10 Security Issues With API Keys

API keys are widely used but introduce significant security risks due to their static, reusable nature. Key vulnerabilities include easy reuse in replay attacks, unsafe storage practices, frequent leakage (18,000 keys found exposed in 2024), long lifespans without expiration, rare rotation due to hardcoding, difficult disaster response, over-permissioned access, lack of identity context, amplified risks with AI agents, and conflation of authentication with authorization. Better alternatives include OAuth 2.0 with scoped JWTs, zero-trust approaches with fine-grained RBAC/ABAC, MFA, and just-in-time access for AI agents. API keys remain acceptable only for non-sensitive open APIs or usage metering, and should always be rotated regularly and complemented with stronger auth methods.