diff --git a/.env.example b/.env.example
index 394ca02c..39fdc2e7 100644
--- a/.env.example
+++ b/.env.example
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ AZURE_KEYVAULT_URL=
 # For the Docker prototype stack, leave these pointed at the local emulator.
 # When you move to a managed environment later, replace them with real Azure values.
 COSMOS_ENDPOINT=http://cosmos-emulator:8081
-COSMOS_KEY=C2y6yDjf5/R+ob0N8A7Cgv30VRDJIWEHLM+4QDU5DE2nQ9nDuVTqobD4b8mGGyPMbIZnqyMsEcaGQy67XIw/Jw==
+COSMOS_KEY=<cosmos-emulator-key>
 COSMOS_DATABASE=lysnrai
 
 # ── Auth (platform-service) ─────────────────────────