# API client accounts and how they work

You can use the application programming interface (API) of the SMC to run certain actions in the SMC remotely using an external application or script.

You must grant all API clients access to the SMC in the Management Client. You can define the API clients and their permissions using API Client elements. For more information on how to configure API Client elements in the Management Client, see the Forcepoint NGFW SMC API User Guide.