Authentication basics in Elasticsearch - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is authentication in Elasticsearch?

Authentication in Elasticsearch is the process of verifying the identity of a user or system before allowing access to the cluster or its data.

beginner

Name two common authentication methods supported by Elasticsearch.

Elasticsearch commonly supports Basic Authentication (username and password) and API Key Authentication for verifying users or applications.

beginner

What is Basic Authentication in Elasticsearch?

Basic Authentication sends a username and password encoded in the HTTP header to verify the user’s identity.

intermediate

Why should you use HTTPS with Elasticsearch authentication?

Using HTTPS encrypts the data sent between client and server, protecting sensitive information like passwords from being intercepted.

intermediate

What is an API key in Elasticsearch authentication?

An API key is a token generated by Elasticsearch that allows clients to authenticate without sending username and password every time.

Which of the following is a common authentication method in Elasticsearch?

A SAML only

B OAuth 2.0

C Basic Authentication

D JWT only

Basic Authentication is a common method supported by Elasticsearch for verifying users.

What does Basic Authentication send in the HTTP header?

A Encrypted token

B Plain text password only

C API key only

D Username and password encoded

Basic Authentication sends the username and password encoded in the HTTP header.

Why is HTTPS recommended when using authentication in Elasticsearch?

A To speed up queries

B To encrypt data and protect credentials

C To reduce server load

D To allow anonymous access

HTTPS encrypts data, protecting sensitive information like passwords during transmission.

What is the purpose of an API key in Elasticsearch?

A To authenticate clients without sending username and password each time

B To encrypt data at rest

C To create user roles

D To monitor cluster health

API keys allow clients to authenticate securely without repeatedly sending username and password.

Which statement about Elasticsearch authentication is true?

A Authentication verifies user identity before access

B Authentication encrypts data stored in Elasticsearch

C Authentication is not needed for public clusters

D Authentication only works with API keys

Authentication is the process of verifying user identity before granting access.

Explain what authentication means in Elasticsearch and why it is important.

Think about how you prove who you are before entering a secure building.

Describe the difference between Basic Authentication and API key authentication in Elasticsearch.

Compare logging in with a password versus using a special access card.