Secure AI: API and Dependency Risks

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Secure AI: API and Dependency Risks

This course is part of Agentic AI Development & Security Specialization

Instructor: LearningMate

Included with

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2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Implement security controls on AI service APIs and analyze dependency vulnerability reports to prioritize and execute remediation actions.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Shareable certificate

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This course is part of the Agentic AI Development & Security Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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There are 2 modules in this course

Secure AI: API and Dependency Risks is an intermediate course that moves you from developer to defender, teaching you the essential practices for building production-grade, secure AI.

You will learn to implement OWASP ASVS guidelines to harden API endpoints with critical controls like JWT authentication, input validation to prevent injection attacks, and rate limiting. Then, you will adopt an attacker’s mindset, using DAST tools like OWASP ZAP to verify your defenses are effective. Next, you will master the art of managing your software supply chain by analyzing dependency vulnerability reports, using the CVSS framework to prioritize real threats over noise, and formulating verified hotfix and rollback plans. Through hands-on labs simulating real-world security incidents, you will leave this course ready to build, deploy, and maintain resilient AI services that can withstand modern threats.

This module focuses on the defensive programming needed to secure the entry points to AI services. You will understand why securing API endpoints is non-negotiable and how the OWASP ASVS provides a framework for resilience. You will learn how to implement JWT authentication and rigorous input validation to protect against injection attacks. Finally, you will apply a DAST tool to verify that your security controls are effective. By the end, you will be able to secure an AI memory retrieval endpoint against common web-based attacks.

What's included

2 videos2 readings3 assignments

2 videos Total 8 minutes

JWT: Authentication and Access Control in AI Services 4 minutes
The Tester's Mindset: From Coder to Attacker 4 minutes

2 readings Total 12 minutes

Securing the Gates: The OWASP API Security Top 10 5 minutes
Input Validation: The Primary Defense Against Injection 7 minutes

3 assignments Total 35 minutes

Hands-On Learning (HOL): Implement Authentication and Validation Guards 10 minutes
Hands-On Learning (HOL): Verification with Dynamic Security Testing (DAST) 15 minutes
Response: Defending Against the Next Attack 10 minutes

The software supply chain, including AI frameworks like LangChain, is a critical vulnerability vector. This module moves you from defensive coding to systematic risk management. You will learn the "why" of continuous dependency monitoring, the "what" of interpreting a vulnerability report, and the "how" of using the CVSS framework to prioritize threats. Finally, you will apply this knowledge to formulate and execute a verified hotfix plan for a critical dependency, completing your journey from coder to security-aware developer.

What's included

2 videos2 readings2 assignments

2 videos Total 9 minutes

CVSS Explained: Technical Severity vs. Contextual Risk 5 minutes
Hotfix Strategy: Compatibility and Rollback Planning 4 minutes

2 readings Total 15 minutes

The Log4j Case Study: Anatomy of a Supply Chain Crisis 7 minutes
The CVSS Framework: A Deeper Dive 8 minutes

2 assignments Total 25 minutes

Hands-On Learning (HOL): Scan Report Analysis: Spotting the Critical CVE in urllib3 10 minutes
Final Project: Security Portfolio and SecOps Defense 15 minutes

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Instructor

LearningMate

231 Courses 15,499 learners

Offered by

Coursera

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To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

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