Glossary: Virtualization and Cloud Basics

access key

Also written: access keys, key ID, secret access key, AKIA, AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID, AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY

A permanent login for the API made of two parts: a key ID (starting AKIA) and a secret. The secret signs each request and is never sent. Priya's keys keep working until someone deletes them, which is why a leaked key is dangerous.