22.7 Security in API Gateway: Encryption and management of SSL/TLS certificates

Security is an essential aspect of backend application development, and when using Amazon's API Gateway, it is essential to understand how encryption and SSL/TLS certificate management work to ensure the security of data in transit. In this chapter, we will explore these aspects in detail.

22.7.1 Cryptography in API Gateway

Encryption is one of the main security mechanisms used to protect data in transit between the client and the server. Amazon API Gateway supports SSL/TLS transport encryption for data security between customers and API Gateway.

When a client sends a request to an API deployed in API Gateway, the service can encrypt the request data in transit to the backend. Likewise, when the backend responds, API Gateway can encrypt the response data in transit back to the client.

Transport encryption is enabled by default in API Gateway. However, you can configure the security level of the encryption by selecting one of the predefined security levels or by customizing the security settings to meet your specific needs.

22.7.2 SSL/TLS Certificate Management

SSL/TLS certificate management is another crucial aspect of API Gateway security. SSL/TLS certificates are used to authenticate the server's identity and to establish a secure connection between the client and the server.

When you create a custom domain for your API in API Gateway, you need to provide an SSL/TLS certificate for that domain. API Gateway uses this certificate to establish a secure connection with clients accessing your API through your custom domain.

You can manage your SSL/TLS certificates using AWS Certificate Manager (ACM). ACM makes it easy to obtain, store, and renew public and private SSL/TLS certificates. Additionally, ACM also allows you to import SSL/TLS certificates from other certificate authorities.

To add an SSL/TLS certificate to your custom domain in API Gateway, you must first request or import the certificate in ACM. You can then select the certificate when creating or updating the custom domain in API Gateway.

It is important to note that SSL/TLS certificates have an expiration date and need to be renewed before they expire. If a certificate expires, the secure connection between the client and the server cannot be established and the client will receive an error when trying to access your API. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the expiration date of your certificates and renew them in a timely manner.

22.7.3 Conclusion

In summary, API Gateway security involves encrypting data in transit and managing SSL/TLS certificates. Encryption protects data in transit between the client and server, while SSL/TLS certificates authenticate the server's identity and establish a secure connection between the client and server. By understanding and implementing these aspects of security, you can ensure the security of your API data and protect your applications from security threats.