16.4 API Keys

Orbnetes deployment and release orchestration documentation for operators and platform teams.

API keys in profile

API keys allow non-browser automation to act on behalf of a user (subject to key/user permissions).

Typical model:

  • user generates key in profile,
  • key is shown once at creation,
  • key can have expiration (never or specific date/time),
  • key can be revoked/deleted.

Security principles:

  • treat API key like secret credential,
  • store only in secure secret managers,
  • do not paste into logs, tickets, or YAML files,
  • rotate regularly and revoke on suspicion.

Operational recommendations:

  • use separate keys per integration/service,
  • prefer short-lived keys where practical,
  • tag/document key ownership and purpose internally.