# Obtaining Access Keys (AK/SK)

When you call APIs, you need to use the AK and SK for authentication. To obtain the AK and SK, perform the following steps:

1. Log in to the console.
2. Hover the cursor over the username in the upper right corner and choose My Credentials from the drop-down list.
3. On the My Credentials page, click Manage Access Keys.
4. Click Add Access Key.
5. Enter the password for login.
6. Enter the authentication code your email received.
7. Click OK to download the access key file.

   Keep AKs and SKs properly to prevent information leakage.

Parent topic: Appendixes