Secrets Management: Tools & Methods for Authentication
Non-human identities and privileged credentials called secrets are protected through practices, tools, and processes known as secrets management. These secrets include sensitive information in the digital environment across IT networks. They need to be secured and only accessed by trusted entities. Storing, transmitting, and auditing secrets can be complicated, as the digital environment is complex and constantly changing. Comprehensive, holistic, broad, and automated solutions usually offer the most secure environment and best practices for secrets management.
Secrets management defined
A secret in the tech world refers to digital authentication tools and can include the following:
- API keys as well as other application keys and credentials
- Auto-generated or user passwords
- System-to-system passwords, including databases
- SSH keys
- Private encryption keys
- Private certificates for secure communication, transmitting, and receiving data, such as TLS and SSL
- RSA and additional one-time password devices
- Privileged account credentials
Secrets management refers to the protection of these secrets, allowing only authorised and authenticated entities access to them. Secrets management involves policies, processes, and tools in a digital environment. It can include the following:
- Authentication of access requests using non-human credentials
- Automated management of secrets
- Consistent access policies
- Enforcement of the principle of least privilege (giving lowest level of access possible)
- Rotating credentials and secrets often
- Using role-based access control (RBAC) (allowing access based on role in the organisation)
- Maintaining comprehensive audits and tracking all access
- Removing secrets from unprotected areas, including within code and configuration files