diff --git a/TODO-4.2.1.md b/TODO-4.2.1.md
index eda15e7..d1c2923 100644
--- a/TODO-4.2.1.md
+++ b/TODO-4.2.1.md
@@ -31,10 +31,20 @@
   - 68MB vs 79MB for full package
 - [ ] `stegasoo-api` - REST API package (needs auth overhaul first)
 
-## API Auth Work (blocking stegasoo-api)
-- [ ] Implement OAuth2 authentication
-- [ ] TLS 1.3 support with self-signed certificates
-- [ ] Figure out cert trust/distribution for clients
+## API Auth Work
+- [x] API key authentication (simpler than OAuth2 for personal use)
+  - `frontends/api/auth.py` - key generation, hashing, validation
+  - Keys stored in `~/.stegasoo/api_keys.json` (hashed)
+  - `X-API-Key` header for authentication
+  - Auth disabled when no keys configured
+- [x] TLS with self-signed certificates
+  - Auto-generates certs on first run
+  - CLI: `stegasoo api tls generate`
+  - Certs stored in `~/.stegasoo/certs/`
+- [x] CLI commands for API management
+  - `stegasoo api keys list/create/delete`
+  - `stegasoo api tls generate/info`
+  - `stegasoo api serve` (starts with TLS by default)
 
 ## API Documentation
 - [ ] Postman collection
diff --git a/aur/PKGBUILD b/aur/PKGBUILD
index 9a4bc29..242176c 100644
--- a/aur/PKGBUILD
+++ b/aur/PKGBUILD
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ EOF
 
     install -Dm644 /dev/stdin "$pkgdir/usr/lib/systemd/system/stegasoo-api.service" <<EOF
 [Unit]
-Description=Stegasoo REST API
+Description=Stegasoo REST API (HTTPS)
 After=network.target
 
 [Service]
@@ -106,7 +106,11 @@ Type=simple
 User=stegasoo
 WorkingDirectory=/opt/stegasoo/venv/lib/python${pyver}/site-packages/frontends/api
 Environment="PATH=/opt/stegasoo/venv/bin"
-ExecStart=/opt/stegasoo/venv/bin/uvicorn main:app --host 127.0.0.1 --port 8000
+Environment="HOME=/opt/stegasoo"
+# TLS enabled by default - certs auto-generated on first run
+# Use stegasoo api tls generate to pre-generate certs
+# Use stegasoo api keys create <name> to create API keys
+ExecStart=/opt/stegasoo/venv/bin/stegasoo api serve --host 127.0.0.1 --port 8000
 Restart=on-failure
 RestartSec=5
 
