What is an API key and why might it matter?¶
An API key is a credential or identifier that software includes in requests to an application programming interface (API). Depending on the provider, it may identify a project for quota and billing, authorize defined actions, or do both. Its meaning must be established from that service's model.
Read the key through the request it accompanied¶
A Northstar script sends a mapping request using key ID KEY-27. The provider associates the request with project MAP-14, applies its API and network restrictions, records usage and charges the project. The record does not automatically identify the person who ran the script.
Build the attribution chain¶
Preserve the key ID separately from the secret value; project/customer identifiers; creator and creation time; API, application and network restrictions; rotation, disablement and deletion history; request method, time, source and response; and script, deployment or repository evidence on the executing system.
A key found in a file shows that location contained the credential. It does not prove every request came from that device. Keys can be copied, embedded in several deployments or exposed in public code. Compare request patterns and restrictions with execution and administrator logs.
Google Cloud API-key distinction - checked 2 September 2026
Google Cloud currently distinguishes a standard API key, which associates a request with a project for billing and quota but does not authenticate a principal, from an authorization key bound to a service account. Preserve the exact key type and restrictions.
Treat a live key as sensitive: do not test, reproduce or transmit it unnecessarily. Record any defensive rotation or revocation because it changes both access and the audit trail.
The point to remember
An API key may identify a project, authorize a request or both. Establish its type and restrictions, then join provider usage to the executing software and host.
