If a client is creating a new microservice for retrieving missed events, what authentication advice should you provide?

When developing a microservice for retrieving missed events, keeping the API key in a secret management service is the most secure approach. This practice protects sensitive information and ensures that your keys are not exposed in your source code, where they could be misused or compromised.

Secret management services provide a secure way to store, access, and manage credentials, such as API keys, by allowing controlled access based on permissions. Using these services also enables better auditing and monitoring capabilities for credential usage, which adds an additional layer of security. By keeping the API keys out of your codebase and securely managing them, you reduce the risk of unintentional leaks and maintain a stronger security posture for your microservice.

Opting for less secure methods, such as storing API keys in the source code or prioritizing speed over security, can lead to vulnerabilities and should be avoided. Similarly, using a public API for external access without proper authentication undermines the security of the service and can expose sensitive data. Therefore, utilizing a secret management service is the best practice for safeguarding API keys.