diff --git a/frontends/api/auth.py b/frontends/api/auth.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5cf1be3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/frontends/api/auth.py
@@ -0,0 +1,256 @@
+"""
+API Key Authentication for Stegasoo REST API.
+
+Provides simple API key authentication with hashed key storage.
+Keys can be stored in user config (~/.stegasoo/) or project config (./config/).
+
+Usage:
+    from .auth import require_api_key, get_api_key_status
+
+    @app.get("/protected")
+    async def protected_endpoint(api_key: str = Depends(require_api_key)):
+        return {"status": "authenticated"}
+"""
+
+import hashlib
+import json
+import os
+import secrets
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Optional
+
+from fastapi import Depends, HTTPException, Security
+from fastapi.security import APIKeyHeader
+
+# API key header name
+API_KEY_HEADER = APIKeyHeader(name="X-API-Key", auto_error=False)
+
+# Config locations
+USER_CONFIG_DIR = Path.home() / ".stegasoo"
+PROJECT_CONFIG_DIR = Path("./config")
+
+# Key file name
+API_KEYS_FILE = "api_keys.json"
+
+# Environment variable for API key (alternative to file)
+API_KEY_ENV_VAR = "STEGASOO_API_KEY"
+
+
+def _hash_key(key: str) -> str:
+    """Hash an API key for storage."""
+    return hashlib.sha256(key.encode()).hexdigest()
+
+
+def _get_keys_file(location: str = "user") -> Path:
+    """Get path to API keys file."""
+    if location == "project":
+        return PROJECT_CONFIG_DIR / API_KEYS_FILE
+    return USER_CONFIG_DIR / API_KEYS_FILE
+
+
+def _load_keys(location: str = "user") -> dict:
+    """Load API keys from config file."""
+    keys_file = _get_keys_file(location)
+    if keys_file.exists():
+        try:
+            with open(keys_file) as f:
+                return json.load(f)
+        except (json.JSONDecodeError, IOError):
+            return {"keys": [], "enabled": True}
+    return {"keys": [], "enabled": True}
+
+
+def _save_keys(data: dict, location: str = "user") -> None:
+    """Save API keys to config file."""
+    keys_file = _get_keys_file(location)
+    keys_file.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+
+    with open(keys_file, "w") as f:
+        json.dump(data, f, indent=2)
+
+    # Secure permissions (owner read/write only)
+    os.chmod(keys_file, 0o600)
+
+
+def generate_api_key() -> str:
+    """Generate a new API key."""
+    # Format: stegasoo_XXXX_XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
+    # 32 bytes = 256 bits of entropy
+    random_part = secrets.token_hex(16)
+    return f"stegasoo_{random_part[:4]}_{random_part[4:]}"
+
+
+def add_api_key(name: str, location: str = "user") -> str:
+    """
+    Generate and store a new API key.
+
+    Args:
+        name: Descriptive name for the key (e.g., "laptop", "automation")
+        location: "user" or "project"
+
+    Returns:
+        The generated API key (only shown once!)
+    """
+    key = generate_api_key()
+    key_hash = _hash_key(key)
+
+    data = _load_keys(location)
+
+    # Check for duplicate name
+    for existing in data["keys"]:
+        if existing["name"] == name:
+            raise ValueError(f"Key with name '{name}' already exists")
+
+    data["keys"].append({
+        "name": name,
+        "hash": key_hash,
+        "created": __import__("datetime").datetime.now().isoformat(),
+    })
+
+    _save_keys(data, location)
+
+    return key
+
+
+def remove_api_key(name: str, location: str = "user") -> bool:
+    """
+    Remove an API key by name.
+
+    Returns:
+        True if key was found and removed, False otherwise
+    """
+    data = _load_keys(location)
+    original_count = len(data["keys"])
+
+    data["keys"] = [k for k in data["keys"] if k["name"] != name]
+
+    if len(data["keys"]) < original_count:
+        _save_keys(data, location)
+        return True
+    return False
+
+
+def list_api_keys(location: str = "user") -> list[dict]:
+    """
+    List all API keys (names and creation dates, not actual keys).
+    """
+    data = _load_keys(location)
+    return [{"name": k["name"], "created": k.get("created", "unknown")} for k in data["keys"]]
+
+
+def set_auth_enabled(enabled: bool, location: str = "user") -> None:
+    """Enable or disable API key authentication."""
+    data = _load_keys(location)
+    data["enabled"] = enabled
+    _save_keys(data, location)
+
+
+def is_auth_enabled() -> bool:
+    """Check if API key authentication is enabled."""
+    # Check project config first, then user config
+    for location in ["project", "user"]:
+        data = _load_keys(location)
+        if "enabled" in data:
+            return data["enabled"]
+
+    # Default: enabled if any keys exist
+    return bool(get_all_key_hashes())
+
+
+def get_all_key_hashes() -> set[str]:
+    """Get all valid API key hashes from all sources."""
+    hashes = set()
+
+    # Check environment variable first
+    env_key = os.environ.get(API_KEY_ENV_VAR)
+    if env_key:
+        hashes.add(_hash_key(env_key))
+
+    # Check project and user configs
+    for location in ["project", "user"]:
+        data = _load_keys(location)
+        for key_entry in data.get("keys", []):
+            if "hash" in key_entry:
+                hashes.add(key_entry["hash"])
+
+    return hashes
+
+
+def validate_api_key(key: str) -> bool:
+    """Validate an API key against stored hashes."""
+    if not key:
+        return False
+
+    key_hash = _hash_key(key)
+    valid_hashes = get_all_key_hashes()
+
+    return key_hash in valid_hashes
+
+
+def get_api_key_status() -> dict:
+    """Get current API key authentication status."""
+    user_keys = list_api_keys("user")
+    project_keys = list_api_keys("project")
+    env_configured = bool(os.environ.get(API_KEY_ENV_VAR))
+
+    total_keys = len(user_keys) + len(project_keys) + (1 if env_configured else 0)
+
+    return {
+        "enabled": is_auth_enabled(),
+        "total_keys": total_keys,
+        "user_keys": len(user_keys),
+        "project_keys": len(project_keys),
+        "env_configured": env_configured,
+        "keys": {
+            "user": user_keys,
+            "project": project_keys,
+        }
+    }
+
+
+# FastAPI dependency for API key authentication
+async def require_api_key(api_key: Optional[str] = Security(API_KEY_HEADER)) -> str:
+    """
+    FastAPI dependency that requires a valid API key.
+
+    Usage:
+        @app.get("/protected")
+        async def endpoint(key: str = Depends(require_api_key)):
+            ...
+    """
+    # Check if auth is enabled
+    if not is_auth_enabled():
+        return "auth_disabled"
+
+    # No keys configured = auth disabled
+    if not get_all_key_hashes():
+        return "no_keys_configured"
+
+    # Validate the provided key
+    if not api_key:
+        raise HTTPException(
+            status_code=401,
+            detail="API key required. Provide X-API-Key header.",
+            headers={"WWW-Authenticate": "ApiKey"},
+        )
+
+    if not validate_api_key(api_key):
+        raise HTTPException(
+            status_code=403,
+            detail="Invalid API key.",
+        )
+
+    return api_key
+
+
+async def optional_api_key(api_key: Optional[str] = Security(API_KEY_HEADER)) -> Optional[str]:
+    """
+    FastAPI dependency that optionally validates API key.
+
+    Returns the key if valid, None if not provided or invalid.
+    Doesn't raise exceptions - useful for endpoints that work
+    with or without auth.
+    """
+    if api_key and validate_api_key(api_key):
+        return api_key
+    return None
diff --git a/frontends/api/main.py b/frontends/api/main.py
index c5b5742..e06937a 100644
--- a/frontends/api/main.py
+++ b/frontends/api/main.py
@@ -32,10 +32,31 @@ from functools import partial
 from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Literal
 
