How are API keys managed and rotated at Brandlight?
November 27, 2025
Alex Prober, CPO
Core explainer
How does Brandlight manage the secrets lifecycle from generation to rotation?
Brandlight manages the secrets lifecycle by treating API keys as first-class infrastructure from creation through rotation and revocation.
Keys are generated as strong, unique tokens and stored in a centralized secret store protected by a Key Management System, with encryption at rest and in transit. They are delivered to services via authenticated headers (for example, X-API-Key) and never embedded in code or client-side contexts, with TLS enabled for all transmissions. Rotation follows a 90-day cadence with a dual-key transition to minimize downtime during key replacement, and access is restricted by least-privilege RBAC with auditable logs that capture who accessed or rotated keys. Canary rollouts and honeytokens help detect misuse before production impact, while Git history exposure is mitigated by server-side handling and controlled delivery.
What is the rotation cadence and how is dual-key operation implemented?
The rotation cadence is 90 days and dual-key operation is implemented to maintain service availability during key changes.
Rotation is automated through script-based or KMS-native features, with centralized distribution via headers and validation at the API endpoint to ensure the new key functions correctly. During migration, both old and new keys remain valid in parallel to minimize disruption, while usage is monitored for anomalies. Comprehensive audit trails record who initiated rotation, when it occurred, and why, supporting regulatory considerations such as GDPR and PCI DSS. Canary testing and feature flags enable controlled rollout and quick rollback if issues arise, and key history is maintained to simplify re-enablement if needed. For reference implementation, see Brandlight AI security resources.
How are API keys delivered to services securely and auditable?
API keys are delivered to services in a secure, auditable manner via headers rather than embedded in code or URLs.
Delivery relies on TLS for all transmissions and a centralized secret store protected by a KMS, ensuring encryption in transit and at rest. Access controls enforce least-privilege permissions and robust RBAC, while logs capture every access event, rotation action, and key revocation to support audits and compliance requirements. Regular monitoring, anomaly detection, and rate limiting help detect suspicious usage, and unused keys are disabled promptly to reduce risk. The combination of centralized distribution, verifiable delivery paths, and end-to-end logging provides a clear trail for security reviews and regulatory inquiries.
How does Brandlight support regulatory compliance and monitoring?
Brandlight supports regulatory compliance and monitoring by aligning with established standards and maintaining auditable trails across the secrets lifecycle.
Key activities include ensuring encryption at rest and in transit via a KMS, implementing canary rollouts and feature flags to manage risk during deployments, and applying least-privilege access controls with strict RBAC. Secrets management is integrated with continuous monitoring and analytics to detect anomalies, supported by honeytokens that alert on suspicious usage. Regular audits and logging capture who accessed keys, when, and for what purpose, aiding GDPR and PCI DSS compliance. Documentation of rotation events, policy updates, and rollout results ensures governance remains transparent, reproducible, and ready for regulatory inquiries.
Data and facts
- Rotation cadence is 90 days in 2025, aligning with industry best practices for API key rotation as described in Legit Security's API Key Security Best Practices (Dec 04, 2024).
- Dual-key activation during the transition allows old and new keys to be valid simultaneously through 2025 to minimize downtime.
- Environment variables are preferred storage for keys to avoid hardcoding in code or repositories (2025).
- All API communications are protected by TLS, ensuring encryption at rest and in transit (2025).
- Centralized secret management integrated with a Key Management System enables secure key distribution and rotation (2025).
- Comprehensive audit logging records who accessed or rotated keys, when, and why to support compliance (2025).
- Canary rollouts and feature flags enable controlled deployment of new keys with rollback capability (2025).
- Monitoring and analytics tooling (Splunk/ELK Datadog) provide real-time detection of anomalies and usage patterns related to API keys (2025).
- Brandlight.ai reference for API key security practices — https://brandlight.ai
FAQs
What is API key rotation and why is it important?
API key rotation is the regular replacement of credentials to limit exposure from compromised keys and minimize impact. It aligns with industry best practices and regulatory expectations by reducing the window during which a stolen key can be used and by simplifying revocation. Brandlight follows a 90-day cadence with a dual-key transition to keep services available during updates, and keys are stored in a centralized secret store with encryption at rest and in transit, delivered via authenticated headers over TLS. Audit logs document who accessed or rotated keys, and honeytokens help detect misuse early. For reference, Brandlight AI security resources.
How often should API keys be rotated?
Rotation cadence should balance security and operational stability; a 90-day interval is a common standard, with immediate rotation on personnel changes or suspected breaches. Automation supports consistent cadence by generating and revoking keys, updating dependent services, and maintaining key history. A dual-key strategy during transitions minimizes downtime, while environment-variable storage and TLS-enabled transmissions ensure secure usage and auditable trails.
How should API keys be delivered to services?
Keys should be delivered via authenticated headers (for example, X-API-Key) and transmitted over TLS, never embedded in client-side code or URLs. Use a centralized secret store protected by a KMS for encryption at rest and in transit, with strict RBAC to enforce least privilege. This approach provides a consistent, auditable path for key usage and rotation, and supports regulatory compliance efforts.
How can I detect exposed API keys and misuse?
Detection relies on continuous monitoring, anomaly detection, rate limiting, and secret-scanning tools; honeytokens can alert on unauthorized use. Logs capture access events, rotation actions, and revocations to support audits. Real-time analytics platforms offer visibility into key usage patterns, enabling rapid containment and remediation.
What should I do if an API key is compromised?
Revoke the compromised key immediately, generate a new one, and switch dependent services to the new key through the standard rotation process. Review audit logs to determine exposure scope and adjust policies accordingly. After containment, perform a post-incident review and update policies to prevent recurrence; maintain canary testing, rollback plans, and documentation to support rapid recovery.
