What is one advantage of using OAuth 2.0 client credentials over API keys?

Using OAuth 2.0 client credentials presents a significant advantage in that client credentials do not need to be re-issued if tokens are compromised. In contrast to traditional API keys, which are typically static and may need to be regenerated if they are exposed or misused, OAuth 2.0 provides a token-based authentication method that facilitates the creation of short-lived access tokens. When these tokens are compromised, you can simply revoke or expire the individual token without impacting the overall application or client configuration, thus maintaining a certain level of security and flexibility.

This dynamic nature of token usage allows for improved security management practices, as you can implement token expiration policies and also refresh tokens for ongoing access without having to change the underlying client credentials. This feature leads to enhanced security, especially in environments where applications are frequently interacting with sensitive data or resources.

Consequently, OAuth 2.0 allows applications to operate more securely by managing less sensitive client credentials and employing a token-based system that can be revoked or refreshed, making it a more robust option than using static API keys.