Glossary

Credential management is the practice of securely handling authentication credentials such as passwords, API keys, encryption keys, and digital certificates. These credentials are critical for granting access to systems, applications, and services, making their security a top priority for organizations. Without proper management, credentials can be exposed through leaks, unauthorized access, or weak security practices, leading to data breaches and compliance violations.

Effective credential management involves several key components. First, credentials should be securely stored using encryption, ideally within a dedicated secrets management system rather than environment variables or plaintext files. Second, access to credentials must be controlled through role-based access control (RBAC) and least privilege principles, ensuring that only authorized users or services can retrieve sensitive information.