When authority is cryptographic and scoped, static API keys become obsolete.
Authentication Method
Long-lived API keys
Key leakage
Signed requests
Storage Model
Stored in environment variables
Secrets exposed in logs, CI/CD, or memory
No stored secrets
Service Architecture
Shared across services
No attribution
Machines have unique cryptographic identities
Authorization Model
Key grants ambient authority
No intent verification
Scoped authority per request
Key Lifecycle
Manual rotation required
Difficult rotation
No rotation needed (no reusable secret)
Auditability
Key use not tied to intent
Cannot prove who approved what
Deterministic verification
"Machines become cryptographic identities, not secret holders."
When every request is signed, authority is explicit, scoped, and verifiable — not embedded in static secrets.
Last updated 5 days ago
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