Signando REST vs. nginx
Real API security, not just a reverse proxy. Why nginx alone isn't enough to protect your REST APIs from modern attacks.
Why Teams Switch to Signando REST
OpenAPI-Based Validation
Signando REST validates every request and response against your OpenAPI specification. nginx can only do basic routing and simple rules - no schema validation.
Bidirectional Security
Not just incoming requests, but also backend responses are validated. Protection against data exfiltration even with a compromised backend.
4-Stage Network Isolation
Physical separation between security domains through 4 separate NATS instances. nginx offers no real process isolation.
Deep Injection Detection
Detection of SQL, NoSQL, XSS, LDAP, Template, and Command Injection in all request parts. nginx ModSecurity is rule-based and easily bypassed.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Signando REST | nginx (+ ModSecurity) |
|---|---|---|
| OpenAPI Schema Validation | Full Support | Not Available |
| Response Validation | Full Support | Not Available |
| Network Isolation | 4 NATS Instances | Single Process |
| Memory Safety | 100% Rust | C (Buffer Overflows) |
| Compliance-Ready | ISO 27001, KRITIS, NIS2 | Manual |
The Problem with nginx as API Gateway
Blocklist vs. Allowlist
nginx/ModSecurity works with blocklists - known attack patterns are blocked. Signando REST works with allowlists - only explicitly permitted requests pass through.
No Schema Knowledge
nginx doesn't understand your API. It can't know that an email field should only contain email addresses or that isAdmin shouldn't be in the request.
No Response Checking
If your backend gets compromised and leaks sensitive data, nginx won't notice. Signando REST blocks non-conforming responses.
Ready for Real API Security?
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