mapping
HTTP method testing (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
Parameter manipulation testing
Content-type validation
Error message analysis
Pagination security testing
Introspection query analysis
Query depth & complexity attacks
Batching attack testing
Field suggestion exploitation
Mutation security testing
Subscription security review
Token generation weaknesses
JWT signature bypass attempts
Token scope manipulation
Refresh token security
Authorization code interception
PKCE implementation review
Service-to-service authentication
API gateway security review
Service mesh security testing
Container API security
East-west traffic analysis
Service discovery security
Webhook security testing
Callback URL validation
OAuth provider security
Payment gateway API testing
Partner API security review
SDK security analysis
OpenAPI/Swagger analysis
Postman collection review
API versioning security
Deprecated endpoint detection
Documentation completeness
Security specification gaps
Our Methodology
How We Secure Your Remote Workforce
A proven 8-step methodology for implementing enterprise remote security with minimal disruption
Step 1
Data Security
Encrypt data in transit using TLS 1.3, implement field-level encryption for sensitive data, and validate all input/output.
Step 2
Authentication
Implement OAuth 2.0 with PKCE, JWT with proper signing, API key rotation, and multi-factor authentication for sensitive operations.
Step 3
Authorization
Object-level and function-level access controls, role-based permissions, and zero-trust verification for every request.
Step 4
Rate Limiting
Implement throttling, request quotas, and adaptive rate limiting to prevent brute force, credential stuffing, and DoS attacks.
Step 5
Monitoring
Real-time API traffic monitoring, anomaly detection, security logging, and automated alerting for suspicious activity.
UAE Compliance
Regulatory Compliance for APIs
Our API security assessments map directly to UAE regulatory requirements.
Endpoint enumeration & mapping
API authentication standards
Data encryption requirements
Consent management APIs
Transaction API security
Third-party API governance
API audit trail logging
Endpoint enumeration & mapping
API access controls
Data residency compliance
Client data protection APIs
Trading API security
Partner integration standards
API version management
Crypto exchange and wallet API security requirements for VASPs.
Withdrawal API security
Trading engine API protection
Market data API integrity
Wallet API authentication
Anti-manipulation controls
Real-time monitoring APIs
Why ITSEC
UAE's Trusted API Security Experts
OWASP API Specialists
Certified in OWASP API Security Top 10. We go beyond automated scanning with deep manual testing.
UAE Regulatory Expertise
Central Bank, VARA, DFSA API compliance specialists. Reports accepted by UAE regulators.
Rapid Turnaround
7-day average assessment completion. Expedited 3-day testing available for urgent needs.
Proven Results
500+ APIs tested. 94% had critical vulnerabilities. AED 2.1M average breach cost prevented.
Actionable Reports
Developer-friendly remediation with PoC exploits, code samples, and compliance mapping.
Free Retesting
Complimentary verification after fixes. 60-day security advisory support included.
Recent Success Story
Real Results for UAE Clients
CLIENT
UAE FinTech Platform
CHALLENGE
A leading FinTech platform needed comprehensive API security testing before launching their new open banking APIs. The platform connected to 15+ banks and required Central Bank compliance certification with zero tolerance for API vulnerabilities.
SOLUTION
ITSEC conducted comprehensive API security testing across 120+ endpoints including REST APIs, GraphQL queries, and OAuth 2.0 flows. We tested authentication, authorization (BOLA/IDOR), rate limiting, and business logic across the entire payment and account aggregation workflow.
RESULTS ACHIEVED
Identified 23 critical API vulnerabilities before launch
Found BOLA flaws exposing 50,000+ user accounts
Discovered JWT signature bypass in authentication
Prevented potential AED 3.2M in fraud losses
Achieved Central Bank API compliance certification
"ITSEC's API security testing was incredibly thorough. They found critical BOLA vulnerabilities that would have exposed all our customer accounts. Their expertise in UAE banking regulations was invaluable."
— CTO, UAE FinTech Platform
Why Choose ITSEC
We deliver faster results, deeper UAE expertise, and stronger regulatory relationships than traditional security consultancies
Capability | ITSEC | Big 4 Firms | Local Startups |
API Protocol Coverage | REST, GraphQL, SOAP, WebSocket, gRPC | REST only | Basic REST scanning |
OWASP API Top 10 | Full coverage + beyond | Partial coverage | Automated scans only |
Business Logic Testing | Advanced scenario testing | Not included | Basic checks |
Authentication Testing | OAuth 2.0, JWT, API keys, mTLS | Basic auth only | Token validation only |
UAE Compliance | Central Bank, VARA, DFSA specialists | International standards | No compliance mapping |
Manual Verification | 100% manual validation + automated | Mostly automated | Automated only |
15+ Years UAE Market Leadership
Unlike Big 4 consultancies with generic security practices or startup firms with limited track records, ITSEC specializes exclusively in cybersecurity for UAE regulated sectors. Our proven methodologies have secured $2B+ in digital assets and achieved 100% regulatory compliance success across VARA, Central Bank, and DFSA audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about API security testing in UAE
What is API security testing and why is it critical for UAE businesses?
