API Key Rotation
: The security practice of periodically replacing API keys, tokens, and credentials with new ones and revoking the old ones. Rotation limits the window of exposure if a key is compromised, ensures compliance with security policies, and reduces the impact of undetected credential leaks. Automated rotation eliminates human error in the process.
Why It Matters for AI-Coded Apps
Vibe-coded apps frequently have API keys that have never been rotated since initial development. AI-generated code often uses the first key created during development in production. Without rotation, a key compromised during development (committed to git, shared in logs, or visible in CI/CD) remains valid indefinitely.
Real-World Example
A developer’s Stripe API key was accidentally committed to a public repo 6 months ago. The commit was deleted, but the key was never rotated. Automated bots that cached the key now use it for fraudulent transactions. If the key had been rotated monthly, the exposure window would have been limited to 30 days maximum.
How to Detect and Prevent It
Rotate all API keys at least quarterly. Automate rotation using secrets management services (AWS Secrets Manager, HashiCorp Vault). Use short-lived tokens instead of long-lived API keys where possible. Monitor API key usage for anomalies. Rotate immediately after any suspected compromise, team member departure, or security incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I rotate API keys?
At minimum: quarterly for standard keys, monthly for high-privilege keys (payment processors, admin APIs), and immediately after any suspected compromise or team change. Ideally, use short-lived tokens (1 hour) with automatic refresh instead of long-lived keys.
Can I automate API key rotation?
Yes. AWS Secrets Manager, HashiCorp Vault, and Google Secret Manager support automated rotation with Lambda/Cloud Functions. For services like Stripe and AWS, rotation can be fully automated. For services without rotation APIs, use scheduled scripts that generate new keys and update all consumers.
What should I do if I find a leaked API key?
Immediately: 1) Rotate the key (generate new, revoke old), 2) Check usage logs for unauthorized access, 3) Assess what data/actions the key enables, 4) Notify affected users if data was accessed, 5) Remove the key from all public locations, 6) Implement secret scanning to prevent recurrence.
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