Request signing is the cryptographic signing of an API request or message so the receiver can verify authenticity and detect tampering. It matters because APIs often need stronger trust in message integrity than transport security alone can provide.
What is Request Signing?
Signing commonly covers selected headers, timestamps, paths, and payload data. It helps prevent spoofing and tampering, especially in server-to-server integrations, webhooks, and high-trust automation flows.
What Request Signing Commonly Supports
Common uses include integration security, webhook protection, machine-to-machine trust, and sensitive API operations.
Request Signing vs. Unsigned Request Acceptance
Request signing gives the receiver a way to validate that the request was created by an expected party and not altered. Unsigned acceptance depends more heavily on surrounding context alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why sign API requests?
Because it strengthens trust in who sent the request and what exact content they intended.
Does HTTPS make request signing unnecessary?
No. HTTPS protects the transport path, while signing can provide stronger message-level trust and tamper evidence.
