Key Lifecycle
Your API key is the skeleton key to your behavioral intelligence system. Managing keys isn't just about keeping them secret—it's about rotation, access control, monitoring, and graceful transitions.
API key management encompasses the entire lifecycle: generation, storage, distribution, rotation, revocation, and audit logging. Keys should never be hardcoded or committed to version control; instead, they belong in environment variables, secrets managers (AWS Secrets Manager, HashiCorp Vault, Azure Key Vault), or secure configuration services.
Rotation policies should enforce regular key updates (every 90 days minimum), with automated rotation systems that generate new keys, test them in production, gradually shift traffic, and retire old keys only after confirming zero usage.
Access control means limiting key visibility to only necessary personnel and services, with different keys for different environments (dev, staging, production). Comprehensive audit logs track every key usage, failed auth attempts, and administrative actions for security monitoring and compliance.
GENERATION
Cryptographically secure random key generation using crypto.randomBytes(). Each key gets unique ID, expiry timestamp, and metadata tags.
STORAGE
Store in secrets manager (Vault, AWS Secrets Manager) or secure environment variables. Never commit to version control or hardcode.
DISTRIBUTION
Securely distribute to authorized services via encrypted channels. Use principle of least privilege for access control.
MONITORING
Track usage patterns, failed attempts, and expiry warnings. Alert on anomalies and approaching expiration dates.
ROTATION
Generate new key, test in staging, deploy to production with grace period. Old key remains valid during migration window.
REVOCATION
Immediate invalidation for compromised keys. Emergency revocation bypasses grace period. Generate replacement key immediately.
// SECURITY CHECKLIST
Use environment variables or secrets managers. Never commit keys to version control.
Every 90 days minimum. Automate rotation to eliminate human error.
Separate keys for dev, staging, production. Isolate blast radius.
7 days minimum. Allow smooth migrations during rotation.
Log all key operations and usage. Enable forensic investigation.
Alert 30, 14, and 7 days before expiration. Prevent downtime.
If compromise suspected, revoke and rotate. Speed is critical.
Limit key access to necessary services only. Defense in depth.