A storage key is an authentication method that can be used to validate access for the storage service account to control data based on our prerequisites. We have an alternative to give a primary access key and a secondary access key. The main reason for using a secondary access key is to avoid downtime to the application or website.

In Microsoft Azure, a storage key refers to one of the two keys associated with a storage account. These keys are used for authentication and authorization when accessing data in Azure Storage services such as Blob storage, Table storage, Queue storage, and File storage. The storage keys act as a shared secret between the client (application or user) and the Azure Storage service.

There are two types of storage keys:

Primary Key: The primary key is the main access key associated with the storage account. It provides full access to the storage account, including the ability to read, write, and delete data.
Secondary Key: The secondary key is a backup key that can be used for access to the storage account. It is typically used for scenarios where the primary key needs to be rotated or replaced without causing a disruption in service.

To retrieve the storage keys for a storage account in the Azure portal, you can navigate to the storage account’s settings, and under the “Settings” section, you will find the “Access keys” option. There, you can view and regenerate both the primary and secondary keys.

It’s important to keep storage keys secure and to follow best practices, such as regularly rotating keys, to enhance the security of your Azure Storage accounts.