Ray has introduced a token-based authentication system to enhance security within its framework, addressing a previously missing layer in its open-source offerings. This mechanism ensures that only requests with valid tokens are processed by Ray's internal and external services, thereby offering a secure, out-of-the-box experience without the need for complex setups or external identity systems. The unified token model secures communication across all Ray components and is transparent for developers, ensuring end-to-end protection. While some local communications remain exempt due to their trusted nature, the system provides comprehensive coverage across public and private APIs. Initially available as an opt-out feature to facilitate transition, token-based authentication is set to become the default in future Ray releases, marking a significant advancement in the project's security posture and aligning with a secure-by-default approach for distributed systems.