Atlassian tools like Jira are at the heart of modern project management, ITSM, and enterprise collaboration. Many of these workflows rely on REST APIs to automate repetitive tasks, sync data across systems, and deliver insights.
Historically, the easiest way to access these APIs was through Basic Authentication (email address + API token). But with Atlassian enforcing API token expiration and strongly recommending secure alternatives like OAuth 2.0 and JWT, organizations that continue to rely on Basic Auth will face growing security and operational risks.
What is Basic Auth in the Atlassian Ecosystem?
Basic Auth is a simple mechanism that passes credentials (an email address and API token) in every API request header. It has been widely used to:
- Automate user and project management tasks
- Fetch data for custom reports or dashboards
- Connect Jira to other business applications
While convenient, Basic Auth relies on static credentials that are difficult to manage securely at scale. And from 2025, Atlassian will enforce token lifecycles and expiration, meaning these credentials will no longer work indefinitely.
Atlassian’s Current Authentication Landscape
Atlassian has already deprecated password-based API access and recommends:
- OAuth 2.0 (3LO, 2LO): Scoped, revocable tokens for secure, modern API access.
- JWT (JSON Web Token): Signed requests for installed apps and integrations.
- API Keys (for service-to-service use cases): Designed for controlled, auditable access.
How miniOrange’s Enhanced API Authentication App Helps
miniOrange’s Enhanced API Authentication for Jira (Cloud) makes this transition simple, replacing Basic Auth with secure, manageable, and auditable authentication options.
Key Features:
API Key Management
- Generate, rotate, and revoke keys directly in Jira
- Assign keys to specific users or use cases for traceability
- Configure automatic key expiration to meet security policies
OAuth 2.0 Support
- Supports Authorization Code and Client Credentials grant types
- Automatically handles refresh tokens for uninterrupted access
- Allows fine-grained API scopes for least-privilege access
JWT Authentication
- Accepts signed JWT tokens for secure, verifiable API requests
- Fully compatible with Atlassian Connect apps and custom integrations
Granular Access Control
- Limit keys to specific projects or operations
- Enforce IP/domain restrictions for higher security
Comprehensive Audit Logs
- Track every API call, token use, and key activity
- Generate reports for compliance and incident investigations
Centralized Administration
- Unified dashboard for monitoring and managing API access
- Bulk key revocation during incidents
- Intuitive UI that saves administrators time
Benefits for Jira Admins, Security Teams, and Decision Makers
| Feature | Benefit to Audience |
|---|---|
| API Key Management | Simplifies lifecycle management, reducing risk of forgotten or overexposed tokens. |
| OAuth 2.0 & JWT Support | Provides a smooth, standards-based migration away from Basic Auth. |
| Granular Access Control | Ensures integrations only have the permissions they need, nothing more. |
| Audit Logging | Gives compliance teams clear visibility into API activity and access history. |
| Centralized Dashboard | Empowers Jira admins to quickly identify and resolve issues, improving uptime. |
| Key Expiry & Rotation | Aligns API access with security policies and reduces credential misuse. |
Migration Path: From Basic Auth to Secure APIs
- Audit Current Usage: Identify automations and integrations using Basic Auth.
- Select Authentication Method: Choose API Key, OAuth 2.0, or JWT based on the integration’s requirements.
- Configure miniOrange App: Create API keys or OAuth clients with appropriate scopes.
- Update Calls: Replace Basic Auth headers with new authentication tokens.
- Test and Validate: Confirm all integrations function as expected.
- Revoke Legacy Tokens: Clean up unused API tokens to reduce risk exposure.
miniOrange offers free setup assistance and support, helping teams transition without disruption.
Conclusion
Basic Auth is no longer a safe or sustainable way to authenticate with Atlassian APIs. The move toward token expiration, stronger security requirements, and compliance demands make it critical for organizations to adopt OAuth 2.0, JWT, or managed API keys. With miniOrange’s Enhanced API Authentication app, Jira administrators gain a secure, centralized way to manage API access, enforce best practices, and maintain operational continuity, all while staying ahead of Atlassian’s authentication changes.
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