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[Cyberpedia](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia?ts=markdown) 2. [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-security?ts=markdown) 3. [ASPM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-application-security-posture-management?ts=markdown) 4. [What Is Secrets Management?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management?ts=markdown) Table of Contents * [What Is Application Security Posture Management (ASPM)?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-application-security-posture-management?ts=markdown) * [Application Security Posture Management (ASPM) Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-application-security-posture-management#application?ts=markdown) * [Why Is ASPM Important?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-application-security-posture-management#why?ts=markdown) * [The Role of ASPM in Cyber Defense](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-application-security-posture-management#role?ts=markdown) * [ASPM: Business Value](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-application-security-posture-management#aspm?ts=markdown) * [Comparing ASPM with Other Security Technologies](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-application-security-posture-management#security?ts=markdown) * [How ASPM Works](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-application-security-posture-management#works?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Use Cases](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-application-security-posture-management#cases?ts=markdown) * [Top Considerations When Choosing an ASPM Solution](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-application-security-posture-management#considerations?ts=markdown) * [ASPM FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-application-security-posture-management#faqs?ts=markdown) * [How DSPM Is Evolving: Key Trends to Watch](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends?ts=markdown) * [From Static Discovery to Dynamic Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#static?ts=markdown) * [The Convergence of DSPM with Cloud-Native Security Architectures](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#native?ts=markdown) * [Real-Time Data Detection and Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#response?ts=markdown) * [AI Security and Generative AI Data Protection](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#protection?ts=markdown) * [Automation, Policy-as-Code, and DevSecOps Integration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#automation?ts=markdown) * [DSPM Key Trends FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#faq?ts=markdown) * [Interactive Application Testing \& ASPM: Closing DevSec Gaps](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-devops-gaps?ts=markdown) * [Modern Application Security Testing Architecture](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-devops-gaps#modern?ts=markdown) * [Application Security Posture Management Fundamentals](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-devops-gaps#application?ts=markdown) * [Technical Integration Mechanisms](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-devops-gaps#technical?ts=markdown) * [Enhanced Detection and False Positive Reduction](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-devops-gaps#enhanced?ts=markdown) * [Pre-Production Testing and Developer Feedback Loops](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-devops-gaps#loops?ts=markdown) * [IAST and ASPM Integration FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-devops-gaps#faqs?ts=markdown) * [Buy or Build: Calculating ASPM ROI for Your Organization](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-roi?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Platform Requirements and Strategic Context](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-roi#aspm?ts=markdown) * [Build Vs. Buy Decision Framework](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-roi#vs?ts=markdown) * [ROI Calculation Models and Financial Analysis](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-roi#roi?ts=markdown) * [Implementation Scenarios and Trade-Off Analysis](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-roi#analysis?ts=markdown) * [Long-Term Scalability and Strategic Considerations](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-roi#considerations?ts=markdown) * [ASPM ROI FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-roi#faqs?ts=markdown) * [Overcoming AppSec Chaos: 7 Modes of ASPM Adoption](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-adoption-modes?ts=markdown) * [Why ASPM Is Critical for Cloud-First Enterprises](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-adoption-modes#why?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Maturity Assessment and Organizational Readiness](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-adoption-modes#aspm?ts=markdown) * [7 Paths to ASPM Adoption](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-adoption-modes#adoption?ts=markdown) * [Operating Models and Sustained ASPM Maturity](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-adoption-modes#operating?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Adoption FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-adoption-modes#faqs?ts=markdown) * [ASPM: The Evolution Beyond ASOC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-vs-asoc?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Vs. ASOC Market Evolution and Convergence Dynamics](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-vs-asoc#aspm?