Safely Send OAuth Client IDs and Secrets to Developers

Why OAuth secrets leak (and linger)

Secrets end up in tickets, chats, and git history—then in backups and laptops. Treat delivery and storage separately: deliver ephemerally, store properly.

Delivery pattern that works

• One-time, expiring link for the secret and separate access code via SMS/phone.
• Verify identity out-of-band before first use. Link hygiene: Verify Links Like a Pro.
• Rotate immediately if you suspect exposure. Playbook: The Simple Incident Playbook for Leaked Passwords.

.env and repo hygiene

• Never commit secrets to any repo.
• Add to .gitignore and keep prod/staging separate.
• Use a password manager for secure notes containing the latest value. Developer tips: How to Share API Keys and .env Files with Developers (Safely).

Rotation without outages

1. Create a new secret in the provider.
2. Deliver via a one-time link + separate code.
3. Update apps in a window; verify auth flows.
4. Delete the old secret and document the change.

Useful external references

• RFC 6749: OAuth 2.0 🔗
• OWASP: Secrets Management Cheat Sheet 🔗

Related reading

Delivery without inbox trails: The Safe Way to Share Passwords in 2025 (No Email)

Zero-knowledge delivery basics: The Beginner’s Guide to Zero-Knowledge Sharing

Incident response after leaks: The Simple Incident Playbook for Leaked Passwords

Bottom line

Send OAuth secrets once, via expiring links; store in managers; never in repos. Verify and rotate as routine.

Secure One-Time Messages - Send confidential messages that self-destruct after being read once. Your privacy is our priority. →.