Glossary

Application secrets are confidential credentials that software applications use to authenticate with services, databases, and APIs. These secrets include API keys, database passwords, encryption keys, OAuth tokens, and other sensitive information required for secure communication and data protection. Managing them properly is crucial for preventing unauthorized access and mitigating security risks.

Without proper handling, exposed secrets can lead to data breaches, compromised accounts, and unauthorized system access. Common mistakes include hardcoding secrets in source code, storing them in unsecured configuration files, or sharing them improperly across teams. Attackers often scan repositories, logs, and environment variables for exposed credentials, making secret management a critical aspect of application security.

Best practices for managing application secrets include storing them in a dedicated secrets manager, restricting access based on roles and least privilege principles, rotating credentials regularly, and ensuring encryption at rest and in transit. Automating secret injection into applications without exposing them in code or logs further enhances security.