Secret Key Generator
Click generate to create a secret key
Generate Multiple Keys
How to Use
- Select the key size (256-bit recommended)
- Choose encoding format (hex or base64)
- Or use a preset for common use cases
- Click "Generate Secret Key"
- Copy and store securely
Key Size Guide
- 128-bit - Minimum for modern encryption, fast
- 256-bit - Recommended for most applications
- 384-bit - Extra security margin
- 512-bit - Maximum security, HMAC-SHA512
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a secret key?
A secret key is a cryptographic key used for encryption, authentication, or signing. It must be kept confidential and is used in symmetric encryption where the same key encrypts and decrypts data.
What's the difference between hex and base64?
Hexadecimal uses 16 characters (0-9, a-f) and is easy to read. Base64 uses 64 characters and is more compact, encoding 6 bits per character vs hex's 4 bits.
How long should my secret key be?
For AES-128, use 128 bits (32 hex chars or 22 base64 chars). For AES-256, use 256 bits (64 hex chars or 44 base64 chars). 256-bit is recommended for maximum security.
Are these keys cryptographically secure?
Yes, these keys are generated using the Web Crypto API's cryptographically secure random number generator. They are suitable for cryptographic applications.
How should I store secret keys?
Never hardcode secret keys in source code. Use environment variables, secure vaults (like HashiCorp Vault), or key management services (AWS KMS, Google Cloud KMS).