-from fastapi import FastAPI, File, Form, HTTPException, Query, UploadFile
+from fastapi import Depends, FastAPI, File, Form, HTTPException, Query, UploadFile
 from fastapi.responses import JSONResponse, Response
 from pydantic import BaseModel, Field
 
+# API Key Authentication
+try:
+    from .auth import (
+        require_api_key,
+        get_api_key_status,
+        add_api_key,
+        remove_api_key,
+        list_api_keys,
+        is_auth_enabled,
+    )
+except ImportError:
+    # When running directly (not as package)
+    from auth import (
+        require_api_key,
+        get_api_key_status,
+        add_api_key,
+        remove_api_key,
+        list_api_keys,
+        is_auth_enabled,
+    )
+
 # Add parent to path for development
 sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent / "src"))
 
@@ -357,6 +378,23 @@ class ChannelSetRequest(BaseModel):
     location: str = Field(default="user", description="'user' or 'project'")
 
 
+class AuthStatusResponse(BaseModel):
+    """Response for API key authentication status."""
+
+    enabled: bool = Field(description="Whether API key auth is enabled")
+    total_keys: int = Field(description="Total number of configured API keys")
+    user_keys: int = Field(description="Keys in user config")
+    project_keys: int = Field(description="Keys in project config")
+    env_configured: bool = Field(description="Whether env var key is set")
+
+
+class AuthKeyInfo(BaseModel):
+    """Info about a single API key (not the actual key)."""
+
+    name: str
+    created: str
+
+
 class ModesResponse(BaseModel):
     """Response showing available embedding modes."""
 
@@ -614,6 +652,7 @@ async def api_channel_status(
 
 @app.post("/channel/generate", response_model=ChannelGenerateResponse)
 async def api_channel_generate(
+    _: str = Depends(require_api_key),
     save: bool = Query(False, description="Save to user config"),
     save_project: bool = Query(False, description="Save to project config"),
 ):
@@ -652,7 +691,7 @@ async def api_channel_generate(
 
 
 @app.post("/channel/set")
-async def api_channel_set(request: ChannelSetRequest):
+async def api_channel_set(request: ChannelSetRequest, _: str = Depends(require_api_key)):
     """
     Set/save a channel key to config.
 
