What is the process for obtaining an API Key in order to access a service prior to authorization?

Alright, I have this app.

It's a versatile one - can run on mobile devices or JavaScript platforms. Works across Windows, Apple, and Android systems. The app comes equipped with a logging API that requires an API key for operation. Specifically, before any logs are made, the API key needs to be provided. One crucial log entry is for failed login attempts! This means the API key must be accessible before the user even logs in. But where should it be stored?

I know I can't simply place the API key within the app itself, such as in a settings file or directly in the source code, as all of that data is visible to the end-user. Also, using OAuth2 to fetch the key from a server is out of the question since the user hasn't been authenticated yet, making it impossible to generate the necessary hash. Storing the key in the keychain won't work either, because ultimately the API key will still need to exist within the app bundle upon downloading in order to then store it in the keychain securely.

So, what's the solution? Where should I keep this vital API key?

javascriptandroidiphonesecuritymobile

Answer №1

It is possible to allow a client to make a secure request to a server for a generic API key without requiring user authentication. A simple (though not completely secure) method is to create a basic GET restful endpoint on your server (for example: http://www.example.com/api/key) where the response only includes the API key. Once this key is obtained, you can then explore ways to enhance its security.

For additional information and comparisons of various solutions, consider reading the following:

  • Securing private API keys in iOS applications

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