Top 10 API Security Testing Tools

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Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are integral to software development, enabling seamless communication between diverse systems. This interconnectedness introduces significant security challenges, as APIs can become prime targets for cyberattacks. Organizations are increasingly investing in API security testing tools to safeguard their digital assets. 

According to a recent report by Fortune Business Insights, the global API security testing tools market was valued at USD 836.4 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 9,655.1 million by 2032, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 31.4% during the forecast period. This surge underscores the critical importance of robust API security measures in the face of evolving cyber threats.

An Introduction to API Security Testing

API security testing is a critical process that involves systematically evaluating Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and preventing unauthorized access. As the backbone of modern software applications, APIs facilitate communication between different systems, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.

With the rapid proliferation of APIs in today’s digital landscape, the importance of comprehensive security testing has become paramount. This process encompasses a wide range of techniques and best practices designed to uncover weaknesses in authentication, authorization, input validation, and data encryption mechanisms

Why API Testing Tools are Essential

API testing tools play a crucial role in modern software development. Here’s why they are essential:

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Reduce overall testing costs through automation and early issue detection.
  • Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks, saving time and reducing manual effort.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Test various scenarios and edge cases more thoroughly than manual testing.
  • Early Bug Detection: Identify issues early in the development cycle, reducing costs and effort for fixes.
  • Continuous Integration: Seamlessly integrate with CI/CD pipelines for rapid feedback and quality assurance.
  • Scalability: Simulate heavy user traffic and stress test APIs under various load conditions.
  • Language Independence: Most tools support multiple programming languages and data formats like JSON and XML.
  • Security Testing: Uncover vulnerabilities and protect against malicious code and potential breaches.
  • Performance Optimization: Identify bottlenecks and improve API response times.
  • Consistency: Ensure reliable and repeatable test results across different iterations.

How Do API Security Testing Tools Work?

API Security Testing Tools employ various techniques to ensure the security and reliability of APIs. Following is an overview of how API security testing tools typically work:

1. Detection and Analysis

API security testing tools begin by detecting and analyzing the API endpoints. The process involves:

  • Scanning and enumerating API endpoints to identify potential vulnerabilities
  • Analyzing API specifications, such as OpenAPI (formerly Swagger) or GraphQL schemas
  • Reviewing API documentation to understand expected inputs and outputs

2. Testing Methodologies

API security tools employ multiple testing methodologies to uncover vulnerabilities:

Dynamic Testing (DAST):

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is a key component of API security testing. It involves:

  • Sending various types of requests to the API while it’s running
  • Analyzing responses to identify security issues
  • Testing for vulnerabilities like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and broken authentication.

Static Analysis (SAST):

Static Analysis Security Testing (SAST) examines the API’s source code without executing it. Static Analysis method:

  • Identifies potential vulnerabilities in the code
  • Detects insecure coding practices
  • Flags the use of vulnerable libraries or dependencies

Fuzz Testing: 

Fuzz testing, or fuzzing, is an automated technique that:

  • Injects invalid, malformed, or unexpected inputs into the API
  • Attempts to cause crashes, memory leaks, or other unexpected behavior
  • Helps uncover hidden vulnerabilities and edge cases.

3. Vulnerability Assessment: 

API security testing tools assess various types of vulnerabilities, including:

  • Authentication and authorization flaws
  • Data validation issues
  • Improper error handling
  • Broken access control
  • Injection attacks
  • Security misconfigurations.

4. Reporting and Remediation: 

After completing the tests, these tools typically:

  • Generate detailed reports of identified vulnerabilities
  • Provide severity ratings and remediation recommendations
  • Offer integration with development workflows for easier bug tracking and fixing

5. Continuous Monitoring: 

Many API security testing tools offer continuous monitoring capabilities:

  • Regularly scanning APIs for new vulnerabilities
  • Alerting teams to changes in API behavior or newly introduced risks
  • Integrating with CI/CD pipelines for automated security checks.

6. Compliance Checking: 

API security testing tools often help ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations by:

  • Checking for adherence to security best practices
  • Verifying that APIs meet specific compliance requirements
  • Generating compliance reports for auditing purposes.

The Top 8 Security Testing Tools for 2025

Let’s now jump into our pick of the top 8 security testing tools for 2025:

1. BugDazz

BugDazz is a highly comprehensive API testing platform developed by SecureLayer7. The tool offers vast coverage, real-time results and easy remediation workflows with detailed reports.

