> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://black-sheep-finance.gitbook.io/black-sheep-finance-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://black-sheep-finance.gitbook.io/black-sheep-finance-docs/getting-started/authentication.md).

# Authentication

Black Sheep uses **bearer API keys** for server-to-server requests and **email + Sign-in-with-Solana** for dashboard users.

## API keys

Every REST call and SDK call authenticates with:

```
Authorization: Bearer bs_live_...
```

### Creating a key

1. Open **Dashboard → Developers**.
2. Click **Create key**, give it a label (e.g. `research-bot prod`).
3. Copy the key. **It is shown once.** If you lose it, rotate it.

### Scoping

Each key is scoped to the **account** that created it. A key can read and act on every agent wallet in that account. If you need isolation between products, create separate accounts.

### Rotation

In **Dashboard → Developers**, click **Rotate** on the key. The old value stops working immediately. Deploy the new value before rotating in production.

### Storage

* **Never** commit keys to git.
* Store in your platform's secret manager (Vercel env, AWS Secrets Manager, Cloud Run, Doppler, etc.).
* Never put `BS_API_KEY` in a `VITE_*` variable or any client-bundled code — the key would leak to the browser.

## Dashboard authentication

The dashboard supports:

* Email + password
* Google OAuth
* **Sign-in-with-Solana** (SIWS) — connect a wallet, sign a challenge, no password

Sessions use httpOnly cookies and rotate on refresh.

## Webhooks

Webhooks are authenticated in the **opposite** direction — Black Sheep proves to *you* that the call is genuine by signing the body with HMAC-SHA256 using your endpoint secret. See [Signature verification](/black-sheep-finance-docs/webhooks/signatures.md).


---

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