I almost leaked an API key into ChatGPT, so I built a Chrome extension

Source: Dev.to

Introduction

I use AI chat tools a lot when coding and analyzing logs. A few days ago I almost pasted a real API key into ChatGPT while sharing some logs, but I noticed it just before sending.

The Problem

It’s extremely easy to accidentally leak sensitive data when using AI chats.

The Solution: PasteSafe

I built a small Chrome extension called PasteSafe. When you paste text into AI chats, it scans the content and detects things like:

• API keys
• Emails
• Phone numbers
• IBANs
• UUIDs
• URLs

If something sensitive is detected, PasteSafe automatically masks the values before the message is sent.

Supported AI Chats

• ChatGPT
• Claude
• Gemini

How It Works

Everything runs locally in the browser:

• No servers
• No tracking
• No data collection

Try It

PasteSafe – Chrome Extension

Source Code

GitHub repository

Discussion

Have you ever accidentally pasted something sensitive into an AI chat?