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Core Features and Advantages Vs. ASOC Orchestration Capabilities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-vs-asoc#capabilities?ts=markdown) * [ASOC Vs. ASPM Disadvantages and Implementation Challenges](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-vs-asoc#challenges?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Vs. ASOC Cost Analysis and Strategic Investment Planning](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-vs-asoc#planning?ts=markdown) * [ASOC Vs. ASPM Selection Framework](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-vs-asoc#framework?ts=markdown) * [ASPM and ASOC FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-vs-asoc#faqs?ts=markdown) * [Top Cloud Data Security Solutions](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-solutions?ts=markdown) * [The Modern Cloud Data Security Landscape](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-solutions#modern?ts=markdown) * [The Anatomy of Modern Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-solutions#cloud?ts=markdown) * [Evaluating Data Protection Platforms for Enterprise Deployment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-solutions#data?ts=markdown) * [Leading Cloud Data Security Solutions and Market Positioning](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-solutions#security?ts=markdown) * [Strategic Implementation and Platform Selection](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-solutions#platform?ts=markdown) * [Top Cloud Data Security Solutions FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-solutions#faq?ts=markdown) * [Selecting Your ASPM Solution: Metrics That Matter](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-solution-metrics?ts=markdown) * [Why Opt for an ASPM solution?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-solution-metrics#solution?ts=markdown) * [Not All ASPM Solutions Are Created Equal](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-solution-metrics#equal?ts=markdown) * [Must Have ASPM Components](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-solution-metrics#components?ts=markdown) * [Real World Evaluation Requirements](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-solution-metrics#evaluation?ts=markdown) * [Selecting ASPM Platform FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-solution-metrics#faq?ts=markdown) * [ASPM in Action: 8 Real‑World Use Cases](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-use-cases?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-use-cases#explained?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Use Cases](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-use-cases#cases?ts=markdown) * [Enhancing Cloud Security with ASPM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-use-cases#security?ts=markdown) * [The Business Value of ASPM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-use-cases#value?ts=markdown) * [ASPM FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-use-cases#faq?ts=markdown) * [State of ASPM 2025: Key Trends \& Emerging Threats](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-trends?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Market Evolution and Adoption Trajectory](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-trends#aspm?ts=markdown) * [AI-Native ASPM and Machine Learning Integration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-trends#integration?ts=markdown) * [Cloud-Native Security Challenges and Container Orchestration Threats](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-trends#threats?ts=markdown) * [Software Supply Chain Vulnerabilities and SBOM Evolution](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-trends#software?ts=markdown) * [DevSecOps Integration and Future ASPM Architecture](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-trends#devsecops?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Key Trends \& Threats FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-trends#faqs?ts=markdown) * [Application Security Best Practices You Can't Skip in ASPM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/application-security-best-practices?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Architecture: From Tool Sprawl to Unified Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/application-security-best-practices#aspm?ts=markdown) * [Advanced Risk Correlation and Contextual Prioritization Systems](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/application-security-best-practices#advanced?ts=markdown) * [Policy-Driven Security Automation and Enforcement Architecture](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/application-security-best-practices#policy?ts=markdown) * [Seamless DevOps Integration and Cloud-Native Security Orchestration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/application-security-best-practices#seamless?ts=markdown) * [Enterprise Scalability, Performance Engineering, and Compliance Automation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/application-security-best-practices#enterprise?ts=markdown) * [Application Security In ASPM Best Practices FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/application-security-best-practices#faqs?ts=markdown) * [How Supply Chain Threats Are Shaping ASPM Today](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-supply-chain-threats?ts=markdown) * [The Supply Chain Attack Surface in Modern ASPM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-supply-chain-threats#aspm?ts=markdown) * [Critical Supply Chain Vectors Driving ASPM Evolution](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-supply-chain-threats#critical?ts=markdown) * [Software Supply Chain Risk Assessment and Prioritization](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-supply-chain-threats#software?ts=markdown) * [Architectural Shifts in ASPM for Supply Chain