We all know that APIs allow two separate software components to “talk” to each other by means of protocols and definitions. An API key is a unique piece of code that is sent from one application to another via a network, forming an essential part of digital security. Let’s take a look at how to authenticate your applications using API keys.
API keys enable you to authenticate an API application without making actual reference to an API user. How it works is the app is able to add the key to each API request, and the API then uses the key to make an identification of the application being made and subsequently authorize each request. Statistics, the limiting of rate, and other functions can also then be performed by this useful tool.
“Different APIs dictate how the key is sent on its path,” says Andrea Toms, a technical writer at Draftbeyond and Researchpapersuk. “Query parameters are sometimes used by the API, sometimes the authorize header will be utilized, and sometimes it will be the body parameters.”
How to create an API Key on Google Cloud
For those new to the API keys world, let’s walk through an example of how to create an API key on Google Cloud:
- Navigate via “Go” to the Google Cloud Platform Console.
- Using the project drop-down, click to select or create the project that you wish to add an API key to.
- Click on the “menu” button and find and select “APIs and Services > Credentials.”
- When you’re on the “Credentials page,” click on “Create credentials > API key.” This will show the API key created dialog and display the API key you have newly created.
- Click on “Close.” You will find your new API key listed on the page “Credentials,” found under API keys.
- Take note to activate the restriction of your API key before you make use of it. This also limits the ways in which an API key can be used, lessening the risk of the API key being compromised in any way by an outside party.
- Delete any API keys no longer in use to minimize your exposure to cyberattacks.
- Make sure to recreate your API keys at regular intervals to reduce the chance of them being stolen.
The addition of a key to an API request is relatively simple and can be understood by most users, but the API key does have its limits in that it can only identify the application, but not its user, and it is tricky for the API key to be kept a secret. It can be hidden by TLS and therefore restricted to the back end, but the keys can be discovered by others.
“Also, API keys are not standardized in any way. URL requests can find themselves appearing in logs, and there are safety issues around decompiling mobile apps. It’s notable that developers shouldn’t rely too heavily on APIs other than for statistics when it comes to identifying their clients,” says Dominic Trent, a business writer at Writinity.
Yet, you can specify the exact IP addresses of those wishing to make use of your API key, increasing its protection. This can also be done via the “Credentials” page, where in “Application Restrictions,” you can add an IP address in “Add an Item.” You are also able to restrict access to the API key to certain Android and iOS apps by also entering the details on the “Credentials” page. You can subsequently monitor long-running applications, providing you with all the data you need.
In the End
In conclusion, API keys are the way to have two components of software talk to each other and are relatively easy to create and use. API keys have an advantage over username and password “old school” techniques and, with careful use, are an invaluable tool for developers, providing an extra layer of security. Now, you’re ready to start creating some API keys! For a more intense deep dive into the world of authentication, check out this other Stoplight blog.
Author Bio
Melissa Smith is a Digital Marketing Manager at both Assignment Writing Service and Dissertation Writing Service and writes the blog on Gumessays.com. Melissa has more than ten years of professional experience including navigating the worlds of social media, content creation, and blog writing, a course she has chartered successfully.
