A letter from Nov 26, 2025

Dear FutureMe, I’m writing this to you from six months in the past, hoping you’re reading it with a sense of accomplishment and growth. Right now, I’m putting real effort into leveling up my API security skills, and I have set goals so I can see how far I will go My biggest intention is to build a solid, confident understanding of modern API security not just knowing the concepts, but being able to apply them instinctively. I want to truly master the fundamentals: authorization, authentication, token handling, encryption, input validation, rate limiting, and the real reasons behind each of these patterns. I have also set a goal to understand the OWASP API Security Top 10 inside and out not just memorizing it, but being able to spot each category in real-world systems. Broken object level authorization, business logic abuse, mass assignment, excessive data exposure these were areas where I want to be able to identify and prevent without hesitation. Another big goal is becoming hands on with tools and testing methods. I wante to be proficient with tools like Burp Suite for API testing, Postman advanced features, and automated scanning platforms. Hopefully by then I must have gotten comfortable with intercepting API calls, analyzing traffic, manipulating parameters, and thinking the way an attacker might. If I push myself, I might even have completed a few API-specific CTFs or labs. I also promised yourself that I will get better at secure API designnot just patching weaknesses after the fact. I want to be the kind of person who can read an API spec and immediately notice potential risks, someone who builds with security in mind from the very first draft. And don’t forget the ongoing learning goal. I hope I stay curious, even when life get busy. Most of all, I hope I stay motivated. API security isn’t always easy, but it’s meaningful, impactful work. I hope i stay patient with myself, pushed through the confusing parts, and celebrated the moments when things finally clicked. Keep growing. Keep learning.