Defense](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-supply-chain-threats#defense?ts=markdown) * [Operationalizing Supply Chain Security Within ASPM Programs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-supply-chain-threats#programs?ts=markdown) * [Supply Chain Threats Are Shaping ASPM FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-supply-chain-threats#faqs?ts=markdown) * [How ASPM Strengthens Your Cloud Ecosystem](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-cloud-ecosystem?ts=markdown) * [ASPM's Role in Unified Cloud Security Architecture](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-cloud-ecosystem#architecture?ts=markdown) * [Integration Points Across the Cloud Security Stack](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-cloud-ecosystem#integration?ts=markdown) * [Risk Intelligence and Contextual Prioritization in Cloud Environments](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-cloud-ecosystem#risk?ts=markdown) * [Operational Efficiency Through Automated Cloud Security Workflows](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-cloud-ecosystem#workflows?ts=markdown) * [Strategic Advantages for Cloud-First Organizations](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-cloud-ecosystem#strategic?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Strengthening the Entire Cloud Ecosystem FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-cloud-ecosystem#faqs?ts=markdown) * [Developer Infrastructure Posture: Integrating ASPM Early](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-infrastructure-posture?ts=markdown) * [Understanding Developer Infrastructure Posture](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-infrastructure-posture#understanding?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Fundamentals: Beyond Traditional Application Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-infrastructure-posture#aspm?ts=markdown) * [Early Integration Strategies: Embedding ASPM in Developer Workflows](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-infrastructure-posture#early?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Compliance Framework Integration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-infrastructure-posture#integration?ts=markdown) * [Risk Prioritization and Remediation at Scale](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-infrastructure-posture#risk?ts=markdown) * [Developer Infrastructure Posture Management and ASPM FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-infrastructure-posture#faqs?ts=markdown) * [Amplify ASPM with RBVM Risk‑Based Vulnerability Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-risk-based-vulnerability?ts=markdown) * [ASPM and RBVM Technical Convergence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-risk-based-vulnerability#aspm?ts=markdown) * [Enhanced API Security Through Contextual Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-risk-based-vulnerability#enhanced?ts=markdown) * [Runtime and Version Monitoring Convergence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-risk-based-vulnerability#runtime?ts=markdown) * [Build and Deploy Phase Security Amplification](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-risk-based-vulnerability#build?ts=markdown) * [Operational Excellence and Measurable Outcomes](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-risk-based-vulnerability#outcomes?ts=markdown) * [ASPM and RBVM FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-risk-based-vulnerability#faqs?ts=markdown) * [CNAPP and ASPM Collaboration, Not Collision](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-vs-cnapp?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Overview](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-vs-cnapp#aspm?ts=markdown) * [The Emergence of CNAPP](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-vs-cnapp#emergence?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Vs. CNAPP: The Main Differences](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-vs-cnapp#vs?ts=markdown) * [CNAPP and ASPM: The Synergies](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-vs-cnapp#synergies?ts=markdown) * [Integrating and Coordinating Complementary Capabilities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-vs-cnapp#integrating?ts=markdown) * [CNAPP and ASPM FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-vs-cnapp#faqs?ts=markdown) * [CSPM Vs ASPM: Where Your Focus Belongs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cspm-vs-aspm?ts=markdown) * [Core Security Foundations: A Look at CSPM and ASPM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cspm-vs-aspm#core?ts=markdown) * [Security Layer Distinctions: Infrastructure Vs. Application Focus](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cspm-vs-aspm#security?ts=markdown) * [Strategic Technology Assessment: Benefits and Constraints of Each Approach](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cspm-vs-aspm#strategic?ts=markdown) * [Deployment Scenarios and Implementation Strategies](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cspm-vs-aspm#deployment?ts=markdown) * [CSPM and ASPM FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cspm-vs-aspm#faqs?ts=markdown) * [Why You Need Static Analysis, Dynamic Analysis, and Machine Learning?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/why-you-need-static-analysis-dynamic-analysis-machine-learning?ts=markdown) * [What Is a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM)?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-software-bill-materials-sbom?ts=markdown) * [Software Bill of Materials Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-software-bill-materials-sbom#sbom-explained?ts=markdown) * [Who Should Have a SBOM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-software-bill-materials-sbom#who?ts=markdown) * [The Role of SBOMs in Cybersecurity and Compliance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-software-bill-materials-sbom#role-of-sboms?ts=markdown) * [Why Is an SBOM Important?