# Authentication

Our API is authenticated using the API key. To ensure the security of your data, **please do not share your API key with anyone.**

### How to get the API Key?

To generate an API key, begin by [registering for a BlockSec account](https://account.blocksec.com/signup?referer=https%3A%2F%2Fmetasleuth.io). Once registered, access the [APIs](https://metasleuth.io/settings?type=apis) panel in the ***Settings*** section to quickly get your API key.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you subscribed to the customized API service through our sales channel, please get in touch with your designated service contact to acquire the API key.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://2898049603-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F006bkKj8tjfSP1pG7iPf%2Fuploads%2F4TfOqf9BzRYvWo4z5SB5%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=9eb70767-a0c0-41db-a8bb-d22410a99a27" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### How to use the API Key

Include the "**API-KEY**" header in the HTTP Request Headers for each API request, and provide your API key as the value. See the following example.

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```sh
curl -L \
  -X POST \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  -H 'API-KEY:$API_KEY' \
  'https://aml.blocksec.com/address-label/api/v3/labels' \
  -d '{"chain_id":1,"address":"0x00d7e7409bfe09a736d3e993de9b87d0baa314d5"}'
```

{% endcode %}