> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.theslow.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Storing and Rotating API Keys

> Keep your SlowNet API key safe and rotate it if it ever gets compromised.

## Overview

Your `X-API-KEY` gives full access to your SlowNet account via the API.\
Treat it like a password: **keep it secret, keep it safe.**

## Storing your API key

### Locally (dev environment)

Use a `.env` file (with something like dotenv) so your key isn’t hard-coded in scripts.

```
SLOWNET_API_KEY=your_long_key_here
```

Then reference it in your code:

```javascript theme={null}
const apiKey = process.env.SLOWNET_API_KEY;
```

Or in bash:

```bash theme={null}
curl -H "X-API-KEY: $SLOWNET_API_KEY" ...
```

> ✅ **Never commit your `.env` to Git.**\
> Add it to your `.gitignore`.

### In CI/CD (GitHub Actions)

Store it as a secret in your repo settings under **Settings → Secrets and variables → Actions**.

Then reference it in your workflow:

```yaml theme={null}
- run: curl -H "X-API-KEY: ${{ secrets.SLOWNET_API_KEY }}" ...
```

## Rotating your API key

If you think your key might have been leaked, you’ll want to rotate it:

* Delete the old key (or use the dashboard’s rotate feature when available).
* Create a new one and update your `.env` or CI/CD secrets.

If someone else gains access to your key, they can change your site or forward your emails. So rotate it immediately if you suspect compromise.

## Authentication

This endpoint requires an API key. You can retrieve an API key from your [dashboard](https://theslow.net/dashboard). Include it in the `X-API-KEY` header:

```
X-API-KEY: YOUR_API_KEY_HERE
```

For more details, see the [Authentication Guide](https://docs.theslow.net/authentication).

## Related

* [Automating with GitHub Actions](../automating-with-github-actions)
* [Integrating with Zapier or n8n](../integrating-with-zapier-or-n8n)

## Need Further Assistance?

If you have any questions or encounter issues, please don't hesitate to reach out to our [support team](https://theslow.net/dashboard#support).