Which API component is important for managing authentication in the API Gateway?

Managing authentication in the API Gateway is crucial for maintaining security and ensuring that only authorized users and applications can access various services. The option focusing on API token management in the admin UI is particularly important because it allows administrators to effectively control and oversee the tokens that are issued to users or applications.

API token management involves creating, refreshing, and revoking tokens that serve as credentials for authentication. With an intuitive admin UI, administrators can monitor token usage, set expiration policies, and revoke access when necessary, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of the API ecosystem. This centralized management simplifies the task of maintaining secure access controls.

Other options present less effective approaches to authentication management. For instance, API key rotation is a good practice but focuses on managing the lifecycle of keys rather than the overall authentication strategy. Similarly, embedding secret keys in code is generally discouraged due to the security risks involved, such as exposing the keys to unauthorized personnel or processes. Disabling API access completely removes the ability to use the API, which is counterproductive in an access-controlled environment. Each of these alternatives lacks the comprehensive, manageable approach offered by dedicated API token management through an administrative interface.