Enhance Security by Protecting API Keys from Code Exposure

[AugustAtSeattle]

Objectives:

• Prevent the exposure of API keys in the codebase, particularly in public GitHub repositories.
• Implement a secure and effective method for managing and accessing API keys within the app.

Proposed Methods and Steps:

1. Environment Variables with Xcode Configurations:

   • Store API keys in environment variables defined in .xcconfig files.
   • These files should be excluded from version control to prevent accidental exposure on GitHub.

2. Keychain Services for Runtime Storage:

   • Use iOS Keychain services for securely storing API keys at runtime.
   • Implement a Keychain wrapper for streamlined access to these keys within the app.

3. CI/CD Integration for Secure Key Injection:

   • Configure the CI/CD pipeline to securely inject API keys during the build process.
   • Use secret management tools provided by the CI/CD platform to handle API keys.

4. Codebase Audit and Guidelines:

   • Regularly audit the codebase for hardcoded secrets.
   • Establish and document guidelines for handling sensitive information, emphasizing not committing API keys to version control.

5. Automated Checks:

   • Implement pre-commit hooks or other automated checks to scan for sensitive information before code is committed to the repository.

Additional Considerations:

• Developer Training: Educate the development team about the risks of code exposure and best practices for handling sensitive data.
• Regular Updates: Regularly rotate and update API keys as an added security measure.
• Monitoring and Alerts: Set up monitoring to detect unauthorized use of API keys and alert the team.

Acceptance Criteria:

• API keys are securely managed and are not exposed in the public code repository.
• The app's functionality is unaffected by these security enhancements.
• The development team adheres to the new guidelines for managing sensitive information.
• Automated tools are in place to prevent committing sensitive data to the repository.