How to create Personal Access Tokens (PATs) from Azure DevOps?

To create a Personal Access Token (PAT) in Azure DevOps, follow these steps:

1. Sign In to Azure DevOps:
   • Navigate to your organization at https://dev.azure.com/{yourorganization}.
   • Enter your credentials to access your Azure DevOps account.
2. Access Personal Access Tokens:
   • Click on your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner of the Azure DevOps portal.
   • Select Personal access tokens from the dropdown menu.
3. Create a New Token:
   • Click on the + New Token button.
   • Provide a Name for the token to identify its purpose.
   • Select the Organization where the token will be used.
   • Set the Expiration date for the token. Choose a duration that aligns with your security requirements.
4. Define Scopes and Permissions:
   • Select the appropriate Scopes to specify the permissions for the token.
     • For example, to manage code repositories, select Code and choose the desired access level (e.g., Read, Write, Manage).
   • Ensure you grant only the necessary permissions to adhere to the principle of least privilege.
5. Create and Copy the Token:
   • After configuring the token, click on the Create button.
   • Once the token is generated, copy it immediately and store it securely.
     • Note: This is the only time the token will be displayed. If you lose it, you’ll need to create a new one.
6. Use the PAT for Authentication:
   • When accessing Azure DevOps services programmatically or via tools, use the PAT as the password.
   • For Git operations, you can use the PAT in place of your password when prompted.

Security Best Practices:

• Limit Scope: Assign the minimal necessary permissions to the PAT.
• Set Appropriate Expiration: Choose an expiration period that balances convenience and security.
• Secure Storage: Store the PAT in a secure location, such as a password manager.
• Regular Rotation: Periodically regenerate and update your PATs to enhance security.
• Revoke When Not Needed: If a PAT is no longer required, revoke it to prevent unauthorized access.