External API penetration testing

Strengthening APIs to speed up growth

We find gaps before an internal or external hacker does to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches and strengthen your API.

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Protect the API scales your business

Poorly secured APIs allow attackers to exploit not only the API itself, but any and every application associated with it. Prevent unauthorized access or data breaches with our API penetration testing.

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Industry standard processes for API improvement

Each engagement follows a structured, OWASP-based methodology—tailored to your API.

Planning and preparation

We start the assessment by reviewing the API documentation. The tester then meets with you to discuss areas of concern. Rhymetec typically tests against two API keys during an assessment, this provides a balance between coverage and time required to test the API.

Discovery

Discovery of different parameters and options available to the API Endpoints are reviewed. Additional methods are tested to see if undocumented functions exist that could bypass access controls. Brute forcing of paths is performed to find additional undocumented routes.

Penetration attempt and exploitation

Both automated and manual testing are performed to determine weakness in the API. The OWASP API Top 10 is used as a guide for the tester to discover and exploit vulnerabilities in the system. Additionally, general system weaknesses are reviewed and best practices authentication such as tokens is performed.

Analysis and reporting

The tester will input findings into the internal documentation system as the test progresses. Examples of exploits and weaknesses are presented in a standardized report that include details about findings and how to remediate them. The report is created with both an executive summary for C-Level staff and detailed findings areas where developers can take action on findings.

Retest (Included Depending on Test Type)

A retesting window allows you to work on findings. The tester will work with you if any questions arise regarding the original finding and retest the original findings requested. At the end of the retesting window, a new report is created with updated progress.

Insights that speed up innovation

API penetration testing validates the security of your methods and corresponding data

Proactively identify vulnerabilities and attack vectors within systems and web applications that could be leveraged by adversaries

We work to ensure the functionality of the business logic remains intact

Data is safely transferred from web applications or mobile applications to other systems or databases

Building regular web API updates and frequent testing into your workflow will help ensure a dependable performance and prevent the build-up of costly remediation

APIs are ideal targets for attackers due to their in depth documentation

Findings for forward motion

At the end of the assessment, Rhymetec will provide a report outlining overall posture and recommendations for improvement. Results include:


  • Kick off call with team
  • Final and Executive Summary
  • Immediate notification of critical findings
  • Detailed Findings and Remediation
  • Executive Presentation of initial findings
  • Retesting of initial findings
  • A final report with updated findings

Certifications our testers hold

CHFI

OSWA

OSWE

OSCP

OSED

OSCE

OSEP

CISSP

COMPTIA

CPENT

BSCP

CHFI

OSWA

OSWE

OSCP

OSED

OSCE

OSEP

CISSP

COMPTIA

CPENT

BSCP

CHFI

OSWA

OSWE

OSCP

OSED

OSCE

OSEP

CISSP

COMPTIA

CPENT

BSCP

Have a question?

We can help.

Why is an API Penetration Test important?

Poorly secured APIs allow attackers to exploit not only the API itself, but any and every application associated with it. Our goal is to find gaps before an internal or external hacker does, and report them to strengthen the API and prevent unauthorized access or data breaches across your systems and applications.

What does an API Penetration Test entail?

For each type of API endpoint, our security experts will fully review any documentation and examine all the requests, headers, and parameters. We will also consider your industry and gather additional information about infrastructure and the full software stack. While malicious actors can determine these details with enough time and energy, we request this level of detailed information specific about your environment because the more we know about your API methods, the better value we can give you on your API security testing engagement.

How long does an API Penetration Test take?

Almost all of our API Penetration Tests take approximately one week for initial testing. Upon notification of critical findings coupled with an executive presentation of initial findings, plus details for remediation, our team will execute a retest at no additional cost to you.

What is an API?

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a data exchange used by web applications to transfer information between systems. APIs are used by programmers in mobile applications and web applications.

Security with benefits

What our clients are saying about us

We went from zero to ISO 27001 and SOC 2, Type 2 in a much shorter time than anyone else was telling us. Rhymetec worked with me to get our organization the security certifications it needed and I will always be grateful for their professionalism and support because their help solved a very real business problem for us.

Agentnoon

CTO & Cofounder

We went from zero to ISO 27001 and SOC 2, Type 2, in a much shorter time than anyone else was telling us. Rhymetec worked with me to get our organization the security certifications it needed and I will always be grateful for their professionalism and support because their help solved a very real business problem for us.

Tenjin

VP

Working with Rhymetec’s team is great. We use their vCISO program and work closely with a Cloud Compliance Analyst. The Rhymetec team is knowledgeable, responsive and flexible. It is like having an additional team member to handle security and technical issues.

ThinkIQ, Inc.

Director of Operations

Rhymetec did an amazing job and we sailed through our ISO 27001 audit and SOC2 audit. Our vCISO has been great to work with.

ContractSafe

President

We engaged with Rhymetec to complete our first ISO 27001 internal audit. They executed a very efficient engagement and helped us through the process. They produced quality deliverables within the timelines promised.

mTuitive Inc.

CISO

For any companies going through the SOC 2 compliance process, Rhymetec should be a required resource. They combine expert knowledge with a low-effort service model that doesn’t tie up our team’s capacity. I’d recommend Rhymetec to anyone.

Cartful

CEO

Rhymetec has been an absolute lifesaver. Not only is our vCISO super knowledgeable about all things SOC2, but was an absolute delight to work with. There is no way we would have reached this point without our vCISO and Rhymetec’s help.

D3Clarity, Inc.

Operations Associate

The testing was very thorough and complete. Communication and feedback afterwards was easy to understand and very fast. We were able to quickly identify and fix all the issues that were brought up and the team was able to verify the fixes without issue.

Graphium Health

Senior Application Architect

I appreciated how easy it was to schedule the internal audit, and how my Rhymetec compliance analyst helped me understand what I needed to do to prepare for both their internal audit and also our subsequent external audits.

Duolingo

Senior Security Risk Program Manager

Rhymetec was very professional and helpful. They made it easy to schedule the ISO Internal Audit, the response was clear and helpful. I’ll definitely be working with them again in the future.

PlaybookUX

CEO

The team at Rhymetec was incredibly easy to work with from start to finish. They were able to accommodate our extended Penetration Testing schedule for remediation and retesting. And the ability to communicate directly with the testers via Slack was a time saver and enormously helpful.

Fond Technologies, Inc.

Principal Software Architect

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