@@ -678,6 +717,7 @@ async def api_channel_set(request: ChannelSetRequest):
 
 @app.delete("/channel")
 async def api_channel_clear(
+    _: str = Depends(require_api_key),
     location: str = Query("user", description="'user', 'project', or 'all'")
 ):
     """
@@ -704,8 +744,98 @@ async def api_channel_clear(
     }
 
 
+# ============================================================================
+# ROUTES - AUTHENTICATION (v4.2.1)
+# ============================================================================
+
+
+@app.get("/auth/status", response_model=AuthStatusResponse)
+async def api_auth_status():
+    """
+    Get API key authentication status.
+
+    v4.2.1: New endpoint for auth status.
+    Returns whether auth is enabled and key counts.
+    """
+    status = get_api_key_status()
+    return AuthStatusResponse(
+        enabled=status["enabled"],
+        total_keys=status["total_keys"],
+        user_keys=status["user_keys"],
+        project_keys=status["project_keys"],
+        env_configured=status["env_configured"],
+    )
+
+
+@app.get("/auth/keys", response_model=list[AuthKeyInfo])
+async def api_auth_list_keys(
+    location: str = Query("user", description="'user' or 'project'"),
+    _: str = Depends(require_api_key),
+):
+    """
+    List configured API keys (names only, not actual keys).
+
+    v4.2.1: New endpoint for auth management.
+    Requires authentication.
+    """
+    if location not in ("user", "project"):
+        raise HTTPException(400, "location must be 'user' or 'project'")
+
+    keys = list_api_keys(location)
+    return [AuthKeyInfo(name=k["name"], created=k["created"]) for k in keys]
+
+
+@app.post("/auth/keys")
+async def api_auth_create_key(
+    name: str = Query(..., description="Name for the new API key"),
+    location: str = Query("user", description="'user' or 'project'"),
+    _: str = Depends(require_api_key),
+):
+    """
+    Create a new API key.
+
+    v4.2.1: New endpoint for auth management.
+    Returns the key ONCE - it cannot be retrieved again!
+    Requires authentication (or no keys configured yet).
+    """
+    if location not in ("user", "project"):
+        raise HTTPException(400, "location must be 'user' or 'project'")
+
+    try:
+        key = add_api_key(name, location)
+        return {
+            "success": True,
+            "name": name,
+            "key": key,
+            "warning": "Save this key now! It cannot be retrieved again.",
+        }
+    except ValueError as e:
+        raise HTTPException(400, str(e))
+
+
+@app.delete("/auth/keys")
+async def api_auth_delete_key(
+    name: str = Query(..., description="Name of key to delete"),
+    location: str = Query("user", description="'user' or 'project'"),
+    _: str = Depends(require_api_key),
+):
+    """
+    Delete an API key by name.
+
+    v4.2.1: New endpoint for auth management.
+    Requires authentication.
+    """
+    if location not in ("user", "project"):
+        raise HTTPException(400, "location must be 'user' or 'project'")
+
+    if remove_api_key(name, location):
+        return {"success": True, "deleted": name}
+    else:
+        raise HTTPException(404, f"Key '{name}' not found in {location} config")
+
+
 @app.post("/compare", response_model=CompareModesResponse)
-async def api_compare_modes(request: CompareModesRequest):
+async def api_compare_modes(request: CompareModesRequest, _: str = Depends(require_api_key)):
     """
     Compare LSB and DCT embedding modes for a carrier image.
 
@@ -763,7 +893,7 @@ async def api_compare_modes(request: CompareModesRequest):
 
 
 @app.post("/will-fit", response_model=WillFitResponse)
-async def api_will_fit(request: WillFitRequest):
+async def api_will_fit(request: WillFitRequest, _: str = Depends(require_api_key)):
     """
     Check if a payload of given size will fit in the carrier image.
 
@@ -799,6 +929,7 @@ async def api_will_fit(request: WillFitRequest):
 
 @app.post("/extract-key-from-qr", response_model=QrExtractResponse)
 async def api_extract_key_from_qr(
+    _: str = Depends(require_api_key),
     qr_image: UploadFile = File(..., description="QR code image containing RSA key")
 ):
     """
@@ -823,7 +954,7 @@ async def api_extract_key_from_qr(
 
 
 @app.post("/generate-key-qr", response_model=QrGenerateResponse)
-async def api_generate_key_qr(request: QrGenerateRequest):
+async def api_generate_key_qr(request: QrGenerateRequest, _: str = Depends(require_api_key)):
     """
     Generate QR code from an RSA private key.
 