Features

  • Automated API Discovery: BugDazz automates continuous API discovery, uncovering unknown, shadow, orphaned, and outdated APIs for comprehensive visibility.
  • Advanced Security Testing: Beyond addressing OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, BugDazz tests for rate limiting, JWT token security, session management, data validation, business logic flaws, data integrity, security headers, file upload security, OAuth, and more.
  • Integration Capabilities: The platform seamlessly integrates with various development and collaboration tools, allowing for streamlined workflows and efficient issue resolution.
  • Customizable Alerts and Notifications: BugDazz provides customizable triggers for generating alerts and notifications, ensuring timely responses to security incidents.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Users can leverage in-depth reports with contextual insights on API vulnerabilities and strategic patch recommendations to ensure application security.

Usability

BugDazz prioritizes usability with its intuitive interface and customizable features. It offers a user-friendly experience, empowering developers and security professionals to effectively manage and monitor APIs.

Integration Capabilities

BugDazz integrates seamlessly with popular development and collaboration platforms, including Slack, Jira, GitHub, and more. This ensures smooth integration into existing workflows, facilitating efficient issue resolution and collaboration.

Performance in API Security Testing

BugDazz excels in API security testing, providing comprehensive coverage and actionable insights into potential vulnerabilities. Its advanced testing capabilities and automated discovery ensure thorough security assessments, enhancing the overall security posture of applications and microservices.

Pros:

  • Intuitive interface tailored for agile development teams.
  • Automated vulnerability scanning and detailed reporting.
  • Integration with popular CI/CD pipelines.

Cons:

  • Limited support for niche frameworks.
  • High learning curve for manual testing features.

Price:

  • Pricing starts at $49/month per user, with a free trial available.

2. Astra Security

Astra is a comprehensive API security testing tool designed to provide automated and manual penetration testing capabilities. It offers a wide range of features tailored to identify and mitigate API vulnerabilities effectively.

Features

  • Astra offers automated scanning with over 9300 tests to uncover vulnerabilities in APIs.
  • It provides a user-friendly interface for ease of use, making it accessible to both developers and security professionals.
  • Astra integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines, allowing for continuous testing throughout the development lifecycle.
  • The tool generates compliance-specific reports, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards such as GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC2, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA.
  • Astra offers expert remediation assistance, guiding users through the process of fixing identified vulnerabilities.

Usability 

Astra’s intuitive interface makes it easy for users to navigate through the testing process. It offers detailed documentation and customer support to assist users in effectively leveraging its features.

Integration Capabilities 

Astra seamlessly integrates with popular DevOps tools, including Slack, GitLab, GitHub, Jira, Jenkins, and more. This allows for efficient collaboration and workflow integration within development teams.

Performance in API Security Testing 

Astra excels in API security testing, thanks to its extensive library of test cases and comprehensive scanning capabilities. It effectively identifies vulnerabilities and provides actionable insights to enhance the security posture of APIs.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive vulnerability scanning across web, mobile, and cloud platforms.
  • Excellent customer support with real-time assistance.
  • Detailed remediation steps provided in reports.

Cons:

  • Some advanced features are locked behind higher-tier plans.
  • May require frequent updates for the latest threats.

Price: 

  • Pricing starts at $99/month per website or application.

3. Intruder

Intruder is a dynamic application security testing (DAST) tool designed to identify vulnerabilities in APIs and web applications. It offers simplicity and automation, making it an ideal choice for developers and security professionals.

Features

  • Intruder’s fully informed API security scanning runs comprehensive scans against every endpoint listed in an API schema.
  • It offers dynamic application security testing (DAST) scanner, which is easy to integrate into CI/CD pipelines for early issue resolution.
  • Intruder provides actionable insights and recommendations to address identified vulnerabilities effectively.
  • The tool is designed to cater to customers looking to secure APIs, especially those with Single Page Applications (SPAs) who struggle with traditional application vulnerability scanning.

Usability

Intruder prioritizes simplicity in its design and usability, ensuring that users can easily set up and run security scans without extensive technical expertise.

Integration Capabilities

Intruder seamlessly integrates with CI/CD pipelines, bug tracking platforms like JIRA, and offers custom integration via JSON API. This allows for smooth integration into existing development workflows.

Performance in API Security Testing

Intruder is highly effective in API security testing, with its comprehensive scanning capabilities and actionable insights enabling users to identify and address vulnerabilities efficiently.

