API Key-Based Authentication System

An API Key-Based Authentication System is a token-based stateless authentication system that can support API key authentication tasks through API key validation mechanisms.

• AKA: API Key Authentication, API Token Authentication System, Application Key Authentication System.
• Context:
  • It can typically generate API Key Tokens through API key generation algorithms using cryptographic random generators and unique identifiers.
  • It can typically validate API Key Requests through API key verification processes by checking API key existence, API key validity, and API key permissions.
  • It can typically manage API Key Lifecycles through API key management operations including API key creation, API key rotation, and API key revocation.
  • It can typically enforce API Key Access Controls through API key permission models defining resource access, operation scope, and rate limits.
  • It can typically implement API Key Storages through API key repositorys using encrypted storage, secure vaults, or key management services.
  • ...
  • It can often provide API Key Scope Definitions through API key authorization rules specifying endpoint access, method restrictions, and data filtering.
  • It can often enable API Key Usage Trackings through API key analytics systems monitoring request counts, usage patterns, and quota consumption.
  • It can often support API Key Delegations through API key inheritance mechanisms allowing sub-key generation and permission propagation.
  • It can often perform API Key Security Audits through API key monitoring systems detecting suspicious activity, key compromise, and policy violations.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Simple API Key-Based Authentication System to being a Complex API Key-Based Authentication System, depending on its API key authentication feature complexity.
  • It can range from being a Single-Key API Key-Based Authentication System to being a Multi-Key API Key-Based Authentication System, depending on its API key authentication key management.
  • It can range from being a Static API Key-Based Authentication System to being a Dynamic API Key-Based Authentication System, depending on its API key authentication rotation strategy.
  • It can range from being a Symmetric API Key-Based Authentication System to being an Asymmetric API Key-Based Authentication System, depending on its API key authentication cryptographic approach.
  • It can range from being a Centralized API Key-Based Authentication System to being a Distributed API Key-Based Authentication System, depending on its API key authentication architecture.
  • ...
  • It can integrate with API Gateway for API key validation at edge.
  • It can connect to Identity Provider for API key user association.
  • It can interface with Rate Limiting System for API key quota enforcement.
  • It can communicate with Audit Logging System for API key usage recording.
  • It can synchronize with Secret Management System for API key secure storage.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Platform API Key-Based Authentication Systems, such as:
    • Cloud Provider API Key-Based Authentication Systems, such as:
      • AWS API Key Authentication for AWS service access.
      • Google Cloud API Key Authentication for GCP resource access.
    • SaaS API Key-Based Authentication Systems, such as:
      • Stripe API Key Authentication for payment processing access.
      • SendGrid API Key Authentication for email service access.
  • Framework API Key-Based Authentication Systems, such as:
    • REST Framework API Key-Based Authentication Systems, such as:
      • Django REST Framework API Key Authentication for Django API access.
      • Express.js API Key Authentication for Node.js API access.
    • GraphQL API Key-Based Authentication Systems, such as:
      • Apollo Server API Key Authentication for GraphQL endpoint access.
      • Hasura API Key Authentication for GraphQL engine access.
  • Service API Key-Based Authentication Systems, such as:
    • Database API Key-Based Authentication Systems, such as:
      • MongoDB API Key Authentication for database cluster access.
      • Elasticsearch API Key Authentication for search cluster access.
    • Message Queue API Key-Based Authentication Systems, such as:
      • RabbitMQ API Key Authentication for message broker access.
      • Kafka API Key Authentication for streaming platform access.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • OAuth-Based Authentication System, which uses delegated authorization rather than direct API keys.
  • Certificate-Based Authentication System, which uses digital certificates rather than API key tokens.
  • Session-Based Authentication System, which maintains stateful sessions rather than stateless API keys.
• See: Authentication System, OAuth Access Delegation Standard, Application Programming Interface, Token-Based Authentication, API Security, Access Control System, Identity and Access Management.
• Reference(s):
  • https://www.gabormelli.com/RKB/Application_Programming_Interface_(API)
  • https://www.gabormelli.com/RKB/OAuth_Access_Delegation_Standard

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