How we’re handling API key trust in a BYO-key AI workspace

We’re currently in beta with Intrascope and one question keeps coming up around trust and API keys.

Some people are understandably cautious about entering their LLM API keys into any tool. That concern makes sense especially with new products. What’s interesting is that in our case bringing your own API key is the core of how Intrascope works and why it exists in the first place.

We built Intrascope because we experienced the opposite problem. Teams using multiple AI tools had no real visibility into usage or costs until it was too late. By using your own API keys you stay in full control of spending limits usage and access across the whole team.

This approach is already common across many tools from WordPress plugins to internal dashboards and browser extensions. Still trust has to be earned not assumed.

From our side the rules are simple.

• API keys are encrypted.

• We cannot view or export them.

• Nothing runs without explicit user action.

• Usage and limits are visible at all times.

What we learned in beta is that security alone is not enough. Clear communication and transparency matter just as much as the underlying tech.

We’d love feedback from other founders and teams.

What helped you build trust when BYO API keys were a key part of your product?