Best Practices: Secure API Keys

API key restriction is essential for managing access and enhancing security when working with Google Cloud services. This overview explains how to effectively restrict Google Cloud API keys, allowing developers to control how and where their keys can be used. Developers can set geographical restrictions, bind keys to specific IP addresses, or limit usage to particular services. These measures ensure that API keys are secured, helping to protect projects and maintain optimal functionality.

To minimize potential damage from compromised API keys:

• Add restrictions to your API key: By setting restrictions, you can limit how an API key can be used, thus reducing the impact if it becomes compromised.

• Delete unnecessary API keys: Remove any API keys that are no longer required to reduce exposure to attacks.

• Rotate your API keys periodically: Regularly create new API keys, delete the old ones, and update your applications to use the new keys. This practice helps maintain security and limit the lifespan of any single key.

Add restrictions to your API key

Any Cloud API keys you use in FlutterFlow are unrestricted by default. Unrestricted keys are insecure because they can be used by anyone, from anywhere. You can add either application restrictions or API restrictions to enhance security.

In the following example, we will use the Map API keys and restrict them to specific platforms using their unique identifiers.

At this stage, you should already have API keys created, but they are currently unrestricted.

If they are not yet created, you can follow the integration process for any of the Google Cloud services we support in FlutterFlow, or specifically for Maps, you can go here.

All your created API keys should be available on the Cloud Credentials Page. (Ensure you are logged into the correct Google account and are in the right Google Cloud project)

Follow the steps below to enable the iOS key exclusively for iOS apps with a unique package name:

Now your iOS API Key will only work when accessed from your app with the given unique identifier. You can also restrict the API keys by HTTP referrers or IP addresses. Here's a quick overview from the official docs:

Learn more about securing API keys for all platforms and restricting API usage by visiting the official Google Cloud Docs