Secret Generator – Create Cryptographically Secure Random Strings
API keys, authentication tokens, session secrets, and other security credentials require cryptographically secure random generation. The Secret Generator creates strong, unpredictable random strings suitable for security-critical applications using cryptographically secure random number generation.
Whether you need API keys, authentication secrets, encryption keys, or secure tokens, this generator provides cryptographically strong random strings that are suitable for production use.
What Makes a Secret Secure?
Secure secrets must be:
- Unpredictable: Generated using cryptographically secure random number generators
- Sufficiently Long: Long enough to resist brute-force attacks
- Random: No patterns or predictable sequences
- Unique: Extremely low probability of collisions
Character Set Options
1. Alphanumeric (A-Z, a-z, 0-9)
Full alphanumeric set with uppercase and lowercase letters plus digits. Provides 62 possible characters per position, offering high entropy. Good for most use cases including API keys and tokens.
2. Alphanumeric Uppercase (A-Z, 0-9)
Uppercase letters and digits only. 36 possible characters per position. Useful for case-insensitive systems or when lowercase letters might cause confusion.
3. Alphanumeric Lowercase (a-z, 0-9)
Lowercase letters and digits. 36 possible characters per position. Similar use cases as uppercase, often preferred for URLs or filenames.
4. Hexadecimal (0-9, A-F)
Base-16 format with 16 possible characters per position. Common in system identifiers, MAC addresses, and when hex representation is required.
5. Base64 URL-Safe (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, -, _)
URL-safe Base64 character set with 64 possible characters. Excellent for tokens used in URLs or when you need URL-safe characters without encoding.
6. Printable ASCII
All printable ASCII characters. Maximum character diversity but may include characters that need encoding in some contexts. Use when maximum entropy is needed.
Common Use-Cases
1. API Keys
Generate unique API keys for authentication and authorization. Recommended length: 32-64 characters using alphanumeric or Base64 URL-safe sets.
2. Authentication Secrets
Create secrets for JWT signing, session tokens, or authentication tokens. Recommended length: 32-128 characters depending on security requirements.
3. Encryption Keys
Generate keys for encryption purposes (though dedicated key derivation functions are preferred for encryption). Length should match your encryption algorithm requirements.
4. Session IDs
Create unique session identifiers. Recommended length: 32-64 characters with sufficient randomness to prevent session hijacking.
5. Database Secrets
Generate database connection passwords or access tokens. Use strong, long secrets (64+ characters) for critical database credentials.
Security Best Practices
1. Length Requirements
Minimum Lengths:
- API Keys: 32+ characters
- Authentication Secrets: 32-64+ characters
- Encryption Keys: Match algorithm requirements
- Session IDs: 32+ characters
2. Character Set Selection
Choose character sets based on your use case:
- URL Usage: Base64 URL-safe or alphanumeric
- Maximum Security: Alphanumeric or printable ASCII
- System Compatibility: Hex for system identifiers
3. Storage & Handling
- Secure Storage: Store secrets securely using environment variables or secret management systems
- Never Commit: Never commit secrets to version control
- Rotation: Rotate secrets periodically
- Access Control: Limit access to secrets to those who absolutely need them
Entropy & Security Strength
The security strength of a secret depends on its entropy (randomness) and length:
- Entropy: Measure of randomness (bits of entropy)
- Calculation: log2(character_set_size^length)
- Example: 32-character alphanumeric = log2(62^32) ≈ 191 bits of entropy
Higher entropy makes secrets more resistant to brute-force attacks.
Cryptographically Secure Random Generation
This tool uses cryptographically secure random number generation (CSPRNG) provided by modern browsers. CSPRNG ensures:
- Unpredictability: Cannot be predicted from previous outputs
- Uniform Distribution: All characters equally likely
- Security: Suitable for security-sensitive applications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too Short: Secrets shorter than 32 characters are easier to brute-force
- Predictable Patterns: Avoid patterns like sequential characters or repeated values
- Poor Storage: Storing secrets in plain text files or version control
- Reusing Secrets: Using the same secret across multiple systems or services
- Weak Character Sets: Using limited character sets when stronger options are available
Conclusion
The Secret Generator provides a secure way to generate random strings for API keys, authentication secrets, tokens, and other security-critical purposes. By using cryptographically secure random generation with customizable length and character sets, you can create strong secrets suitable for production applications.