Threat Modeling for APIs in microservices architectures: A practical framework
Ishva Jitendrakumar Kanani, Rashi Nimesh Kumar Dhenia · World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews · 2022
The rapid evolution of microservices and cloud-native architectures has made Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) a critical backbone for modern software systems. However, this shift also introduces complex security risks due to decentralized ownership, ephemeral service interactions, and increased external exposure. Threat modeling provides a structured and proactive approach to identifying and mitigating these risks before they manifest. This paper proposes a practical and adaptable framework for conducting API-centric threat modeling within microservices environments. It synthesizes established methodologies such as STRIDE and data flow diagrams (DFDs), integrates them with modern DevSecOps and Zero Trust principles, and aligns the framework with agile delivery processes. A real-world case study illustrates the application of this methodology to a Kubernetes-based retail platform, highlighting common risks and corresponding mitigations. The paper concludes with a call for continuous threat modeling, emphasizing its role as a living activity essential to securing distributed systems in 2022 and beyond.