Can I use OpenAI API keys with token servers for better security

The main security concerns around OpenAI API keys are that if the key is exposed, it can be used by anyone to access your OpenAI account and incur charges. To mitigate this risk, the search results recommend several approaches:

1. Use environment variables or secret management services like AWS Secrets Manager, HashiCorp Vault, or CyberArk Conjur to store the API key securely on the server side, rather than embedding it in client-side code.[1][3]

2. Implement a middleware API on your own server that handles the API calls to OpenAI, so the API key is never exposed to the client.[3]

3. Use a gateway service like Zuplo that can act as a proxy, storing your API key securely and adding the necessary authorization headers before forwarding the request to OpenAI.[4]

4. Restrict the permissions of the API key to only the necessary endpoints, rather than using an unrestricted key.[2]

5. Regularly rotate the API key and update any services using the old key.[3]

So in summary, the recommended approach is to use a token server or middleware API to manage the OpenAI API key securely, rather than exposing it directly to client applications. This provides an additional layer of security and control over who can access the API.[1][3][4]