Best way to generate API key

[ramesh maredu]

Hi All,

Currently we have a web application, we want to extend the same for mobile, so we are planning to use a token to validate users to access API's, what is the best way to do it, I thought of using UUID generated based on user name, is it the right approach, how about using Oauth, could someone suggest.

Thanks,
Ramesh

[Winston Gutkowski]

ramesh maredu wrote:Currently we have a web application, we want to extend the same for mobile, so we are planning to use a token to validate users to access API's, what is the best way to do it, I thought of using UUID generated based on user name, is it the right approach, how about using Oauth, could someone suggest.

Well the main token-based security system that I know of is Kerberos (although it's been a while since I was in that line of business). What do you currently use, and why don't you think it would be any good for a mobile? I presume that any user is still going to have to enter a name/password somehow.

Winston

[ramesh maredu]

Currently we have web application built using struts 2, when user enters his credentials we fetch user information save it in session for further reference. Here cookies are used for session management, to continue using the same without any changes, cookie has to be set in mobile app every time when they invoke struts2 API which returns JSON response.

Well actual idea is to use RESTful API rather invoking web URL directly to get the response in JSON format, so same API can be used by web UI and mobile app, to check for API invoker identity I thought of using API key which is a UUID generated from his username and password.

[thomas brian]

I would use a completely random hex code. I would seriously avoid
hashing
the username & password, that leaves all your users vunerable to a
dictionary attack.