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-software-bill-materials-sbom#why-is-an-sbom-important?ts=markdown) * [Software Composition Analysis and SBOMs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-software-bill-materials-sbom#sca-and-sboms?ts=markdown) * [How Does an SBOM Help Prevent Open-Source Supply Chain Attacks](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-software-bill-materials-sbom#how?ts=markdown) * [SBOM Formats](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-software-bill-materials-sbom#sbom-formats?ts=markdown) * [Software Bill of Materials Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-software-bill-materials-sbom#sbom-best-practices?ts=markdown) * [SBOM FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-software-bill-materials-sbom#faq?ts=markdown) * [What Is Policy-as-Code?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-policy-as-code?ts=markdown) * [Defining Policy-As-Code](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-policy-as-code#defining?ts=markdown) * [Policy-as-Code vs. Infrastructure as Code](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-policy-as-code#policy?ts=markdown) * [Benefits of Policy-as-Code](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-policy-as-code#benefits?ts=markdown) * [How to Use Policy-As-Code](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-policy-as-code#how?ts=markdown) * [What Is Static Application Security Testing (SAST)?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sast-static-application-security-testing?ts=markdown) * [Why Is SAST Important?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sast-static-application-security-testing#why?ts=markdown) * [SAST Vs. DAST](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sast-static-application-security-testing#vs?ts=markdown) * [Software Composition Analysis and SAST](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sast-static-application-security-testing#composition?ts=markdown) * [SAST Tools](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sast-static-application-security-testing#tools?ts=markdown) * [Industry Guidelines](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sast-static-application-security-testing#guidelines?ts=markdown) * [The Future of SAST](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sast-static-application-security-testing#future?ts=markdown) * [Static Application Security Testing FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sast-static-application-security-testing#faq?ts=markdown) * [What Is Code Security?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-code-security?ts=markdown) * [IaC Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-code-security#iac?ts=markdown) * [Application Code Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-code-security#application?ts=markdown) * [Software Supply Chain Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-code-security#software?ts=markdown) * [Code Security FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-code-security#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Software Composition Analysis (SCA)?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sca?ts=markdown) * [What Is Software Composition Analysis?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sca#what?ts=markdown) * [What Are the Risks of Using Open Source Components?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sca#components?ts=markdown) * [Software Composition Analysis Identifies Risks in Open Source Packages](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sca#software?ts=markdown) * [How to Use SCA in the Development Processes](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sca#processes?ts=markdown) * [The Benefits of Software Composition Analysis](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-sca#analysis?ts=markdown) * [What is Infrastructure-as-Code Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-iac-security?ts=markdown) * [How IaC Security Works](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-iac-security#how?ts=markdown) * [Why is IaC Security Important?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-iac-security#why?ts=markdown) * [What is IaC?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-iac?ts=markdown) * [Benefits of IaC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-iac#benefits?ts=markdown) * [Challenges of IaC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-iac#challenges?ts=markdown) * [Infrastructure as Code FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-iac#faqs?ts=markdown) * What Is Secrets Management? * [Secrets Management Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#secrets?ts=markdown) * [Why Is Secrets Management Important?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#why?ts=markdown) * [Secrets Management Across the Enterprise](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#enterprise?ts=markdown) * [Secrets Management in DevOps Environments](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#devops?ts=markdown) * [Challenges of Secrets Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#challenges?ts=markdown) * [Secrets Management Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#best?ts=markdown) * [A Comprehensive and Automated Solution](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#solution?ts=markdown) * [Secrets Management FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Supply Chain Security?