Glossary

Dynamic secrets are temporary, on-demand credentials that enhance security by reducing the exposure of sensitive information. Unlike static secrets, which remain unchanged until manually rotated, dynamic secrets are generated on request and automatically expire after a defined period or upon use. This approach minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and secret sprawl, as credentials are never left lingering in code, configuration files, or version control.

Dynamic secrets are particularly valuable in environments where frequent access to databases, cloud services, or APIs is required. For example, when a developer or application needs database credentials, a secrets management system can generate them dynamically with a limited lifespan and specific permissions. Once the session ends or the time limit expires, the credentials become invalid, preventing potential misuse.

One of the biggest advantages of dynamic secrets is their role in zero-trust security models. Since access credentials are never persistent, attackers cannot rely on compromised static secrets to gain unauthorized access. Additionally, dynamic secrets eliminate the need for manual rotation, reducing operational overhead and ensuring compliance with security best practices.