# Authentication

> The Affiliate API uses HTTP Basic Authentication to authenticate requests.
> Each affiliate must use their own API Key and API Secret provided by the LeadsPedia customer they work with.

## Authentication Credentials
- **Username:** Affiliate API Key
- **Password:** Affiliate API Secret

## Making an Authenticated Request
Use HTTP Basic Authentication to include your credentials when making API requests.
**Example using cURL:**
```
curl --request GET \
  --user "YOUR_AFFILIATE_API_KEY:YOUR_AFFILIATE_API_SECRET" \
  "https://YOUR_API_ENDPOINT"
```
Your credentials are Base64-encoded and sent in the HTTP `Authorization` header.
```
Authorization: Basic <base64(API_KEY:API_SECRET)>
```
> [!WARNING] Keep your API Secret secure and never expose it in publicly accessible code or share it with unauthorized parties.