secrets

Manage encrypted environment variable bundles via OS keychain backends.

15|6|Updated Apr 20, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/phnx-labs/agents-cli --skill secrets-phnx-labs
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: secrets
Source: https://github.com/phnx-labs/agents-cli/tree/main/skills/secrets
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/phnx-labs/agents-cli --skill secrets-phnx-labs

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill solves the security risk of storing API keys and credentials in plaintext files or shell history, while enabling agents to programmatically access only the specific secrets they need.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • OS Keychain Integration: Stores secrets in encrypted system keychains (macOS Keychain, Linux libsecret, Windows Credential Manager) for maximum security at rest.
  • Scoped Injection: Allows you to bundle secrets and pass them to specific agent runs, ensuring agents only access the credentials required for their task.
  • Use Case: When running a coding agent that needs access to a private GitHub repository and a Stripe API key, you can create a secure bundle and inject it at runtime without exposing the keys in your environment variables or shell history.

Quick Start

Use the secrets skill to create a new bundle named production and add your database password to it.

Frequently Asked Questions about secrets

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I securely manage API keys for CLI-based AI agents without exposing them in plaintext files?

Securely manage API keys by storing encrypted environment variable bundles using native OS keychain backends. This prevents exposing credentials in plaintext files or shell history while enabling agents to programmatically access only the specific secrets they need for authentication.

Does this secrets management tool work across macOS, Linux, and Windows keychains?

Yes, this secrets management tool works across macOS Keychain, Linux libsecret, and Windows Credential Manager. It facilitates scoped credential injection for CLI-based AI agents across these environments, ensuring maximum security at rest using native OS keychain backends.

How do I inject specific environment variables into an agent run without exposing my other credentials?

Inject specific environment variables by creating a secure bundle and passing it to specific agent runs at runtime. This scoped injection ensures agents only access the credentials required for their task, keeping other bundled credentials hidden from the environment.

Can I use biometric unlocking and session-based caching for agent credentials?

Yes, you can use biometric unlocking and session-based caching for agent credentials. The skill implements programmatic read and write access with support for dynamic references, allowing secure access to encrypted system keychains during an active session.

What is the best way to pass private GitHub and Stripe API keys to a coding agent safely?

The best way to pass private API keys to a coding agent safely is creating a secure credential bundle and injecting it at runtime. This prevents exposing the keys in your environment variables or shell history while granting the agent the required access.

Why should I avoid storing agent credentials in plaintext environment variables?

Storing agent credentials in plaintext environment variables poses a security risk because they can be exposed through shell history or process listing. Using encrypted OS keychain backends with programmatic read and write access secures credentials at rest.