Understanding the Google Cloud Storage login fields

In this article, we explain what each Google Cloud Storage (GCS) login field means and where to find the required credentials when connecting GCS to Dataslayer.

When setting up Google Cloud Storage (GCS) as a destination in Dataslayer, you’ll need to log in to your GCS account to send, store, and manage your data securely.

Dataslayer offers two login methods:

• Option 1 (Recommended): Use your own Service Account
  More secure, scalable, and gives you full control.

• Option 2: Use Dataslayer’s Service Account
  Faster, easier setup with less configuration.

In this guide, we’ll explain both login options step by step, including what each login field means and how to find the required credentials.

Google Cloud Storage login fields in Dataslayer

When connecting GCS to Dataslayer, you may see the following fields:

• Connection ID: A name you choose for your connection.

• JSON Credentials: The contents of the JSON key file from your Google Cloud Service Account.

• Bucket ID: The unique identifier of your GCS bucket (usually the same as the bucket name).

• Project ID (Optional): You can leave this field blank.

• Use Dataslayer’s Service Account (Checkbox): Only select this if you want to connect using Dataslayer’s Service Account (Option 2).

Login options in Google Cloud Storage

Dataslayer offers two different ways to log in to a Google Cloud Storage account:

This method is the most secure and flexible. You’ll authenticate Dataslayer using a Service Account from your own Google Cloud project.

Step 1: Create a Service Account

1. Go to the Google Cloud Console – Service Accounts.

2. Click Create Service Account.

3. Enter a name (e.g., test-service-account) and click Create and continue.

Step 2: Assign permissions

Grant the following roles so Dataslayer has the right level of access:

• Storage Bucket Viewer: allows listing and verifying buckets.

• Storage Object User: allows uploading and downloading objects in the bucket.

Step 3: Generate JSON credentials

1. Enter your service account and open the Keys tab of your Service Account.
   
   

2. Click Add key → Create new key.
   
   

3. Select JSON as the key private type.
   
   

4. A JSON file will download automatically.
   
   

Step 4: Get the Bucket ID

You’ll need the Bucket ID for both login methods.

1. Go to the Google Cloud Storage Console.

2. Open the Buckets tab.

3. Select the bucket you want to use.

4. On the bucket details page, the Bucket ID is displayed at the top.

   • In most cases, the Bucket ID matches the bucket name.

Step 5: Fill in the Dataslayer login fields

• Connection ID: any name of your choice.

• JSON Credentials: copy and paste the full contents of the downloaded JSON file.

• Bucket ID: enter the ID of your Google Cloud Storage bucket.

• Project ID: leave blank (optional).

Step 6: Confirm the Connection

Click Connect. Dataslayer will create the connection using your chosen Connection ID.

If you prefer a simpler setup without managing your own Service Account, you can grant access to Dataslayer’s pre-configured Service Account.

Step 1: Go to your bucket

1. Open the Google Cloud Storage Console.

2. Select the bucket you want to connect.

3. Go to the Permissions tab.

4. Click Grant Access.

Step 2: Grant permissions to Dataslayer’s Service Account

• Add this Service Account as a principal:

  dataslayer-service-account@dataslayer-267808.iam.gserviceaccount.com

• Assign the roles detailed below and click on Save:

  • Storage Bucket Viewer

  • Storage Object User

Step 3: Fill in the Dataslayer login fields

• Check the box “Use Dataslayer’s Service Account”.

• Enter the Bucket ID (see Step 4 in Option 1 above).

• Leave the other fields (Connection ID, JSON Credentials, Project ID) blank and click on Connect.

Dataslayer will now create the connection with the label: “Dataslayer Service Account for GCS.”

That's it!

Connecting Google Cloud Storage to Dataslayer is straightforward once you know what each login field means. 

Both methods ensure your data is securely stored in Google Cloud Storage while allowing you to automate reporting and streamline workflows with Dataslayer.

As always, please contact us via our live chat on our website or via email if you still have doubts or questions. We are happy to help!