Packt

Pentesting APIs

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

3 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

3 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Understand the role of APIs in modern applications and their security challenges

  • Set up a penetration testing environment for API security testing

  • Identify and exploit common API vulnerabilities through practical techniques

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Recently updated!

February 2026

Assessments

10 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

 logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

There are 10 modules in this course

In this section, we explore APIs, their types, protocols, and security principles, emphasizing their role in system integration and the risks of poor security practices.

What's included

2 videos6 readings1 assignment

In this section, we guide the setup of a secure penetration testing environment, focusing on tool selection, lab configuration, and repository usage for practical API testing.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

In this section, we explore API reconnaissance techniques, including enumeration, OSINT, and analyzing documentation to identify vulnerabilities and improve security practices.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

In this section, we cover API authentication and authorization testing, including weak credentials and access control issues.

What's included

1 video9 readings1 assignment

In this section, we explore injection vulnerabilities, testing SQL and NoSQL injection, and validating user input to enhance API security and prevent data breaches.

What's included

1 video8 readings1 assignment

In this section, we explore error handling in APIs, focusing on identifying error codes, fuzzing for vulnerabilities, and leveraging error responses for infrastructure analysis.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

In this section, we explore testing for DoS vulnerabilities, identifying rate-limiting mechanisms, and evaluating their effectiveness to enhance API resilience against malicious traffic.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

In this section, we explore identifying sensitive data exposure, testing for information leakage, and implementing prevention strategies in APIs to enhance security and reduce vulnerabilities.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

In this section, we examine API abuse and business logic testing, focusing on identifying vulnerabilities, simulating abuse scenarios, and implementing security measures to prevent exploitation.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

In this section, we explore secure coding practices for APIs, focusing on authentication, input validation, and encryption to prevent vulnerabilities and ensure data integrity.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

Instructor

Packt - Course Instructors
Packt
1,471 Courses 392,127 learners

Offered by

Packt

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Coursera Plus

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Frequently asked questions