Security Best Practices

Learn security best practices for configuring and using Plugged.in safely in production environments

Overview

Security is paramount when managing MCP servers and sensitive data. This guide covers essential security practices for Plugged.in deployments.

End-to-End Encryption

Protect sensitive configuration and credentials

Access Control

Implement proper authentication and authorization

Prerequisites
  • Administrative access to your Plugged.in instance
  • Basic understanding of security concepts
  • Access to server configuration
Step 1: Strengthen Authentication
Critical
Implement robust authentication mechanisms

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Require MFA for all user accounts:

Settings → Security → Enable 2FA Requirement

Session Management

Configure appropriate session timeouts and implement secure session handling with proper invalidation.

Step 2: API Key Security
Important
Properly manage and secure API keys

Key Rotation Policy

Implement regular API key rotation:

  • • Rotate keys quarterly at minimum
  • • Immediate rotation if compromise suspected
  • • Rotate when team members change

Secure Storage

Store API keys securely:

# Use environment variables
export PLUGGEDIN_API_KEY="your-key-here"

# Never commit to git
echo "PLUGGEDIN_API_KEY" >> .gitignore
Step 3: Data Encryption
Essential
Ensure all sensitive data is properly encrypted

End-to-End Encryption

MCP server configurations are encrypted end-to-end, ensuring only authorized users can decrypt.

Encryption in Transit

Always use HTTPS/TLS for all communications. Never transmit sensitive data over unencrypted connections.

Encryption at Rest

Database encryption should be enabled for production deployments to protect stored data.

Step 4: Security Monitoring
Ongoing
Implement comprehensive security monitoring

Audit Logging

Monitor and log security-relevant events:

  • • Authentication attempts (success/failure)
  • • API key usage and generation
  • • MCP server configuration changes
  • • Permission and role changes

Security Alerts

Set up alerts for suspicious activities like multiple failed login attempts or unusual API usage patterns.

Next Steps
  • • Conduct regular security reviews and audits
  • • Provide security training for all team members
  • • Develop an incident response plan