Indeed API Security Guidelines

Protecting job seeker data is critical. This guide provides clear steps to secure your Indeed API integration while safeguarding sensitive information like resumes and employment histories. Here’s what you need to know:

• Use TLS 1.2+ and AES-256 encryption to secure data transmission and storage.
• Set up OAuth 2.0 with short-lived tokens and least-privilege access.
• Enforce rate limits (100 requests per minute) and validate inputs to prevent abuse.
• Conduct quarterly vulnerability scans and patch systems promptly.
• Stay compliant with GDPR, CCPA, and Indeed’s developer agreement.

Quick Start: Secure your API integration by following these steps:

1. Register your app in the Indeed developer console for OAuth 2.0 credentials.
2. Encrypt all data with AES-256 and rotate keys every 3 months.
3. Monitor API usage and deactivate unused tokens.
4. Notify Indeed within 24 hours of any security incidents and follow proper response protocols.

Indeed Simple OAuth API Example: python & requests-oauthlib

Indeed API Security Basics

Protecting job seeker data starts with establishing strong security measures. To meet the user-data protection goals discussed earlier, make sure to implement these essential protocols.

Data Protection Standards

• Use TLS 1.2 or higher for all API traffic to secure data in transit.
• Encrypt stored data with AES-256, ensuring robust data security.
• Mask sensitive information in logs and error messages to prevent exposure.

Security Requirements

• Validate all inputs using a strict JSON schema to prevent malformed data.
• Set up rate limiting at 100 requests per minute per token to control traffic.
• Conduct vulnerability scans every quarter and apply patches without delay.

Access Control Methods

• Use OAuth 2.0 with detailed scopes to manage access securely.
• Issue short-lived access tokens and rotate refresh tokens regularly.
• Assign roles with the least-privilege principle for each integration.

Once these measures are in place, the next section will guide you through integration practices step by step.

Secure API Integration Steps

Follow these four steps to securely integrate with the Indeed API: set up OAuth 2.0 credentials, implement detailed access controls, enforce encryption for data, and choose the right authentication methods. These steps will help ensure a secure and efficient implementation process.

OAuth 2.0 Setup

Start by registering your application in the Indeed developer console to get OAuth 2.0 credentials. Assign roles to access tokens based on the principle of least privilege, using the OAuth 2.0 scopes you've defined. Be sure to configure redirect URIs and state parameters to guard against cross-site request forgery attacks.

Access Control and Monitoring

Use role-based access control (RBAC) with detailed permissions to manage access. Keep an eye on API usage patterns and set up automated alerts for unusual activity. Regularly review access logs and deactivate tokens that are no longer in use.

Data Security Methods

Encrypt all data payloads using AES-256 encryption. Use secure practices for key management and rotate encryption keys every three months. Always validate incoming data against predefined schemas before processing it to ensure data integrity.

Authentication Options

Depending on your needs, choose between client credentials or authorization code flow. Use refresh token rotation and set suitable expiration times for tokens. For added security, enable multi-factor authentication for administrative access to API credentials.

Once these security measures are in place, make sure to review the legal requirements related to API use and data handling to stay compliant.

Legal Requirements

Ensuring a secure integration with Indeed involves not only technical safeguards but also strict adherence to their legal terms and incident protocols.

Developer Agreement Rules

Your processes must comply with Indeed’s data policies, including:

• Keeping user data for no more than 30 days after a job application is completed.
• Obtaining explicit user consent before accessing or transmitting personal data.
• Following GDPR and CCPA rules for all data handling activities.
• Staying within API rate limits (100 requests per minute) to avoid service interruptions.
• Documenting all data access and usage patterns for yearly compliance audits.

Security Incident Response

Use API usage alerts to activate your incident response plan. Here’s how to handle incidents effectively:

1. Detection and Reporting

• Notify Indeed of any security breaches within 24 hours by emailing developer@indeed.com.
• Record incident details in a standardized format.
• Keep all logs and system states relevant to the breach.

2. Immediate Actions

• Revoke compromised API credentials.
• Isolate any impacted systems.
• Begin assessing the situation within 2 hours of discovering the issue.

3. Resolution Steps

• Inform affected users within 48 hours of confirming the breach.
• Apply necessary security updates.
• Provide a detailed incident report, including:
  • Analysis of the root cause.
  • A timeline of events.
  • Steps taken to fix the issue.
  • Plans to prevent future occurrences.

Keep detailed audit logs of all security events for at least 12 months. This ensures thorough analysis and helps meet compliance requirements.

Platform Security Guide

Platform security goes beyond OAuth scopes and encryption keys, focusing on creating secure environments for all operations. It ensures comprehensive protection, covering API compliance, legal requirements, and beyond.

Protecting User Data

• Use AES-256 encryption to secure databases and file storage at rest.
• Perform quarterly audits of data access and review permissions regularly.
• Deploy automated tools to detect and mask sensitive information (PII) in logs.
• Design and update features with privacy principles embedded from the start.

Securing Tool Integrations

• Run automated security scans on all third-party scripts.
• Isolate external tools by sandboxing them in separate runtime environments.
• Conduct weekly scans to identify vulnerabilities in dependencies.
• Track tool access patterns to spot unusual activity.

These measures strengthen your overall security framework. They are particularly crucial for integrated tools like resume checkers and cover letter generators, which must meet the same stringent data protection standards as outlined earlier.

Summary

To keep your Indeed API integration secure, focus on these key actions:

• Use TLS 1.2+ and AES-256 encryption to protect data both during transfer and storage.
• Set up OAuth 2.0 with limited-access scopes and short-lived tokens for better control.
• Regularly validate inputs, apply request rate limits, and conduct quarterly vulnerability scans.
• Stay compliant with Indeed's developer agreement, GDPR/CCPA regulations, and required incident response timelines.
• Review platform tools and separate any third-party integrations to minimize risks.

These practices help safeguard API security for job platforms like scale.jobs, protect job seekers' trust, and ensure regulatory compliance.

FAQs