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What’s the safest way to store API keys on a web server?

Asked on Sep 21, 2025

Answer

The safest way to store API keys on a web server is to use environment variables or a secrets management tool, ensuring that the keys are not hard-coded in your application's source code.

<!-- BEGIN COPY / PASTE -->
    # Example of using environment variables in a Node.js application
    const apiKey = process.env.API_KEY;
    <!-- END COPY / PASTE -->

Additional Comment:

Environment variables should be set in a secure way, such as through a configuration file that is not included in version control.
Consider using a secrets management service like AWS Secrets Manager or HashiCorp Vault for enhanced security.
Regularly rotate your API keys and monitor their usage to detect any unauthorized access.

✅ Answered with Security best practices.

Ask any question about Website Security here... and get an instant response.

What’s the safest way to store API keys on a web server?

Asked on Sep 21, 2025

Answer

Additional Comment:

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