An AccessKey pair functions like a username and password but is used to call API operations of Alibaba Cloud services instead of logging on to a console. If you do not need to call API operations, an AccessKey pair is not required.
Background information
You can use an AccessKey pair to make API requests or use a cloud service SDK to manage your resources. An AccessKey pair consists of an AccessKey ID and an AccessKey secret.
-
The AccessKey ID identifies a user.
-
The AccessKey secret verifies the identity of the user. Keep your AccessKey secret confidential.
If the AccessKey pair of your Alibaba Cloud account is leaked, your resources are exposed to potential risks. We recommend that you use the AccessKey pair of a Resource Access Management (RAM) user to call API operations to minimize the risk of leaking the AccessKey pair of your Alibaba Cloud account.
For more information, see Create an AccessKey pair.