OpenClaw Security Concerns: API Keys and Conversation Data at Risk in Default Self-Hosting

A user on r/openclaw raises security concerns about self-hosting OpenClaw, specifically regarding API key and conversation data protection.

Security Assessment

According to a Cisco report referenced in the source, OpenClaw security is described as "optional, not built in." The default configuration appears to contribute to this assessment.

Specific Vulnerabilities

• API keys are stored in .env files on whatever VPS the software runs on
• Root access to the VPS provides full visibility of these files
• The concern is particularly acute for non-technical users who might run OpenClaw on a $5 droplet with default settings
• Anthropic API keys would be stored in plaintext in this default configuration

Community Request

The original poster is seeking community-developed solutions, specifically asking for:

• A hardened deployment guide
• A standardized security configuration that the community has agreed upon

The user notes that while they might accept these risks for personal projects, they cannot recommend this setup to non-technical people due to the security implications.