Pros:

  • Strong focus on automated vulnerability scanning for external threats.
  • Cloud-native design ideal for modern architectures.
  • Real-time threat updates from a robust database.

Cons:

  • Limited manual testing capabilities.
  • Slightly pricier for small-scale projects.

Price:

  • Plans start at $156/month for small businesses.

4. Probely

Probely is an API security testing tool designed to automate and scale security testing within software development processes and CI/CD pipelines. It offers a user-friendly interface and comprehensive scanning capabilities.

Features

  • Probely’s automated web app vulnerability scanner includes fully featured API scanning capabilities to detect vulnerabilities effectively.
  • The tool provides actionable advice on how to fix identified vulnerabilities, making it easy for developers to address security issues.
  • Probely offers dynamic authentication support, enabling it to scan authenticated APIs efficiently.
  • It provides seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines, facilitating continuous security testing throughout the development lifecycle.

Usability

Probely offers a user-friendly interface and intuitive workflows, allowing users to set up and run security scans with ease. Its detailed documentation and customer support further enhance usability.

Integration Capabilities

Probely integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines, enabling automated security testing as part of the development workflow. It also offers integration with bug tracking platforms like JIRA for efficient issue resolution.

Performance in API Security Testing 

Probely excels in API security testing, thanks to its comprehensive scanning capabilities and dynamic authentication support. It effectively identifies vulnerabilities and provides actionable recommendations for remediation.

Pros:

Specializes in API and web application security testing.

  • Offers actionable, developer-friendly insights.
  • Strong integration capabilities with DevOps tools.

Cons:

  • API-specific features require higher-tier plans.
  • Limited support for mobile platforms.

Price:

  • Basic plans start at $90/month, with enterprise pricing available on request.

5. Akto

Akto is an open-source API security testing tool known for its instant API penetration testing scanner with over 150 built-in test cases. It focuses on providing comprehensive security testing capabilities for APIs.

Features

  • Akto offers instant API penetration testing with a wide range of built-in test cases, covering various security vulnerabilities.
  • The tool provides support for scanning authenticated APIs, allowing users to assess security vulnerabilities in APIs that require authentication.
  • Akto’s simple integration extensions facilitate team and task management, enhancing collaboration within development teams.
  • It offers custom test case creation, allowing users to tailor tests to their specific requirements and use cases.

Usability 

Akto prioritizes simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible to both experienced security professionals and developers with limited security expertise.

Integration Capabilities 

Akto integrates seamlessly with popular development tools such as Burpsuite, AWS, Postman, GCP, and gateways. This allows for efficient integration into existing development workflows and environments.

Performance in API Security Testing 

Akto’s extensive library of built-in test cases and support for authenticated API scanning make it highly effective in identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities in APIs.

Pros:

  • Tailored for API security testing, with rapid scanning capabilities.
  • Offers real-time alerts and detailed insights into API vulnerabilities.
  • Minimal setup time with intuitive onboarding.

Cons:

  • Limited support for older, monolithic architectures.
  • API-centric focus may not meet broader application testing needs.

Price:

Pricing starts at $149/month for API testing.

6. APIsec

APIsec is a subscription-based API security testing tool that combines automated and AI-powered penetration testing to offer continuous security testing capabilities. It focuses on providing comprehensive API security testing services.

Features

  • APIsec offers subscription-based scanning for APIs with over 100 test categories, covering various security vulnerabilities.
  • The tool provides automated and AI-powered penetration testing capabilities, enabling continuous security testing throughout the development lifecycle.
  • APIsec’s customized attack vectors are based on the unique structure of each API, ensuring thorough and targeted testing.
  • It offers quick turnaround times on API scans and easy navigation, enhancing the user experience.

Usability 

APIsec prioritizes ease of use and accessibility, ensuring that users can set up and run security scans with minimal effort. Its intuitive interface and efficient workflows enhance usability.

Integration Capabilities 

APIsec integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines and offers integration with bug tracking platforms for efficient issue resolution. This allows for smooth integration into existing development workflows.

Performance in API Security Testing

APIsec excels in API security testing, thanks to its comprehensive scanning capabilities and AI-powered penetration testing. It effectively identifies vulnerabilities and provides actionable insights for remediation.

Pros:

  • AI-driven automation for API penetration testing.
  • Comprehensive analytics for API attack surfaces.
  • Scales well for enterprise use cases.

