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Understanding how Smelt protects your data, API keys, and account.

API Key Security

Encryption

Your API keys are encrypted using AES-256-GCM:
  • Industry-standard encryption
  • Keys are encrypted at rest
  • Decrypted only when needed for API calls

Storage

AspectHow It Works
At restEncrypted in database
In transitHTTPS/TLS encryption
DisplayNever shown after saving
AccessOnly your account can use your keys

What We Never Do

  • ❌ Store keys in plain text
  • ❌ Log keys in application logs
  • ❌ Share keys between accounts
  • ❌ Display keys after initial entry
Once you save an API key, you cannot view it again. You can only delete and add a new one.

Data Security

Your CSV Data

AspectProtection
StorageEncrypted cloud storage (AWS S3)
AccessIsolated per account
TransmissionHTTPS/TLS encrypted
RetentionYou control deletion

Data Isolation

Your data is completely isolated:
  • Other users cannot see your files
  • Other users cannot see your results
  • Other users cannot see your templates
  • No cross-account data access

AI Processing

When BYOK mode is used:
  • Data goes directly to OpenAI under your API key
  • No third-party AI intermediaries
  • Subject to OpenAI’s data policies
When Managed mode is used:
  • Data goes to OpenAI under Smelt’s API key
  • Same OpenAI data policies apply

Account Security

Password Protection

  • Passwords hashed with bcrypt (cost factor 12)
  • Never stored in plain text
  • Rate limiting on login attempts (5 attempts / 15 min)
  • Rate limiting on registration (3 / hour)

Session Security

  • JWT-based sessions
  • 30-day session duration
  • Automatic logout after inactivity

Password Reset

  • Secure token-based reset
  • Tokens expire after 1 hour
  • Tokens are single-use
  • Rate limited (3 requests / hour / email)

Infrastructure Security

Application Security

MeasureImplementation
Security headersX-Frame-Options, CSP, etc.
HTTPSAll traffic encrypted
Rate limitingProtected endpoints
Input validationAll user input validated

Data Backup

  • Regular database backups
  • Encrypted backup storage
  • Point-in-time recovery capability

Compliance Considerations

GDPR

For EU users:
  • You can request data export
  • You can request account deletion
  • Data processing documented

Data Retention

  • Data retained while account active
  • Deleted upon account deletion request
  • No automatic data mining or resale

Security Best Practices

At least 12 characters with mixed case, numbers, and symbols.
Never share your OpenAI API key. Create separate keys per service.
Create an API key specifically for Smelt so you can track and revoke it separately.
Regularly check your OpenAI usage dashboard for unexpected activity.
Configure spending limits in OpenAI to prevent unexpected costs.

Reporting Security Issues

If you discover a security vulnerability:
  1. Email security@getsmelt.io
  2. Do not publicly disclose until resolved
  3. We’ll respond within 48 hours
We take security reports seriously and appreciate responsible disclosure.