API Key Security Guide
Essential security practices every developer should follow to protect API keys and prevent unauthorized access to services.
Why API Key Security Matters
Data Breaches
Exposed keys can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and user information.
Service Disruption
Malicious actors can exhaust rate limits, causing downtime for legitimate users.
Financial Loss
Unauthorized API usage can result in unexpected charges and billing overages.
Reputation Damage
Security breaches can harm your company's reputation and user trust.
API Key Security Best Practices
Use Environment Variables
Never hardcode API keys in your source code. Use environment variables instead.
# .env file
API_KEY=your_secret_key_here
# In your code
const apiKey = process.env.API_KEY;Use .gitignore
Always add .env files to .gitignore to prevent accidental commits.
# .gitignore
.env
.env.local
.env.production
.env.*Regular Key Rotation
Rotate your API keys regularly to minimize the impact of potential leaks.
- Set up a rotation schedule (e.g., every 90 days)
- Use automated rotation where available
- Keep track of key expiration dates
Principle of Least Privilege
Grant only the minimum permissions required for each API key.
- Use read-only keys when write access isn't needed
- Restrict keys to specific IP addresses or domains
- Use separate keys for different environments
Security When Using AI Coding Assistants
Do's ✅
Configure AI tools to ignore .env files
Most AI assistants allow you to exclude sensitive files
Use placeholder values in examples
Replace real keys with "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE" when sharing code
Review AI-generated code carefully
Check that no sensitive data was inadvertently included
Don's ❌
Never paste real API keys in prompts
AI conversations may be stored and reviewed
Don't share entire .env files
Even with AI assistants, keep credentials private
Avoid committing AI-generated configs
Always review for hardcoded secrets before committing
Monitor Your API Keys
Track Usage
Monitor API usage patterns to detect anomalies and unauthorized access.
Set Up Alerts
Configure alerts for unusual activity or when approaching rate limits.
Audit Regularly
Perform regular security audits to ensure keys are properly managed.