> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ox.security/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ox.security/scan-and-analyze-with-ox/scanning/ox-cli-1/authenticating-ox-cli.md).

# Authenticating OX CLI

Before you can run scans with the OX CLI, authenticate the CLI using one of the supported authentication methods.

Choose the method that matches your workflow.

| Authentication method                                                                                              | Use when                                                                                                             | What it does                                                                                            |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [**OAuth**](/scan-and-analyze-with-ox/scanning/ox-cli-1/authenticating-ox-cli/connect-ox-cli-with-oauth.md)        | You want a modern sign-in flow and don't want to create or manage API keys.                                          | Authenticates the CLI through your OX account and stores authentication tokens for subsequent commands. |
| [**VibeSec**](/scan-and-analyze-with-ox/scanning/ox-cli-1/authenticating-ox-cli/connect-ox-cli-with-vibesec.md)    | You already use VibeSec in a supported IDE and want to run a single CLI scan without configuring the CLI separately. | Uses the authentication stored by the IDE for the current scan only.                                    |
| [**API key**](/scan-and-analyze-with-ox/scanning/ox-cli-1/authenticating-ox-cli/connect-ox-cli-with-an-api-key.md) | OAuth authentication isn't available or you prefer to authenticate with a static credential.                         | Stores an API key in the CLI configuration and uses it for subsequent commands.                         |


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