Overview
1. What It Is
An API Token Service is a system or component that issues, validates, and manages access tokens for clients (users, apps, or other systems) to securely access APIs.
Instead of passing credentials each time, clients present a token — a short-lived credential — that proves their identity and permissions.
2. Key Functions
Token Issuance
Generates access tokens (and optionally refresh tokens) after verifying the client or user identity.
Token Validation
Ensures a token is authentic, not expired, and has valid permissions before allowing API access.
Token Revocation
Invalidates tokens manually or automatically (e.g., if a user logs out or a secret is compromised).
Scope & Permission Management
Defines what resources or APIs a token can access.
Auditing & Logging
Tracks token usage, expiry, and potential abuse for security and compliance.
3. Benefits
Increases API security (no password sharing)
Enables fine-grained access control via scopes/roles
Supports short-lived tokens (reduces breach risk)
Easy to revoke or rotate without impacting users
Scalable for multi-client or microservice environments
Last updated