@@ -873,7 +1004,7 @@ async def api_generate_key_qr(request: QrGenerateRequest):
 
 
 @app.post("/generate", response_model=GenerateResponse)
-async def api_generate(request: GenerateRequest):
+async def api_generate(request: GenerateRequest, _: str = Depends(require_api_key)):
     """
     Generate credentials for encoding/decoding.
 
@@ -955,7 +1086,7 @@ def _get_output_info(embed_mode: str, dct_output_format: str, dct_color_mode: st
 
 
 @app.post("/encode", response_model=EncodeResponse)
-async def api_encode(request: EncodeRequest):
+async def api_encode(request: EncodeRequest, _: str = Depends(require_api_key)):
     """
     Encode a text message into an image.
 
@@ -1027,7 +1158,7 @@ async def api_encode(request: EncodeRequest):
 
 
 @app.post("/encode/file", response_model=EncodeResponse)
-async def api_encode_file(request: EncodeFileRequest):
+async def api_encode_file(request: EncodeFileRequest, _: str = Depends(require_api_key)):
     """
     Encode a file into an image (JSON with base64).
 
@@ -1109,7 +1240,7 @@ async def api_encode_file(request: EncodeFileRequest):
 
 
 @app.post("/decode", response_model=DecodeResponse)
-async def api_decode(request: DecodeRequest):
+async def api_decode(request: DecodeRequest, _: str = Depends(require_api_key)):
     """
     Decode a message or file from a stego image.
 
@@ -1172,6 +1303,7 @@ async def api_decode(request: DecodeRequest):
 
 @app.post("/encode/multipart")
 async def api_encode_multipart(
+    _: str = Depends(require_api_key),
     passphrase: str = Form(..., description="Passphrase (v3.2.0: renamed from day_phrase)"),
     reference_photo: UploadFile = File(...),
     carrier: UploadFile = File(...),
@@ -1313,6 +1445,7 @@ async def api_encode_multipart(
 
 @app.post("/decode/multipart", response_model=DecodeResponse)
 async def api_decode_multipart(
+    _: str = Depends(require_api_key),
     passphrase: str = Form(..., description="Passphrase (v3.2.0: renamed from day_phrase)"),
     reference_photo: UploadFile = File(...),
     stego_image: UploadFile = File(...),
@@ -1418,6 +1551,7 @@ async def api_decode_multipart(
 
 @app.post("/image/info", response_model=ImageInfoResponse)
 async def api_image_info(
+    _: str = Depends(require_api_key),
     image: UploadFile = File(...),
     include_modes: bool = Query(True, description="Include capacity by mode (v3.0+)"),
 ):
diff --git a/src/stegasoo/cli.py b/src/stegasoo/cli.py
index c3d96c1..8a58caf 100644
--- a/src/stegasoo/cli.py
+++ b/src/stegasoo/cli.py
@@ -1668,6 +1668,286 @@ def admin_generate_key(show_qr):
     click.echo("go to Account > Recovery Key > Regenerate")
 
