There are several tools that have been used to access API security. Depending on each organization’s needs, a certain tool can be the ideal option for one but not the other. Although the majority of these API security testing tools have free trials or versions, enterprise users will probably need to purchase licences or explore paid options. Nevertheless, it is advisable to test any tool out beforehand to evaluate how it performs for local development and security teams.
The Api security testing tools listed in this article are not ranked but otherwise listed in alphabetical order.
1. Apache JMeter
Apache JMeter is an open source Java application designed originally as a web application load tester.The ability of the Apache JMeter increased over time to test functional behavior and to measure performance on static and dynamic resources from any Windows, Linux or Mac OS.
Also, Apache JMeter requires no programming skills. It can effortlessly handle different types of applications, servers and protocols, and it also supports request chaining. An integration between JMeter and Jenkins enables admins to build API testing into CI/CD pipelines and to use JMeter for API monitoring.
2. Apigee
Apigee is an essential component of Google Cloud. It helps in the planning, creating, testing, deployment, and monitoring of APIs by allowing developers to monitor traffic, error rates, and response times. Through API proxies, which act as managed fronts for back-end services, Apigee is frequently used by companies working on complex, large-scale projects. Through API proxies, which serve as managed fronts for back-end services. Users expose their APIs on Apigee. These proxies disentangle the back-end services from the app-facing APIs allow the apps to continue calling the APIs uninterrupted even when the back-end code is modified.
Apigee customers can select from two options, which are SaaS ( Software as a Service) and hybrid options. In the hosted SaaS version, Apigee is in charge of maintaining the environment, while in the hybrid version combines a runtime layer that is installed locally or in a cloud provider with a management plane that runs in Apigee’s cloud. Although the hybrid approach restricts API traffic and data to the company, it may necessitate extensive configuration and customisation.
The number of users or individuals allowed on the API in any of the three available packages which are: Standard, Enterprise and Enterprise plus is limitless. However,higher tiers offer more Api calls, with the highest tier offering 12 billion calls annually.
3. Assertible
By using setup steps, which make it feasible to collect test variables from an HTTP request, it is possible to chain together several HTTP requests to test more complex scenarios, Assertible offers readymade assertions, including JSON schema validation and JSON Path data integrity checks, for simple and effective API testing and monitoring.
Any modifications to the API requirements, such as updates to answers, parameters, and headers, can be automatically synchronized with API tests using Assertible. It communicates with widely-known CI/CD platforms and services as well as collaboration and development tools like GitHub, Slack, PagerDuty, and Zapier. When used for API testing, the safe storage of tokens, passwords, and other sensitive data fields in encrypted variables improves security. This saves time because it usually takes a lot of work to maintain tests up to date. Consequently, after adding new parameters or changing an API response, developers are no longer required to manually update their tests.
4. Insomnia
From a Mac, Linux, or Windows desktop program, Insomnia can be used to create, organize, distribute, and carry out REST, Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), GraphQL, and gRPC requests. More than 12 different languages can be used to develop code with its help, and it has an integrated specification editor that enables users to quickly review changes without switching between apps or views.
For reuse across requests locally, globally, or inside a public or private environment, Insomnia supports the establishment and segregation of environment variables. With Insomnia’s test suite scripts, users can build unique API test flows, including chained queries. Although Insomnia’s code editor is rather straightforward, it does require some knowledge of coding. Users could incorporate automated Insomnia API tests into their CI/CD pipelines using Inso, the app’s command-line interface.
5. Karate
Mocking, performance testing, and automated API testing are all combined into one framework called Karate. Despite being implemented in Java, users are not required to have advanced programming skills. Karate uses behavior-driven development and Gherkin syntax (given-when-then) to write test scripts. Test definitions also provide the functional documentation for the API itself. Karate can be used with CI/CD tools.
Assertions for JSON and XML are already included, and tests can run simultaneously for quicker processing. Administrators can test end-user operations by using API call sequences. Tests can function as performance tests with Gatling, which verifies whether server responses are as expected under pressure.
When editing, the Karate debugger can go back and repeat a step, and UI testing can also be automated using API test scripts. Karate has a large user base, a ton of test cases, and comprehensive documentation.
Conclusion
In the world of API Security, there is no one size fits all. To test functional behavior and to measure performance on static and dynamic resources from any Windows, Linux or Mac OS, the Apache JMeter is your go to. For planning, creating, testing, deployment, and monitoring of APIs, you can always trust APigee to come through. While Assertible makes it easy to collect test variables and create group chains, Insomnia is used to execute REST and Karate for merging mocking, implementing, etc into a one frame work.
