API security

Client Credentials Flow

The client credentials flow is an OAuth pattern in which a client obtains an access token for its own technical identity rather than on behalf of an end user.

Definition

The client credentials flow is used when a machine or service needs to authenticate as itself to call a protected API. The authorization server issues a token tied to the client's technical identity and authorized perimeter, making it a core pattern for machine-to-machine access.

The Ariovis perspective

Tokens are part of an access architecture, not a substitute for identity governance or authorization. Their scope, lifetime, validation and revocation must match the risk of the API and user journey.

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