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Is API key same as private key?
An API key simply identifies you. If there is a public/private distinction, then the public key is one that you can distribute to others, to allow them to get some subset of information about you from the api. The private key is for your use only, and provides access to all of your data.
Should API keys be private?
If you’re building a GCP application, see using API keys for GCP. When you use API keys in your Google Cloud Platform (GCP) applications, take care to keep them secure. Publicly exposing your credentials can result in your account being compromised, which could lead to unexpected charges on your account.
How do I secure my API credentials?
To help keep your API keys secure, follow these best practices:
- Do not embed API keys directly in code.
- Do not store API keys in files inside your application’s source tree.
- Set up application and API key restrictions.
- Delete unneeded API keys to minimize exposure to attacks.
- Regenerate your API keys periodically.
When should I use OAuth or API key?
Use API keys if you expect developers to build internal applications that don’t need to access more than a single user’s data. Use OAuth access tokens if you want users to easily provide authorization to applications without needing to share private data or dig through developer documentation.
Is API key unique?
An application programming interface key (API key) is a unique identifier used to authenticate a user, developer, or calling program to an API. However, they are typically used to authenticate a project with the API rather than a human user. Different platforms may implement and use API keys in different ways.
What is API secret key?
The API Key and API Key Secret are essentially software-level credentials that allow a program to access your account without the need for providing your actual username and password to the software. These values can be used to access all of your account data and should be treated the same as a username and password.
How do I protect my gateway API?
You can protect your API using strategies like generating SSL certificates, configuring a web application firewall, setting throttling limits, and only allowing access to your API from a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC).