Secure API Keys with a Public-Key Cryptography on Android from Udemy

In this short-length course I will teach you how to securely store API keys in your Android App, without exposing them to the public. With the help of a Public Key Cryptography, Android Keystore System, Encrypted Shared Preferences and our own Backend server, you will achieve exactly that.

Public key cryptography, also known as asymmetric cryptography, is a cryptographic approach that uses key pair: public key and private key. Each key pair consists of a public key and a private key that are mathematically related but cannot be derived one from another.

This approach will help us to securely exchange the data between a client and a server. API Keys will be initially stored securely on our backend Server. The server and the client will exchange the public key, to encrypt the data, before sending it back to the client.

That way we can make sure that no one can read the actual data which is exchanged. Only our Android application will hold the private key to decrypt the data, and securely store the API keys on a device.

Android Keystore system is a part of the Android operating system that provides a secure storage facility for cryptographic keys, certificates, and related information. It is designed to protect sensitive data, such as private keys used for encryption and authentication, from unauthorized access.

I will provide you with some more detailed information about the Keystore System itself and how does it work. We will utilize that system to securely store the Public Key Pair that is going to be generated for us.

So what are you waiting for, let's get started.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

The Basics of Cryptography

The History of Cryptography

The Principles of Cryptography

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers Android's Keystore system, which is essential for securely storing cryptographic keys and protecting sensitive data within Android applications

Teaches public key cryptography, which is a standard method for secure data exchange between a client and a server

Utilizes Encrypted Shared Preferences, which helps learners securely store API keys on a device, protecting them from unauthorized access

Requires learners to set up and deploy a backend server using Kobweb/Ktor, which may require familiarity with server-side development

Explores symmetric and asymmetric key cryptography, which are fundamental concepts for developers working on secure systems

Reviews summary

Secure android api key storage

According to learners, this course provides a practical and essential guide (positive) to securing API keys on Android using public-key cryptography. Students particularly praise the clear explanations of the Android Keystore System and cryptographic principles (positive). Many find the code examples helpful and easy to follow (positive), enabling them to implement secure practices immediately. While the backend server setup using Kobweb/Ktor may present a steeper learning curve for some (warning), especially those new to these specific frameworks, the core Android security concepts are considered well-taught and highly valuable (positive). Reviewers appreciate the real-world applicability (positive) of the techniques taught. Recent updates, such as the migration to DataStore (neutral), are seen as evidence of the instructor's commitment to keeping the content current.

Instructor updates content based on feedback.

"Appreciate the DataStore migration update, shows the course is being maintained."

"Good to see the course evolving with newer Android practices like DataStore."

"The instructor seems responsive to updating the content, which is a plus."

Tackles a common Android security issue.

"This course directly addresses a major security concern for Android developers - storing API keys securely."

"Finally, a practical solution for hiding API keys from public view!"

"The problem tackled here is very relevant to professional Android development."

"Gives peace of mind knowing I can protect sensitive keys in my app."

Hands-on coding demos are very useful.

"The hands-on coding and projects are the strongest part of the course for me, very practical."

"I was able to follow along with the code and implement the techniques in my own project."

"The practical implementation steps shown were exactly what I needed to see."

"The demos really helped solidify my understanding of the process."

Android Keystore and crypto explained well.

"The explanation of the Android Keystore system is really clear and helped me understand its importance."

"I finally get how public key cryptography can be applied to securely handle sensitive data like API keys."

"The cryptographic principles were broken down into understandable parts, which was great."

"The course gives a solid understanding of how to leverage the Android Keystore for security."

Server part can be challenging for some.

"The backend part with Kobweb/Ktor was a bit difficult to grasp compared to the Android side."

"Setting up the server environment took me longer than expected."

"Could use more detailed explanations for the Kobweb server implementation."

"If you're not familiar with Kotlin backend frameworks, the server part might be tough."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Secure API Keys with a Public-Key Cryptography on Android with these activities:

Review Cryptography Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of cryptographic principles before diving into the Android-specific implementation.

Browse courses on Public Key Cryptography

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Review the definitions of symmetric and asymmetric encryption.
Study the differences between public and private keys.
Understand the purpose of hash functions in cryptography.

Brush Up on Android Keystore System

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Familiarize yourself with the Android Keystore System to better understand how keys are managed and protected on Android devices.

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Read the official Android documentation on the Keystore System.
Explore code examples of using the Keystore System.
Understand the security benefits of using the Keystore System.

Read 'Serious Cryptography'

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Deepen your understanding of cryptography with a comprehensive book that covers both theoretical and practical aspects.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to asymmetric cryptography and key management.
Study the code examples provided in the book.
Take notes on key concepts and techniques.

Four other activities

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Follow Android Keystore Tutorials

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Reinforce your understanding of the Android Keystore System by following practical tutorials and implementing key storage solutions.

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Search for tutorials on using the Android Keystore System with public-key cryptography.
Follow the steps in the tutorial to generate and store a key pair.
Test the key pair by encrypting and decrypting data.

Read 'Android Security Internals'

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Gain a deeper understanding of Android's security architecture to better protect your API keys and other sensitive data.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to the Android Keystore System and data encryption.
Study the code examples provided in the book.
Take notes on key concepts and techniques.

Secure Note-Taking App

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Apply your knowledge by building a simple note-taking app that securely stores notes using public-key cryptography and the Android Keystore System.

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Design the app's user interface and data model.
Implement key generation and storage using the Android Keystore System.
Implement encryption and decryption of notes using public-key cryptography.
Test the app thoroughly to ensure data security.

Contribute to an Open-Source Crypto Library

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Deepen your understanding of cryptography by contributing to an open-source project related to cryptographic libraries or secure storage solutions.

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Find an open-source project that aligns with your interests and skills.
Study the project's codebase and documentation.
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes or new features.
Submit your contributions to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Secure API Keys with a Public-Key Cryptography on Android will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Android Security Engineer

An Android security engineer focuses on protecting Android applications from various security threats. This role involves implementing security measures to safeguard sensitive data, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure the overall integrity of applications. This course helps a prospective Android security engineer by providing a solid foundation in securing API keys using public key cryptography, which is a critical aspect of modern application security. The course's coverage of the Android Keystore system and encrypted shared preferences is directly applicable to securing sensitive data within Android apps. Furthermore, understanding the principles of asymmetric cryptography, as taught in the course, ensures that the Android security engineer builds more robust and secure applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Android Security Engineer

Mobile Security Specialist

A mobile security specialist focuses on securing mobile devices, applications, and networks. This includes performing security assessments, implementing security policies, and responding to security incidents. This course allows a mobile security specialist to deeply examine Android application security. The course's coverage of public key cryptography and the Android Keystore system helps a mobile security specialist understand effective methods for securing API keys, ensuring they can recommend and implement appropriate security measures. Furthermore, asymmetric key cryptography provides security concepts that are critical to success in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Security Specialist

Mobile Application Developer

A mobile application developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining mobile applications on platforms like Android. This role requires a strong understanding of programming languages, mobile frameworks, and security best practices. This course enables a mobile application developer to implement secure API key storage using public key cryptography. It also helps them master the Android Keystore system and encrypted shared preferences, which are crucial for protecting sensitive data within Android applications. Understanding asymmetric cryptography principles, covered within the course, ensures the applications the mobile application developer engineers are robust and secure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Application Developer

Cryptography Engineer

Cryptography engineers specialize in the design, implementation, and testing of cryptographic systems and protocols. This role requires a deep understanding of cryptographic algorithms, security principles, and hardware/software implementations. The coverage of public key cryptography is directly applicable to the work of a cryptography engineer. By studying asymmetric cryptography, the cryptography engineer will have a better understanding of modern cryptographic approaches. This is especially true by looking at the Android operating system and its specific challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptography Engineer

Security Architect

A security architect designs and implements security systems to protect an organization's information assets. This role involves assessing security risks, developing security policies, and selecting appropriate security technologies. This course can help a security architect understand the nuances of securing API keys in Android applications. Knowledge of the Android Keystore system and encrypted shared preferences, covered in this course, supports designing secure mobile solutions. This is especially true with a background in cryptography, as covered in the course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Information Security Engineer

An information security engineer implements and manages security measures to protect an organization's information assets. This role involves designing secure systems, conducting security assessments, and responding to security incidents. This course helps an information security engineer in understanding secure API key practices that helps ensure a more robust security implementation. The exploration of the Android Keystore system and cryptography principles is beneficial for protecting sensitive data. Learning about secure exchange between clients and server helps make their systems even more secure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Engineer

Application Security Consultant

An application security consultant assesses and improves the security posture of software applications. They identify vulnerabilities, recommend security best practices, and help developers implement secure coding techniques. This course is helpful for an application security consultant by demonstrating methods for securely storing API keys in Android apps using public key cryptography. The course's coverage of the Android Keystore system and encrypted shared preferences can inform security recommendations. The consultant's knowledge of asymmetric cryptography ensures that they give sound advice and know relevant security principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Application Security Consultant

Application Developer

An application developer designs, develops, and tests software applications for various platforms. This course helps an application developer understand how to implement secure API key storage in Android applications using public key cryptography. By studying the Android Keystore system and encrypted shared preferences, the application developer can better protect sensitive data. This benefits application developers by helping them build more secure applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Application Developer

Software Architect

A software architect designs the high-level structure of software systems, ensuring they are scalable, maintainable, and secure. They make key decisions about technology stacks, architectural patterns, and security implementations. This course assists a software architect in designing secure mobile applications by demonstrating secure API key practices with public key cryptography. The architect's understanding of the Android Keystore system allows them to design secure data storage solutions. Further, this course helps ensure that they design and develop the application with sound security practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Software Developer

A software developer is involved in the creation and maintenance of software applications. This often involves coding, testing, and debugging software. This course enables a software developer to implement public key cryptography for securing API keys. By exploring the Android Keystore system and encrypted shared preferences, the developer learns better ways to safeguard sensitive data. The more a developer knows about security, the more likely they develop secure software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Cloud Security Engineer

A cloud security engineer is responsible for securing cloud-based systems and data. This role involves implementing security controls, monitoring cloud environments, and responding to security incidents in the cloud. This course assists a cloud security engineer in designing secure data storage solutions. They can also apply cryptographic principles to securely manage and exchange API keys. The engineer's knowledge of deploying servers and the security best practices mentioned allows them to secure the cloud.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

Backend Engineer

A backend engineer is responsible for developing and maintaining the server-side logic and databases that power applications. This includes ensuring data security, managing API endpoints, and optimizing server performance. This course may assist a backend engineer in understanding how to securely exchange data between clients and servers using public key cryptography. The course's exploration of server applications with Kobweb/Ktor is relevant, demonstrating how to implement secure key provider endpoints. Such knowledge is vital for ensuring that data exchanged with Android applications remains protected, with only the intended application able to decrypt it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Backend Engineer

Security Analyst

A security analyst monitors and analyzes security events, identifies potential threats, and implements security measures to protect systems and data. This role requires a broad understanding of security principles, networking, and incident response. This course may provide a security analyst with insights into secure API key management. The course's exploration of the Android Keystore system can inform threat detection strategies when monitoring Android application security. Exposure to cryptography may give a more well-rounded view of the security landscape.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Penetration Tester

A penetration tester, also known as an ethical hacker, simulates cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems and applications. They provide recommendations for improving security based on their findings. This course may assist a penetration tester by providing a more detailed understanding of Android application security vulnerabilities. The course's demonstration of public key cryptography and the Android Keystore system can help penetration testers identify weak points in API key storage implementations. Analyzing security helps penetration tester find vulnerabilities.

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Firmware Engineer

Firmware engineers develop and maintain the low-level software that controls hardware devices. This course may be useful for a firmware engineer because it analyzes the Android Keystore system. This system provides a secure storage facility for cryptographic keys, certificates, and related information. It is designed to protect sensitive data, such as private keys used for encryption and authentication, from unauthorized access. The fundamentals related to cryptography are also applicable to the firmware field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer

Secure API Keys with a Public-Key Cryptography on Android

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Secure android api key storage

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