API Keys: what they are, how and when to use them

It is very common to use Application Programming Interface (API) when creating a software development services. They allow us to exchange and obtain information more comfortably between programs. Working with this type of resources allows us to have more security and reduce the volume of data, in addition to giving us the possibility of auditing access to a system. One of the essential elements for its operation are the API keys ( API Keys ).

When we integrate a platform with partners, one of the most important factors to ensure user security is authentication. With authentication using these keys we manage to prevent malicious uses of the APIs, having greater conviction that we will be in a more secure environment.

What is an API?

APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces in Spanish, allow us to access your data and functionality of our applications for third-party developers or business partners. In this way, each developer will be able to work on their solutions.

An API allows services and products to communicate with each other, in order to take advantage of all the information transmitted as resources for their functions when integrated with the system.

This happens through a documented interface, meaning developers don't necessarily need to know how the API is implemented. Its use is reduced to a request made and the response related to the information present in the API.

Today, many existing applications would not be possible without the use of APIs. They can also be used for monetization purposes through their resources.

What is an API Key?

API Keys are essential for the secure use of programming interfaces and serve to identify the user who is using the API.

When developing a web application, you don't want anonymous clients to have access to your features. Taking this into account, it is necessary to have an authentication token that guarantees the correct and secure identification of each user who makes API calls.

There are 3 ways to authenticate a web API:

1. JSON web tokens;

2. OAuth;

3. API key.

In our example below, we will use the first of the 3, JSON web tokens. In this case, we have a form of complexity that serves as a layer of protection between the transmitted information and the users. This allows the user making the request to be identified.

In OAuth we will have an advanced protocol that allows the correct and secure delegation of users in communication between systems. In this way, it is possible to identify when a third party can make calls on her behalf to a system where there is a record related to the user making the calls.

And finally, the API Key which in turn serves as a simplified form of authentication, providing secure access to a web API system. In this way, it will be possible to control access to an API key per system, regardless of the user making the call.

What is the API Key for?

The main use is to identify which application is making the interface request, this means that each project has a unique key to distinguish it from other custom software development services.

How do API Keys work?

As already mentioned, an API key allows the server to identify any application or developer making the access request. In addition, it allows us to define a set of access rights, providing greater control over the custom software development company in relation to who requests it. This allows some specific actions, such as prohibiting or allowing certain resources in the API.

The API Key is a unique identifier, usually encrypted in a long sequence of characters. This combination of letters and numbers works as a type of "secure password", which in addition to authenticating access to the server in question, provides your identification during the requested process.

A key contains more than 64 characters, which are generated randomly by systems that create universally unique identifiers, also known as GUIDs.

Below I will mention each stage of how an API Key works according to each step of the authentication and access control process to better understand how it works.

Access

The first step during an API request is to access the data being transmitted between systems. Each requester sends a unique identifier to the server that will be used to identify whether the person or project has the necessary rights to carry it out. If the server cannot identify and authenticate the requester, it will send an error response.

The main idea behind using an API Key is precisely to identify who communicates with the server to use the services it offers. Therefore, if the key used is a key that the server cannot identify, the services cannot be used.

Authorization

The next step for the requester to be authorized by the server is authorization, which will determine the rights and scope of the requester, defining exactly how the authenticated user will be able to use the services.

Rights

As mentioned, rights are precisely the resources available to each user of an API. Thus, if the key used has the necessary permission to access certain data, the requester will be able to read this information when performing a search. There is also the possibility of combining the applicant's rights such as reading and writing together.

In addition to the rights available to the requester, each API system has a global key that will not only allow the reading and writing of information, but also full access and control over the services and resources offered by an API, these rights are known as administrative rights.

Glad you are reading this. I’m Yokesh Shankar, the COO at Sparkout Tech, one of the primary founders of a highly creative space. I’m more associated with digital transformation solutions for global issues. Nurturing in Fintech, Supply chain, AR VR so