Which authentication method is considered inadequate for API Gateway access?

Basic authentication, when used as the sole method for API Gateway access, is considered inadequate due to its lack of security features and inherent vulnerabilities. Basic auth transmits credentials in a format that can be easily intercepted, particularly if not paired with HTTPS, making it susceptible to various attacks, such as credential stuffing and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Moreover, basic authentication does not incorporate any advanced mechanisms for handling session management, token expiration, or user context, which are essential for modern security protocols. In contrast, the other options—OAuth with client secret and client ID, API token management, and JWT—offer more secure methods for managing authentication by employing tokens that can be easily invalidated or refreshed, ensuring that access can be controlled more effectively without exposing user credentials directly.