API Key detection
A publicly auditable detection pattern in the LeakSnitch engine. Category: API Keys, Tokens and Secrets. Severity: Critical.
Short answer
LeakSnitch detects api key with a base score of 90 (Critical severity). The pattern below is fully public, so any security team can verify exactly what gets flagged before rollout.
(api[_-]?key\s*(?:is|:|=)\s*["']?)([A-Za-z0-9\-_]{8,})Base score
90 / 100
Severity
Critical
Category
API Keys, Tokens and Secrets
Why it matters
Generic API key assignments are one of the most common pastes into AI chatbots, usually when developers ask for help debugging an integration.
In the LeakSnitch engine this pattern is one of 58 public rules combined with context signals, entropy analysis, and checksum validators. A single match never blocks by itself; the full context aware scoring decides whether api key in a prompt is a real leak or a false positive.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the api key pattern public?
LeakSnitch's competitive advantage is the context aware engine, not hidden regexes. Publishing every pattern lets security teams audit, test, and trust the detection before it ships to their organization.
Can I test this api key pattern?
Yes. Paste sample text into the free LeakSnitch scanner in your browser and watch the exact detection in action, including severity and scoring.
Does LeakSnitch use other signals for api key?
This public pattern is the format based layer. The engine adds context signals, disclosure phrasing, entropy fallback, and checksum validation to confirm high confidence before blocking.
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