Cons:

  • Expensive for startups or small businesses.
  • Requires technical expertise for advanced configurations.

Price:

  • Starting at $200/month, with a custom quote for enterprise users.

7. AppCheck

AppCheck is an API vulnerability scanning tool known for its in-depth automated testing capabilities. It offers comprehensive security testing services for APIs, focusing on identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities effectively.

Features

  • AppCheck provides in-depth automated testing for APIs, including ad-hoc, scheduled, and continuous testing.
  • The tool offers full OWASP Top 10 vulnerability coverage, ensuring thorough testing of APIs for common security vulnerabilities.
  • It supports all forms of authentication via a scriptable browser interface, enhancing its compatibility with various authentication methods.
  • AppCheck integrates with bug tracking platforms like JIRA and offers custom integration via JSON API, facilitating efficient issue resolution.

Usability 

AppCheck prioritizes usability and accessibility, ensuring that users can set up and run security tests with ease. Its intuitive interface and detailed documentation further enhance usability.

Integration Capabilities 

AppCheck integrates seamlessly with bug tracking platforms like JIRA and offers custom integration via JSON API. This allows for efficient issue resolution and seamless integration into existing development workflows.

Performance in API Security Testing 

AppCheck excels in API security testing, thanks to its comprehensive testing capabilities and full OWASP Top 10 vulnerability coverage. It effectively identifies vulnerabilities and provides actionable insights for remediation.

Pros:

  • Focused on automated vulnerability scanning for websites and apps.
  • Excellent at detecting OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities.
  • Straightforward deployment with flexible reporting options.

Cons:

  • Limited customization for reports.
  • Slightly outdated UI compared to newer competitors.

Price:

  • Plans start at $150/month.

8. Firetail

Firetail is an enterprise-focused API security testing tool known for its comprehensive security testing capabilities and real-time inspection and blocking of malicious API calls. It offers advanced features for securing APIs in enterprise environments.

Features

  • Firetail provides real-time, inline inspection and blocking of malicious API calls, enhancing security in enterprise environments.
  • The tool offers flexible and configurable triggers for generating push notifications, allowing for proactive threat detection and response.
  • Firetail integrates with notification systems like email, Slack, and Teams, ensuring timely alerts and notifications for security incidents.
  • It provides a central API catalog for managing and monitoring organizational APIs, facilitating centralized security management.

Usability 

Firetail prioritizes usability and configurability, ensuring that users can effectively manage and monitor APIs in enterprise environments. Its intuitive interface and advanced features enhance usability.

Integration Capabilities 

Firetail integrates seamlessly with notification systems like email, Slack, and Teams, facilitating timely alerts and notifications for security incidents. It also offers integration with bug tracking platforms for efficient issue resolution.

Performance in API Security Testing 

Firetail excels in API security testing, particularly in enterprise environments, thanks to its advanced features for real-time inspection and blocking of malicious API calls. It effectively identifies and mitigates security vulnerabilities, enhancing the overall security posture of APIs.

Pros:

  • Offers cutting-edge AI to detect complex vulnerabilities.
  • Strong emphasis on secure coding practices.
  • Lightweight, with minimal impact on system resources.

Cons:

  • Less effective for large-scale enterprise testing.
  • Features for legacy systems are limited.

Price:

  • Pricing starts at $75/month, with advanced plans for teams available.

Benefits of  API security testing Tools  

API security testing tools offer numerous benefits to organizations looking to protect their APIs and the sensitive data they handle. Following are the key advantages of using these tools:

  • Enhanced Security Posture: API security testing tools help organizations identify and address vulnerabilities in their APIs before malicious actors can exploit them. By proactively detecting issues such as injection attacks, broken authentication, and improper access controls, these tools significantly reduce the risk of security breaches.
  • Improved Development Efficiency: Integrating API security testing into the development process allows teams to detect and fix vulnerabilities early in the software development lifecycle. 
  • Continuous Security Assurance: Many API security testing tools support integration with CI/CD pipelines, enabling continuous security testing throughout the development process. 
  • Comprehensive Coverage: API security testing tools can test various types of APIs, including REST, SOAP, and GraphQL. They can also handle different protocols and authentication methods, ensuring comprehensive coverage of an organization’s API ecosystem.
  • Automated Testing at Scale: These tools allow for the execution of multiple security test cases automatically, which is significantly faster and more thorough than manual testing. 

