# How to Get Your API Key

To use our services, you'll need to generate an API key. This key allows you to authenticate your requests to our API. Follow these steps to obtain your API key:

## Step 0: Create an Account (For New Users)

If you don't have an account yet, you'll need to register before you can generate an API key.

1. **Start the registration process**
   * Go to <https://account.sec1.io/create-new-account>
   * You'll be directed to the registration page
2. **Complete the registration process**
   * For detailed instructions on how to register, please refer to our [New Registration](https://docs.sec1.io/user-docs/2-integration-with-sec1/1-registration-login/2-new-registration)
   * Follow the steps outlined in the documentation to create and verify your account

Once your account is created and verified, proceed to Step 1.

## Step 1: Log in to your account

* Navigate to <https://accounts.sec1.io>
* Enter your credentials to log in

![Sec1 Login](https://307871102-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZPTNiztX3Ibw7jPbJaOR%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-56a7cd0ffcfa160d68ad013298cb6527c899f4c9%2Fsec1-login.png?alt=media)

## Step 2: Access your profile settings

* Once logged in, look for your profile icon in the upper right corner of the page
* Click on the profile icon to reveal a dropdown menu -> navigate to "Settings"

![Account Profile Menu](https://307871102-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZPTNiztX3Ibw7jPbJaOR%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-aca563cc4bb2a36579170e827e950af37b2f8ba1%2Fsec1-account-profile-settings-menu.png?alt=media)

## Step 3: Generate your API key

* On the settings page, look for the "API Key" section
* Click on the "Generate API Key" button
* Your new API key will be displayed on the screen

![Generate API Key](https://307871102-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZPTNiztX3Ibw7jPbJaOR%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f987ecda552c2c74a149afced9cdde8f8b50b036%2Fsec1-generate-api-key.png?alt=media)

## Step 4: Copy and secure your API key

* Copy the generated API key
* Store it in a secure location, such as a password manager
* **Important:** Do not share your API key with others or expose it in public repositories

## Using Your API Key

To use the API key in your requests to our services, include it in the `sec1-api-key` header of your HTTP requests. For example:

```
sec1-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY_HERE
```

Replace `YOUR_API_KEY_HERE` with the actual API key you generated.

## Security Best Practices

* Keep your API key confidential
* If you suspect your key has been compromised, generate a new one immediately
* Use environment variables or secure secret management systems to store your API key in your applications
* Regularly rotate your API key for enhanced security

If you have any issues creating an account, generating your API key, or need further assistance, please contact our support team at <support@sec1.io>.