Ultimate ASP.NET 5 Web API Development Guide - Section Overview - Securing Your Application

The video tutorial explores various methods to secure APIs, including network-level security, basic authentication, API key access, and JSON Web Tokens (JWT). It highlights the pros and cons of each method, emphasizing JWT as the current industry standard due to its efficiency and limited lifetime, which reduces potential damage from unauthorized access.

What is a major drawback of securing an API at the network level using IP whitelisting?

• It is suitable for public APIs.

• It provides high security for mobile users.

• It requires constant updates to IP lists.

• It is easy to manage.

What is a key disadvantage of using basic authentication for API security?

• It is difficult to implement.

• It requires frequent IP address changes.

• It adds system overhead with database calls.

• It does not require a username and password.

How does API key access differ from basic authentication?

• API keys can be easily spoofed if exposed.

• API keys are not encoded.

• API keys are more secure than basic authentication.

• API keys do not require verification.

What is a potential risk associated with API key access?

• API keys are not suitable for private APIs.

• API keys require frequent password changes.

• API keys can be used by unauthorized users if exposed.

• API keys are always encrypted.

What is a key feature of JSON Web Tokens (JWT) that enhances security?

• They include sensitive information.

• They are valid indefinitely.

• They have a limited lifetime.

• They require IP whitelisting.

Why are JSON Web Tokens considered the industry standard for API security?

• They include sensitive user information.

• They require frequent reissuance.

• They eliminate the need for database calls.

• They are easy to decode.

What should not be included in a JSON Web Token?

• Sensitive information

• Token expiration time

• Claims

• User ID