#160: Secure JWT Keys with Environment Variables

[Wilfred007]

#160: Secure JWT Keys with Environment Variables

Category: [BACKEND]
Difficulty: MEDIUM
Tags: security, auth

Description

Ensure the JWT secret is never hardcoded and is properly rotated in the platform environment.

Acceptance Criteria

• Implement the described feature/fix.
• Ensure full responsiveness and accessibility.
• Add relevant unit or integration tests.
• Update documentation where necessary.

[Ahmedscreativeverse]

@Ahmedscreativeverse has applied to work on this issue as part of the Stellar Wave Program's 4th wave.

Hello, I’m a backend developer with strong experience in authentication and security best practices.

I will secure JWT handling by removing any hardcoded secrets and enforcing environment-based configuration, ensuring safe key management and easier rotation. I’ll also structure the implementation to support future rotation strategies without downtime.

In addition, I’ll add tests to validate proper loading and usage of the secret, and update documentation to guide secure setup across environments.

The result is a more secure, production-ready authentication system that aligns with industry standards and reduces risk.

ℹ️ Repo Maintainers: To accept this application, review their application or assign @Ahmedscreativeverse to this issue.

[leojay-net]

@leojay-net has applied to work on this issue as part of the Stellar Wave Program's 4th wave.

I would like to work on this issue

ℹ️ Repo Maintainers: To accept this application, review their application or assign @leojay-net to this issue.

[CNduka001]

@CNduka001 has applied to work on this issue as part of the Stellar Wave Program's 4th wave.

Hiiii, pleaseee I’d really love to take this on 🥹 I have 3 years of experience working on backend auth, security, and environment-based configuration, so this is right in my lane.
I can remove any hardcoded JWT secret usage and make sure the setup supports safer key rotation in the platform environment.
I’ll also add the relevant tests and update the docs so the change is secure, clear, and easy for the team to maintain.
Thank youu!
ETA: 4 hours

ℹ️ Repo Maintainers: To accept this application, review their application or assign @CNduka001 to this issue.

[drips-wave]

Congratulations, @leojay-net! 🎉 Your application was accepted by the repo's maintainers, and the issue is due on April 29, 2026.

🧑‍💻 @leojay-net: Please resolve the issue such that the repo's maintainers have enough time to review your contribution before the due date. You'll earn Points for completing the issue on-time, which will make you eligible for a share of the Stellar Wave Program's reward pool.

Warning

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[drips-wave]

This issue has been completed by @leojay-net as part of the Stellar Wave Program's 4th Wave 🥳

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