350-201 Question 272
Single answerA cybersecurity analyst is tasked with securing API access for a web application that integrates with Cisco SecureX. The application must authenticate using a method that provides simplicity for small-scale systems while being harder to compromise than directly embedding credentials in the code. Which API authentication mechanism should the analyst choose?
- A
Basic authentication
- B
Custom token authentication
- C
API key authentication
- D
OAuth 2.0 authentication
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
API key authentication strikes a balance between simplicity and security, making it ideal for small-scale systems that need a straightforward method to authenticate API access. Unlike basic authentication, API keys do not require sending sensitive user credentials with each request, and they are easier to manage compared to custom tokens or OAuth 2.0 for smaller environments.
- A. Incorrect.
Basic authentication involves sending a username and password in each API request, which is less secure and not ideal for scenarios requiring better protection of credentials.
- B. Incorrect.
Custom token authentication involves generating a token for each session, which is more secure but adds complexity. It is typically used for larger-scale or highly customized systems.
- C. Correct.
API key authentication is a simple and effective method for small-scale systems, as it allows secure access without embedding sensitive credentials directly in the code. The API key acts as a unique identifier for the application.
- D. Incorrect.
OAuth 2.0 authentication is a robust and secure mechanism, but it is generally more complex to implement than API key authentication and may be unnecessary for small-scale systems.