Glossary

Secret vaults provide a secure, centralized repository for storing sensitive credentials, including API keys, passwords, encryption keys, and certificates. Designed to minimize the risk of unauthorized access and data leaks, these vaults use strong encryption and strict access controls to protect critical information from exposure.

For development and operations teams, managing secrets securely is essential. Hardcoding credentials in source code or storing them in configuration files creates significant security risks, as they can be exposed through version control systems or compromised machines. A secret vault eliminates these risks by keeping sensitive information separate from application code while enforcing granular access policies.

Most secret vaults offer features such as automatic secret rotation, auditing, and integration with identity management systems. These capabilities help organizations maintain compliance with security best practices and regulatory requirements by ensuring credentials are never static, outdated, or accessible beyond what is necessary.