Summary Points
- Google API keys can remain active for up to 23 minutes after deletion, allowing potential misuse by attackers during this window.
- The revocation delays and unpredictable success rates vary by region and are influenced by infrastructure, caching, and request routing.
- The misleading UI suggests API keys are instantly revoked upon deletion, complicating incident response and breach mitigation efforts.
- Despite being informed, Google has not prioritized fixing this issue, although faster revocations are implemented for other credentials types, indicating solution feasibility.
Google API Keys Stay Active Longer Than Expected
Google’s API keys do not stop working immediately after users delete them. Many believe that deleting a key cuts off access instantly. However, recent tests show otherwise. The time it takes for a deleted key to stop working can be over 23 minutes. During this window, attackers could still use the key to access systems. Different regions have different experiences with the delay, making the issue more complex. This inconsistency worries security experts, as organizations rely on quick revocation during breaches. The delayed deactivation means security teams need to be extra careful after removing API keys.
Delayed Revocations Impact Security and Response Strategies
Many organizations assume that deleting an API key ends all access immediately. But the reality is different. The delay makes incident response tougher. When a breach occurs, teams typically think the problem is over once they delete the key. Now, they must also consider the extra minutes during which the key might still work. This uncertainty can give hackers more time to cause damage. Security experts recommend monitoring API requests even after deleting keys. They suggest waiting at least 30 minutes before assuming a key is fully disabled. Despite reporting these issues, Google has not yet made changes. The current delays highlight the challenge of managing large distributed systems and the importance of understanding how they work behind the scenes.
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