Quick Answer
Secure API keys: store in environment variables or Azure Key Vault (never in code or config files). Pass as Authorization header or custom header (not in URL - it gets logged). Hash and store API keys server-side (don't store plaintext). Rotate keys regularly. Scope keys to minimum required permissions. Rate limit per API key. Log all API key usage for auditing.
Answer
Best practices:
Store in Key Vault or environment variables
Never hard-code keys
Rotate keys periodically
S
SugharaIQ Editorial Team
Verified Answer
This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.