Token-Aliased Closed-Loop Security: API Key Aliasing and Third-Party Payload Protection

We present a unified architecture for securing machine-to-machine communication throughcustomer-facing API key aliasing and cryptographic data payload protection. The systemreplaces long-lived API keys with short-lived, scope-bound, and revocable aliases,fundamentally limiting the blast radius of credential compromise. The framework supportszero-downtime key rotation through a dual-alias grace period mechanism and enforcesdevice-level binding for mobile applications. The architecture further introduces multi-identitypayload attestation and selective field-level encryption, protecting data in transit above thetransport layer. This paper presents the theoretical framework and architectural design. Fulltechnical specifications are outside the scope of this paper. These innovations are subject topending patent applications.

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Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-06-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20663396
Primary Topic
Cryptographic Implementations and Security
Type
preprint
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preprint

Token-Aliased Closed-Loop Security: API Key Aliasing and Third-Party Payload Protection

Duncan Ndungu Ndegwa
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Cryptographic Implementations and Security
preprint

Token-Aliased Closed-Loop Security: API Key Aliasing and Third-Party Payload Protection

Duncan Ndungu Ndegwa
preprint en

Abstract

We present a unified architecture for securing machine-to-machine communication throughcustomer-facing API key aliasing and cryptographic data payload protection. The systemreplaces long-lived API keys with short-lived, scope-bound, and revocable aliases,fundamentally limiting the blast radius of credential compromise. The framework supportszero-downtime key rotation through a dual-alias grace period mechanism and enforcesdevice-level binding for mobile applications. The architecture further introduces multi-identitypayload attestation and selective field-level encryption, protecting data in transit above thetransport layer. This paper presents the theoretical framework and architectural design. Fulltechnical specifications are outside the scope of this paper. These innovations are subject topending patent applications.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Centerforce (US)
Cryptographic Implementations and Security
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Token-Aliased Closed-Loop Security: API Key Aliasing and Third-Party Payload Protection — Duncan Ndungu Ndegwa · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS