API Authentication Best Practices for E-commerce Apps

When integrating product data APIs into your application, security should be a top priority. Here's how to handle API authentication properly.

API Key Management

Never Hardcode Keys This is the #1 mistake developers make: ```javascript // ❌ NEVER do this const API_KEY = "sk_live_abc123xyz";

// ✅ Use environment variables const API_KEY = process.env.ECOMSOURCE_API_KEY; ```

Use Environment Variables Store API keys in environment variables, not in your codebase. Use `.env` files for local development and your platform's secrets manager for production.

Rotate Keys Regularly Set a reminder to rotate your API keys every 90 days. EcomSource's dashboard lets you create new keys and revoke old ones without downtime.

Server-Side Only

Never Expose Keys in Frontend Code API keys should only be used in server-side code. If you're building a client-side application:

Client → Your Backend → EcomSource API

Your backend acts as a proxy, keeping the API key secure.

Rate Limiting Your Own API

• Implement your own rate limiting to prevent abuse
• Use API keys or JWT tokens for your users
• Monitor usage per user to detect anomalies

HTTPS Always

Always use HTTPS when calling APIs. This encrypts your API key in transit and prevents man-in-the-middle attacks.

Key Scoping

If EcomSource offers key scoping (read-only keys, restricted endpoints), use the minimum permissions required for each integration.

Monitoring & Alerts

• Set up alerts for unusual API usage patterns
• Monitor for failed authentication attempts
• Track API key usage by environment (dev/staging/prod)
• Review access logs regularly