APIs require robust authentication methods to secure the vast and varied data they handle, with authentication being essential to verify user identity and protect sensitive data. Various authentication patterns, such as standard API keys and application identifier and key pairs, are supported by platforms like 3Scale, which also allows for different authentication patterns per service. Moesif offers a plugin for capturing and analyzing API requests and responses within 3Scale, providing insights into user interactions and enabling real-time debugging. The flexibility in passing authentication credentials via HTTP headers or query parameters, along with the ability to fetch user-specific application context, enhances the security and usability of API services. Moesif's integration with 3Scale allows for detailed monitoring of API usage, helping to identify user behavior and potential product issues, while offering a user-centric monitoring approach with a free trial available.