REST APIs use fixed endpoints with HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE), while GraphQL uses a single endpoint with flexible queries. Security testing differs significantly: REST testing focuses on endpoint enumeration, HTTP method tampering, and parameter manipulation. GraphQL testing addresses unique risks like introspection attacks, query depth/complexity attacks, batching vulnerabilities, and field suggestion exploitation. ITSEC tests both with specialized methodologies tailored to each architecture.
What’s the difference between REST API and GraphQL security testing?
The OWASP API Security Top 10 is the industry standard list of most critical API security risks: 1) Broken Object Level Authorization (BOLA), 2) Broken Authentication, 3) Broken Object Property Level Authorization, 4) Unrestricted Resource Consumption, 5) Broken Function Level Authorization, 6) Unrestricted Access to Sensitive Business Flows, 7) Server Side Request Forgery, 8) Security Misconfiguration, 9) Improper Inventory Management, 10) Unsafe Consumption of APIs. ITSEC tests against all 10 plus additional threats specific to your industry.
What is the OWASP API Security Top 10?
The OWASP API Security Top 10 is the industry standard list of most critical API security risks: 1) Broken Object Level Authorization (BOLA), 2) Broken Authentication, 3) Broken Object Property Level Authorization, 4) Unrestricted Resource Consumption, 5) Broken Function Level Authorization, 6) Unrestricted Access to Sensitive Business Flows, 7) Server Side Request Forgery, 8) Security Misconfiguration, 9) Improper Inventory Management, 10) Unsafe Consumption of APIs. ITSEC tests against all 10 plus additional threats specific to your industry.
How do you test OAuth 2.0 and JWT implementations?
We conduct comprehensive OAuth 2.0 testing including: authorization code interception, PKCE implementation validation, token scope manipulation, redirect URI validation, and cross-site request forgery in OAuth flows. For JWT, we test signature algorithm confusion (none/HS256), key confusion attacks, token expiration handling, claim manipulation, and refresh token security. We also verify proper token storage, transmission, and revocation mechanisms.
What compliance requirements do you cover for API security in UAE?
Our API security testing maps to: UAE Central Bank API security requirements for open banking, DFSA/ADGM technology risk guidelines, VARA API security standards for crypto platforms, PCI DSS requirements for payment APIs, and NESA compliance for government APIs. Our reports include compliance mapping sections showing how findings align with regulatory requirements—helping you demonstrate due diligence to auditors.
How long does an API security assessment take?
Timeline depends on API complexity: Essential (up to 50 endpoints) takes 5-7 business days, Professional (up to 150 endpoints with GraphQL/microservices) takes 7-10 business days, Enterprise (unlimited endpoints with compliance mapping) takes 10-14 business days. We offer expedited 3-day assessments for urgent needs. All engagements include detailed reports, remediation guidance, and free retesting after fixes are implemented.
Can you test APIs for mobile banking and cryptocurrency applications?
Yes—financial APIs are our specialty. We have extensive experience testing mobile banking APIs for UAE banks (Central Bank approved), cryptocurrency exchange APIs (VARA compliant), payment gateway APIs (PCI DSS certified), and trading platform APIs (DFSA/ADGM requirements). Our team understands the unique security requirements for financial APIs including transaction signing, secure key management, and anti-fraud measures.
What is the difference between automated API scanning and manual penetration testing?
Automated API scanning uses tools to quickly identify known vulnerabilities like missing authentication, SQL injection, and misconfigurations. Manual penetration testing goes further—our experts simulate real attackers to discover business logic flaws, chained vulnerabilities, and complex authorization bypasses that automated tools miss. ITSEC combines both approaches: automated scanning for coverage, manual testing for depth.
How do you handle API security testing for microservices architectures?
Microservices introduce unique challenges: service-to-service authentication, API gateway security, service mesh configurations, and distributed access control. We test each microservice individually plus the interactions between them. This includes testing internal APIs (east-west traffic), service discovery mechanisms, container API security, and Kubernetes API configurations. We map the complete attack surface across your microservices ecosystem.
What happens after you find vulnerabilities in our APIs?
We provide a detailed remediation report with severity ratings (CVSS), step-by-step fix guidance, and code examples where applicable. For critical vulnerabilities, we notify your team immediately rather than waiting for the final report. Our Professional and Enterprise packages include developer workshops to help your team understand and fix issues. We also offer free retesting to verify that remediations are effective.
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