Features of a Good API Pentesting Tool

A good API pentesting tool is essential for identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring the security of your APIs. Following are the key features to look for in an effective API pentesting tool:

1. Vulnerability Detection: 

A robust API pentesting tool should be able to detect a wide range of vulnerabilities, including:

  • OWASP Top 10 API Security Risks: The tool should cover all vulnerabilities listed in the OWASP API Security Top 10.
  • Common API Vulnerabilities: This includes SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and broken authentication/authorization.

2. Protocol Support: 

The tool should support various API protocols, including:

  • REST
  • SOAP
  • GraphQL

3. CI/CD Integration

The ability to integrate with CI/CD pipelines is crucial for continuous security testing throughout the development lifecycle.

4. Automated Test Generation: 

Look for tools that can automatically generate test cases based on API specifications or schemas

5. User-Friendly Interface: 

The tool should have an intuitive interface that allows both security experts and developers to use it effectively.

6. Comprehensive Reporting: 

Detailed, actionable reports that highlight vulnerabilities and provide remediation guidance are essential.

Advanced Features

  • Fuzzing Capabilities: The tool should be able to perform fuzz testing to identify unexpected vulnerabilities.
  • Authentication Support: It should handle various authentication methods used by APIs, including OAuth and API keys
  • Custom Scripting: The ability to create custom scripts for unique testing scenarios is valuable for thorough penetration testing.

How To Choose The Best API Penetration Testing Tool?

Choosing the best API penetration testing tool is crucial for ensuring the security of your APIs. Following is the comprehensive guide to help you select the most suitable tool for your needs:

Prioritize Your Needs:

Before diving into the selection process, it’s essential to identify the specific requirements:

  • API Types and Protocols: Determine the types of APIs you’ll be testing (REST, SOAP, GraphQL) and ensure the tool supports them
  • Test Types: Identify the specific types of testing you require, such as functional, load, and security testing
  • Complexity and Scale: Consider the complexity and size of your API project to ensure the tool can accommodate them adequately

Analyze Professional Track Records:

When evaluating API penetration testing tools, consider their reputation and history:

  • Look for tools with a proven track record in identifying vulnerabilities and providing comprehensive security assessments.
  • Check for case studies, success stories, and client testimonials to gauge the tool’s effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Evaluate the Quality of Pentesters:

If the tool includes access to professional pentesters, assess their expertise:

  • Certifications: Look for tools backed by certified security professionals (e.g., CISSP, CEH, OSCP).
  • Experience: Consider the depth and breadth of experience the pentesters have in API security testing.

Ease of Use:

The usability of the tool is crucial for efficient testing:

  • User Interface: Look for tools with intuitive interfaces that allow for easy test creation and execution
  • Learning Curve: Consider tools that offer a minimal learning curve to facilitate quick adoption by your team 

Integration Capabilities:

The tool should seamlessly fit into your existing workflow:

  • CI/CD Integration: Look for tools that can integrate with your CI/CD pipeline for automated testing
  • Development Workflow: Ensure the tool can be easily incorporated into your development process
  • Third-Party Integrations: Check for compatibility with other tools and platforms you use, such as issue trackers or communication tools

Community Support:

A strong community can be invaluable for troubleshooting and knowledge sharing:

  • User Forums: Look for tools with active user communities where you can seek help and share experiences.
  • Regular Updates: Choose tools that are frequently updated to address new vulnerabilities and improve features
  • Open Source Options: Consider open-source tools that benefit from community contributions and scrutiny

Cost:

Balance the tool’s features with your budget constraints:

  • Pricing Models: Compare different pricing structures (e.g., subscription-based, per-test, or enterprise licensing)
  • ROI: Consider the long-term value and potential cost savings from improved security
  • Free Trials: Take advantage of free trials or demos to evaluate the tool’s effectiveness before committing

Proactively Address Security Threats With SecureLayer7

BugDazz is SecureLayer7’s latest offering to the world of penetration testing. Our team of pentesters have considerable experience in application pentests, enterprise pentests, Red Team assessments, cloud pentests, network pentests, IoT pentests and source code audits. 
More than 650 clients around the world have chosen to leverage SL7’s expertise in pentesting to proactively detect and address possible security threats before they lead to major breaches. Contact us now, and work with our certified security professionals to safeguard your IT infrastructure.

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