What is api key

Application restrictions are based on the application type and specify which websites, IP addresses, or apps can use the API key. As you code API keys for your applications, be sure to give them the same level of protection as usernames and passwords. The keys should not be hard-coded into source code repositories.

This is particularly important for mobile app development since mobile apps are easily downloaded from publishing stores. API keys play a key role in making sure the connections between application services are valid and authorized. This includes authenticating both the end-user and the device using an application to make a call to another application for a specific service. Getting the coding right is critical for your business. API keys help you make sure customers can access the services and data they need to place orders but not gain access to any information they are not privileged to see.

The same holds true for your internal users. API keys help make sure they only see what they are supposed to see. Leveraging a lean and agile approach, 3Pillar delivers value-generating, digital solutions with specialized product strategy and management, user experience design, as well as software and data engineering expertise across mobile, cloud, and disruptive technologies.

Visit www. More Back. Closed APIs Ch. Blog Post. About our Parent Company 3Pillar Global builds breakthrough software products that power digital businesses. API keys cannot be used for secure authorization because they are not as secure as authentication tokens. Instead, they identify an application or project that calls an API.

API keys are generated by the project making a call but cannot be used to identify who created the project. Fortinet provides API security that protects organizations against data breaches and security attacks that target APIs. Fortinet also provides network access control NAC , a zero-trust network solution that enhances visibility into IoT devices accessing corporate networks.

Skip to content Skip to navigation Skip to footer. Contact Us. Project Identification. Project Authorization. API keys can be used for the following authentication purposes:. User Authentication. User Authorization. Security of API Keys. There are several common usages for API keys, including:. Block Anonymous Traffic.

Identifying usage patterns is crucial to spotting malicious activity or issues within the API. Filter Logs. Secure Authorization. Guides Support. Dev Guides. Place Search. Migration Guide. Policies and Terms. Creating API keys The API key is a unique identifier that authenticates requests associated with your project for usage and billing purposes. To create an API key: Console.