API Key Rotation

ELI5 — The Vibe Check

API Key Rotation is regularly replacing your API keys with new ones. Like changing passwords, but for machine-to-machine authentication. Good rotation means you always have two active keys — switch traffic to the new one, then kill the old one. Zero downtime, fresh credentials.

Real Talk

API key rotation is the process of periodically generating new API keys and deprecating old ones. Best practices include supporting dual active keys during transition, automating rotation via tools like HashiCorp Vault, setting maximum key age policies, and auditing key usage to detect compromised credentials.

When You'll Hear This

"We rotate API keys quarterly — automation handles the swap with zero downtime." / "Dual active keys mean we can rotate without coordinating a simultaneous deploy."