 
+# =============================================================================
+# API COMMANDS (REST API management)
+# =============================================================================
+
+
+@cli.group()
+@click.pass_context
+def api(ctx):
+    """REST API management commands."""
+    pass
+
+
+@api.group("keys")
+def api_keys():
+    """Manage API keys for authentication."""
+    pass
+
+
+@api_keys.command("list")
+@click.option("--location", type=click.Choice(["user", "project", "all"]), default="all",
+              help="Config location to list keys from")
+def api_keys_list(location):
+    """List configured API keys.
+
+    Shows key names and creation dates (not actual keys).
+
+    Examples:
+
+        stegasoo api keys list
+        stegasoo api keys list --location user
+    """
+    import sys
+    sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent / "frontends"))
+
+    try:
+        from api.auth import list_api_keys, get_api_key_status
+    except ImportError:
+        raise click.ClickException("API frontend not available")
+
+    status = get_api_key_status()
+
+    click.echo(f"\nAPI Key Authentication: {'Enabled' if status['enabled'] else 'Disabled'}")
+    click.echo(f"Total keys: {status['total_keys']}")
+    click.echo(f"Environment variable: {'Set' if status['env_configured'] else 'Not set'}")
+
+    locations = ["user", "project"] if location == "all" else [location]
+
+    for loc in locations:
+        keys = list_api_keys(loc)
+        click.echo(f"\n{loc.title()} keys ({len(keys)}):")
+        if keys:
+            for k in keys:
+                click.echo(f"  - {k['name']} (created: {k['created'][:10]})")
+        else:
+            click.echo("  (none)")
+
+
+@api_keys.command("create")
+@click.argument("name")
+@click.option("--location", type=click.Choice(["user", "project"]), default="user",
+              help="Where to store the key")
+def api_keys_create(name, location):
+    """Create a new API key.
+
+    The key is shown ONCE and cannot be retrieved again.
+    Save it immediately!
+
+    Examples:
+
+        stegasoo api keys create laptop
+        stegasoo api keys create automation --location project
+    """
+    import sys
+    sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent / "frontends"))
+
+    try:
+        from api.auth import add_api_key
+    except ImportError:
+        raise click.ClickException("API frontend not available")
+
+    try:
+        key = add_api_key(name, location)
+        click.echo(f"\nAPI Key created: {name}")
+        click.echo("─" * 60)
+        click.echo(f"  {key}")
+        click.echo("─" * 60)
+        click.echo("\nSave this key NOW! It cannot be retrieved again.")
+        click.echo(f"Stored in: {location} config")
+    except ValueError as e:
+        raise click.ClickException(str(e))
+
+
+@api_keys.command("delete")
+@click.argument("name")
+@click.option("--location", type=click.Choice(["user", "project"]), default="user",
+              help="Config location")
+def api_keys_delete(name, location):
+    """Delete an API key by name.
+
+    Examples:
+
+        stegasoo api keys delete laptop
+        stegasoo api keys delete automation --location project
+    """
+    import sys
+    sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent / "frontends"))
+
+    try:
+        from api.auth import remove_api_key
+    except ImportError:
+        raise click.ClickException("API frontend not available")
+
+    if remove_api_key(name, location):
+        click.echo(f"Deleted API key: {name}")
+    else:
+        raise click.ClickException(f"Key '{name}' not found in {location} config")
+
+
+@api.group("tls")
+def api_tls():
+    """Manage TLS certificates for HTTPS."""
+    pass
+
+
+@api_tls.command("generate")
+@click.option("--hostname", default="localhost", help="Server hostname for certificate")
+@click.option("--days", default=365, help="Certificate validity in days")
+@click.option("--output", "-o", type=click.Path(), help="Output directory (default: ~/.stegasoo/certs)")
+def api_tls_generate(hostname, days, output):
+    """Generate self-signed TLS certificate.
+
+    Creates a certificate valid for:
+    - The specified hostname
+    - localhost / 127.0.0.1
+    - hostname.local (for mDNS)
+    - All detected local network IPs
+
+    Examples:
+
+        stegasoo api tls generate
+        stegasoo api tls generate --hostname myserver --days 730
+        stegasoo api tls generate -o /etc/stegasoo/certs
+    """
+    import sys
+    sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent / "frontends"))
+
+    try:
+        from web.ssl_utils import generate_self_signed_cert, get_cert_paths
+    except ImportError:
+        raise click.ClickException("Web frontend not available (ssl_utils required)")
+
+    if output:
+        base_dir = Path(output)
+    else:
+        base_dir = Path.home() / ".stegasoo"
