n8n Self-Hosted: Secure AppHighway API Credentials
Comprehensive security guide for self-hosted n8n. Environment variables, credential encryption, Docker secrets, Kubernetes configuration, and production-ready security patterns.
TL;DR
- Never hardcode API tokens in workflows - use n8n Credentials
- Set environment variables with Docker -e or docker-compose.yml
- Use Docker secrets for production deployments
- Encrypt credentials at rest with n8n encryption key
- Implement RBAC to restrict who can view/edit credentials
- Regularly rotate API tokens and update n8n credentials
Why Credential Security Matters
Self-hosted n8n gives you full control but also full responsibility for security. Exposed API tokens can lead to unauthorized access and unexpected costs. This guide covers enterprise-grade credential management.
n8n Credential Management
Built-in Credentials Feature
n8n's native credential storage with encryption
Credentials → Create New → Header Auth → Add Authorization header
Environment Variables
Pass tokens via environment variables
docker run -e APPHIGHWAY_TOKEN=your_token n8nio/n8n
Docker Secrets (Production)
Secure secret management for Docker Swarm/Kubernetes
echo 'your_token' | docker secret create apphighway_token -
Next Steps
Secure your n8n deployment
Production n8n Setup
Complete guide to deploying n8n in production with SSL, backups, and monitoring.
Token Rotation Strategy
Learn how to rotate AppHighway tokens without workflow downtime.
Security Without Complexity
Self-hosted n8n with proper credential management gives you the security of enterprise systems with the flexibility of open source. Follow these practices and sleep soundly.
Ready to secure your n8n? Implement these practices and protect your AppHighway integration.