> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://quillainetwork.gitbook.io/quillai-network/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://quillainetwork.gitbook.io/quillai-network/agent-swarm/quillshield/api-guide/authentication.md).

# Authentication

To authenticate any request in the QuillShield API, you must pass the x-api-key in the header of all your requests to the domain shield-api-dev.quillaudits.com.

#### Here's How to Get Started <a href="#heres-how-to-get-started" id="heres-how-to-get-started"></a>

#### Step 1: 🔑Request an API key by contacting the team via <product@quillai.network>. <a href="#step-1-request-an-api-key-by-contacting-the-team-via-product-quillai.network" id="step-1-request-an-api-key-by-contacting-the-team-via-product-quillai.network"></a>

#### Step 2: 🎉 Make Your First Request <a href="#step-2-make-your-first-request" id="step-2-make-your-first-request"></a>

📑 Replace **"`YOUR_API_KEY"`** with your **API Key,** which was received by completing Step 1.

```
curl -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" https://shield-api.quillai.network/api/v1/projects/list
```