+
+    click.echo(f"Generating TLS certificate for: {hostname}")
+    click.echo(f"Validity: {days} days")
+
+    cert_path, key_path = generate_self_signed_cert(base_dir, hostname, days)
+
+    click.echo(f"\nCertificate: {cert_path}")
+    click.echo(f"Private Key: {key_path}")
+    click.echo("\nTo use with the API:")
+    click.echo(f"  uvicorn main:app --ssl-certfile {cert_path} --ssl-keyfile {key_path}")
+
+
+@api_tls.command("info")
+@click.option("--cert", "-c", type=click.Path(exists=True), help="Certificate file (default: ~/.stegasoo/certs/server.crt)")
+def api_tls_info(cert):
+    """Show information about a TLS certificate.
+
+    Examples:
+
+        stegasoo api tls info
+        stegasoo api tls info --cert /path/to/server.crt
+    """
+    from cryptography import x509
+    from cryptography.hazmat.primitives import serialization
+
+    if not cert:
+        cert = Path.home() / ".stegasoo" / "certs" / "server.crt"
+        if not cert.exists():
+            raise click.ClickException(f"No certificate found at {cert}. Generate one with: stegasoo api tls generate")
+
+    cert_data = Path(cert).read_bytes()
+    certificate = x509.load_pem_x509_certificate(cert_data)
+
+    click.echo(f"\nCertificate: {cert}")
+    click.echo("─" * 50)
+    click.echo(f"Subject: {certificate.subject.rfc4514_string()}")
+    click.echo(f"Issuer: {certificate.issuer.rfc4514_string()}")
+    click.echo(f"Serial: {certificate.serial_number}")
+    click.echo(f"Valid from: {certificate.not_valid_before_utc}")
+    click.echo(f"Valid until: {certificate.not_valid_after_utc}")
+
+    # Check expiry
+    import datetime
+    now = datetime.datetime.now(datetime.timezone.utc)
+    if certificate.not_valid_after_utc < now:
+        click.echo("\nStatus: EXPIRED")
+    elif certificate.not_valid_after_utc < now + datetime.timedelta(days=30):
+        days_left = (certificate.not_valid_after_utc - now).days
+        click.echo(f"\nStatus: Expires in {days_left} days (consider renewal)")
+    else:
+        days_left = (certificate.not_valid_after_utc - now).days
+        click.echo(f"\nStatus: Valid ({days_left} days remaining)")
+
+    # Show SANs
+    try:
+        san_ext = certificate.extensions.get_extension_for_class(x509.SubjectAlternativeName)
+        click.echo("\nSubject Alternative Names:")
+        for name in san_ext.value:
+            click.echo(f"  - {name.value}")
+    except x509.ExtensionNotFound:
+        pass
+
+
+@api.command("serve")
+@click.option("--host", default="127.0.0.1", help="Host to bind to")
+@click.option("--port", default=8000, help="Port to bind to")
+@click.option("--ssl/--no-ssl", default=True, help="Enable/disable TLS")
+@click.option("--cert", type=click.Path(exists=True), help="TLS certificate file")
+@click.option("--key", type=click.Path(exists=True), help="TLS private key file")
+@click.option("--reload", "do_reload", is_flag=True, help="Enable auto-reload for development")
+def api_serve(host, port, ssl, cert, key, do_reload):
+    """Start the REST API server.
+
+    By default starts with TLS using certificates from ~/.stegasoo/certs/.
+    If no certificates exist, they are generated automatically.
+
+    Examples:
+
+        stegasoo api serve
+        stegasoo api serve --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8443
+        stegasoo api serve --no-ssl
+        stegasoo api serve --cert /path/to/cert.pem --key /path/to/key.pem
+    """
+    import sys
+    sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent / "frontends"))
+
+    # Determine cert paths
+    if ssl:
+        if cert and key:
+            cert_path, key_path = cert, key
+        else:
+            try:
+                from web.ssl_utils import ensure_certs
+                base_dir = Path.home() / ".stegasoo"
+                cert_path, key_path = ensure_certs(base_dir, host if host != "0.0.0.0" else "localhost")
+            except ImportError:
+                raise click.ClickException("ssl_utils not available")
+
+        click.echo(f"Starting API server with TLS on https://{host}:{port}")
+        click.echo(f"Certificate: {cert_path}")
+    else:
+        cert_path = key_path = None
+        click.echo(f"Starting API server on http://{host}:{port}")
+        click.echo("WARNING: TLS disabled - connections are not encrypted!")
+
+    # Import and run uvicorn
+    try:
+        import uvicorn
+    except ImportError:
+        raise click.ClickException("uvicorn not installed. Install with: pip install uvicorn")
+
+    uvicorn_kwargs = {
+        "app": "api.main:app",
+        "host": host,
+        "port": port,
+        "reload": do_reload,
+    }
+
+    if ssl and cert_path and key_path:
+        uvicorn_kwargs["ssl_certfile"] = str(cert_path)
+        uvicorn_kwargs["ssl_keyfile"] = str(key_path)
+
+    uvicorn.run(**uvicorn_kwargs)
+
+
 def main():
     """Entry point for CLI."""
     cli(obj={})