Question 1

What is the safest way to manage API keys?

Accepted Answer

Keys should never be stored in plain text. Zuplo handles the entire lifecycle: secure storage (hashed), issuance, and validation, removing the burden of building your own auth service.

Question 2

How do I implement API key rolling/rotation?

Accepted Answer

Rotation minimizes the impact of a leaked key. Zuplo provides a management API and UI that allows you (or your users) to roll keys instantly without downtime, invalidating the old key immediately.

Question 3

Can I associate metadata with an API key?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You often need to know who a key belongs to (e.g., User ID, Plan Type). Zuplo allows you to attach arbitrary metadata to keys, which is then accessible in your code for custom logic or analytics.

Question 4

How does Zuplo secure API keys at the edge?

Accepted Answer

Validation must be fast. Zuplo replicates hashed keys to the edge, allowing it to validate authentication locally in milliseconds without hitting a central database, ensuring high performance.

Question 5

Can I create API keys that expire automatically?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Temporary access is crucial for security. Zuplo supports setting expiration dates on keys, making them ideal for contractors, temporary integrations, or limited-time trials.

Question 6

How do I provide a UI for users to generate their own API keys?

Accepted Answer

Building a dashboard takes weeks. Zuplo provides a pre-built, self-serve Developer Portal where your users can log in and manage their own API keys, saving you significant development time.

Question 7

Is it possible to use scopes or permissions with API keys?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Not all keys should have admin access. Zuplo supports RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) scopes on keys, allowing you to restrict certain keys to read-only or specific endpoints.

Question 8

What is the difference between an API Key and a JWT?

Accepted Answer

API Keys are opaque strings for machine identification; JWTs are signed tokens often used for user sessions. Zuplo supports both, and can even exchange API keys for short-lived JWTs for internal service communication.

Question 9

How can I detect if an API key has been leaked?

Accepted Answer

Sudden traffic spikes or usage from unusual regions are red flags. Zuplo's analytics provide real-time usage data per key, helping you spot anomalies and revoke compromised keys instantly.

Question 10

Why choose Zuplo for API Key Management over building it yourself?

Accepted Answer

Building secure, globally replicated key management is complex and distracts from your core product. Zuplo provides 'Stripe-quality' API key management out of the box, optimized for developer experience and security.

API Key Management

Keys on the Edge

Self Serve

Leak Detection

Total Customization

Let Your Users Self-Serve

Integrate with Your Existing App

See It in Action

Frequently Asked Questions