An application programming interface (API) key is a unique encrypted identifier that is used to identify an application or user. API keys are normally used to track and control connections and performance of how the system interface is being used; thus, it provides authentication in the calling of a program to another API to confirm a project is authorized for connection. The benefit of API keys is that it may prevent abuse or misuse of the APIs. API keys are an initial step in cloud API security by providing the connecting API with a password-like code with a defined set of access rights. Users with an Administrator role, which is the out-of-the-box role granted when the Kyndryl Bridge Services account is first created, can manage the API keys. Likewise, other users can also manage APIs if the access policies they are part of have the correspondent permissions. To understand which roles and permissions are required, see Roles and permissions.