How do you use API keys and tokens to manage and revoke access to your API?

API Keys are primarily used for server-to-server communication, such as integrating with third-party system. They identify the calling application or project making an API request, allowing for tracking of API usage and limiting access to authorized applications. API tokens, on the other hand, are used for user authentication and authorization. They can provide fine-grained access control based on user roles and permissions. Let's consider Banking API. Any apps built on top of the banking API, like UPI or digital payments, would use an API key to identify their application when making requests. End users of these apps would use their mobile number and OTP to generate an access token to make authorized calls based on their roles.

Think of API keys and tokens as the bouncers at the exclusive club that is your API. An API key is like a basic entry ticket—simple, easy to forge, and really just there to get you past the door. Tokens, on the other hand, are more like VIP wristbands, loaded with information like who you are, what you can do, and when your privileges expire. When managing access, you hand out these keys and tokens like candy to trusted clients, but always with an eye on who’s overindulging. If someone gets rowdy (or hacked), you can yank their access by revoking their token or invalidating their API key. Tools like OAuth or JWT help you manage these tokens, ensuring that even if someone sneaks in with a fake wristband, the bouncer kicks them out.

⭐ API keys: Passwords for apps! Unique identifiers that authenticate requests, allowing access to your API. Handle with care, as they don't discern users or roles. 🗝️ ⭐ Tokens: Temporary passports, issued after user authentication. Carrying roles, permissions, and user info, they're versatile! Two popular types: JWT (JSON Web Tokens): Compact, URL-safe, and self-contained. Carries claims and can be cryptographically signed 🔏. OAuth2 tokens: From OAuth2 authorization framework, they delegate access without sharing credentials 🙌. Use API keys and tokens to manage access to your API like a digital locksmith! 🔓

Both API keys and tokens are good starts to separate authentication and authorization concerns within different sections of a multi-app.

API keys and tokens are different types of credentials that authenticate and authorize requests to your API. An API key is a simple string that identifies the client or application that is making the request. An API token is a more complex string that encodes information such as the scope, expiration, and permissions of the request. Both API keys and tokens are usually passed as headers or query parameters in the HTTP request.

API keys tell the API which application is communicating. Tokens tell the API on behalf of which user this app is communicating.

API keys and tokens are crucial for secure and efficient API management: API Keys: - Authenticate server-to-server communications - Integrate with third-party systems - Enable rate limiting and usage tracking API Tokens: - Provide user authentication - Allow fine-grained access control - Grant temporary resource access - Manage user sessions across microservices Both offer: - Detailed monitoring and auditing - Easy revocation without system-wide changes

⭐ Authentication: API keys/tokens verify app/user identity, ensuring authorized access 🔐. ⭐ Rate limiting: Control traffic by assigning access levels to keys/tokens 🚦. ⭐ Traceability: Track usage to specific keys/tokens, aiding investigations 🔍. ⭐ Revocation: Revoke compromised/inactive keys/tokens with ease 💥. ⭐ Granular access: Tokens enable fine-grained permissions for specific resources 🔑. Harness the power of API keys and tokens to expertly manage access, ensuring security and balance in your digital dominion! 🌐🔒

This is way too generic. You should have a well-governed process and tooling in place to manage API keys, secrets, and tokens. Modern API platforms can manage keys and secrets, but it is often better to use an identity management provider. The last sentence of the paragraph is not accurate. Hashing, encryption, and signing are not, in and of themselves, ways to create and verify tokens.

⭐ Generating API keys: Typically, API management platforms or identity management providers handle key generation. When a developer requests access, a unique key is created for their API calls 🗝️. ⭐ Generating tokens: You'll need an authentication server supporting OAuth2, OpenID Connect, or a custom scheme. The (simplified) process: 1. User logs in with credentials 🔐. 2. Server verifies credentials 👍. 3. Server issues access token for API calls 🎟️. API keys and tokens equip you to skillfully oversee access to your digital assets, ensuring top-notch security and precise control in your API ecosystem! 🌐🔒

Managing API keys and tokens requires several best practices. 1. Secure Storage: Encrypt keys, use HSMs, avoid plaintext in repos 2. Access Control: Implement least privilege and RBAC 3. Key Rotation: Automate rotation, allowing transition periods 4. Monitoring: Log usage, alerts on suspicious activities 5. Revocation: Maintain a centralized revocation system, with real time checks 6. Expiration: Set appropriate expiration times, implement refresh mechanism 7. Distribution: Use secure channels, multi factor auth for retrieval 8. Versioning: Version keys, backward compatibility where necessary 9.Rate Limiting: Implement per-key rate limits 10. Support: Provide clear documentation/support/agreements, especially for commercial APIs.

⭐ Centralize management: Oversee key/token distribution and usage with API management platforms 🌐. ⭐ Assign roles & permissions: Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to define access levels for API keys/tokens, ensuring proper resource usage 🎚️. ⭐ Rotate keys/tokens: Update keys/tokens regularly, automating the process if possible 🔄. ⭐ Revoke when needed: Terminate access for compromised, expired, or unused keys/tokens promptly 🔚. ⭐ Monitor & audit: Track usage patterns, investigate anomalies, and conduct regular audits to ensure compliance 📊. Masterfully manage API keys and tokens to maintain a secure and well-organized API ecosystem, protecting your digital resources! 🔐🌳

Deleting API keys and tokens might be needed due to multiple reasons. Here is how to do it 1. Centralized Revocation System: Maintain DB of revoked tokens, with emergency mechanisms 2. Real time Checks: Use cache to verify against revocation list on each request 3. Immediate Invalidation: Remove key from DB and clear Cache 4. Cascading Revocation: Revoke all child tokens 5. Notification: Inform affected users/systems 6. Logging: Record all revocations for audit Best Practice: 1. Regularly Review and update 2. Secure Storage Examples: 1. API Key Revocation: Delete the API key from the database and clear the cache. 2. API Token Revocation: Update the token's status to "revoked" in the database and invalidate the token in the cache.

⭐ Centralized control: Employ API management platforms to revoke keys/tokens with a few clicks or API calls 🌐. ⭐ Expiration dates: Set predefined lifespans for keys/tokens to auto-revoke upon reaching their end-of-life 📅. ⭐ Leverage authentication servers: For tokens, use authentication servers that support token revocation features, like OAuth2's token revocation endpoint 🛑. ⭐ Manual intervention: In urgent situations, manually invalidate compromised or abused keys/tokens by updating backend systems 🔧. Revoking API keys and tokens skillfully ensures your digital assets remain secure, and your API ecosystem stays harmonious! 🛡️🎶

When naming tables, columns, and constraints in a relational database schema, adhere to consistency and clarity. Use descriptive, meaningful names that reflect the data’s purpose and avoid abbreviations that might be unclear. Employ singular names for tables and use a consistent naming convention, such as snake_case or camelCase, for columns and constraints. Ensure that names are unique within their context to avoid ambiguity. Prefix constraints with their type (e.g., pk_ for primary keys, fk_ for foreign keys) to clarify their role, and document naming conventions to maintain standardization across the database schema.