How Can I Securely Store and Access a Private Key for JWT Creation on Google App Engine?

Storing Private Key for JWT Creation on Google App Engine

Google App Engine (GAE) presents a unique challenge for storing private keys used in token creation libraries, as it restricts access to the local file system. This raises the question of how to securely store and access the private key for creating JSON web tokens (JWTs) when using GAE.

One approach is to embed the private key directly within your application's code. While this method provides easy access to the key, it raises security concerns as the key is exposed as part of the deployed code.

A more secure option is to store the private key as a "static" file within your web application. GAE allows you to access files within your application's root directory, including files in subfolders. To store the key this way, place it in a folder within your app's root and reference it using a relative path, such as "key/my_key.txt."

If you need to dynamically update the private key without redeploying your application, consider storing it in the Datastore. This allows your app to access and modify the key as needed.

However, it's essential to note that not all files in your application are readable by code. App Engine restricts certain files based on the application's configuration. To ensure accessibility, configure your app.yaml file to properly handle static files and application files.

In summary, when storing a private key for JWT creation on GAE, you can choose between embedding it in code (less secure), storing it as a static file in your application's root directory (more secure), or using the Datastore for dynamic key management. The specific approach selected will depend on the security requirements and flexibility needs of your application.

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