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-infrastructure-as-code-supply-chain-security?ts=markdown) * [What Is GitOps? Understanding the 'DevOps' of Infrastructure Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-infrastructure-as-code-supply-chain-security#what?ts=markdown) * [The 4 Stages for Securing Your IaC Supply Chain](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-infrastructure-as-code-supply-chain-security#the?ts=markdown) * [Best Practices for Securing Your IaC Pipeline](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-infrastructure-as-code-supply-chain-security#best?ts=markdown) * [Embrace Change: Automating Your Organization's Infrastructure](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-infrastructure-as-code-supply-chain-security#embrace?ts=markdown) * [IaC Supply Chain Security FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-infrastructure-as-code-supply-chain-security#faqs?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Tools: Evaluation Criteria and How to Select the Best Option](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-tools?ts=markdown) * [The Need for Application Security Posture Management Solutions](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-tools#solutions?ts=markdown) * [The Key Components of ASPM Tools](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-tools#key?ts=markdown) * [How to Select and Evaluate the Right ASPM Solution](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-tools#how?ts=markdown) * [Common Challenges Implementing ASPM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-tools#challenges?ts=markdown) * [ASPM Tools FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-tools#faqs?ts=markdown) # What Is Secrets Management? 5 min. read [AppSec's New Horizon: A Virtual Event](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/appsecs-new-horizon-virtual-event.html) Table of Contents * * [Secrets Management Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#secrets?ts=markdown) * [Why Is Secrets Management Important?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#why?ts=markdown) * [Secrets Management Across the Enterprise](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#enterprise?ts=markdown) * [Secrets Management in DevOps Environments](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#devops?ts=markdown) * [Challenges of Secrets Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#challenges?ts=markdown) * [Secrets Management Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#best?ts=markdown) * [A Comprehensive and Automated Solution](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#solution?ts=markdown) * [Secrets Management FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#faqs?ts=markdown) 1. Secrets Management Explained * * [Secrets Management Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#secrets?ts=markdown) * [Why Is Secrets Management Important?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#why?ts=markdown) * [Secrets Management Across the Enterprise](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#enterprise?ts=markdown) * [Secrets Management in DevOps Environments](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#devops?ts=markdown) * [Challenges of Secrets Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#challenges?ts=markdown) * [Secrets Management Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#best?ts=markdown) * [A Comprehensive and Automated Solution](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#solution?ts=markdown) * [Secrets Management FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management#faqs?ts=markdown) Secrets management is the use of tools and techniques to securely store, access, and manage digital authentication credentials, also known as secrets. Organizations use secrets for digital authentication whenever privileged users --- humans and machines --- attempt to access protected data, applications, services, tools, containers, and [cloud-native environments](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-cloud-native?ts=markdown) within their IT ecosystems. An early step in secrets management involves identifying the secrets that need protection. [Sensitive information](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/sensitive-data?ts=markdown) includes: * User or autogenerated passwords * API keys * Tokens for application use * SSH keys * Private certificates * Private encryption keys for systems such as PGP, RSA, and other one-time password devices. Organizations must choose secure storage and [access control](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/access-control?ts=markdown) methods to maintain compliance with [data protection regulations](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-compliance?ts=markdown) and ensure that only authorized users can access their resources. ## Secrets Management Explained Secrets management requires a comprehensive approach to protect sensitive information and maintain the integrity of systems and applications. In cloud environments, multiple nonhuman users (i.e., applications, services, automated processes) interact, increasing the attack surface and the potential for unauthorized access and [data breaches](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-breach?ts=markdown). Modern secrets management demands a holistic approach that accounts for the complexities of cloud environments, CI/CD pipelines, and nonhuman users. Centralized secret stores, least-privileged access control, dynamic secrets, auditing, and secure integration into [CI/CD pipelines](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-the-ci-cd-pipeline-and-ci-cd-security?ts=markdown) are key components of an effective secrets management strategy. These enable organizations to protect sensitive information and maintain the integrity of their systems and applications. ## Why Is Secrets Management Important? Applications, scripts, software, third-party tools, automation tools --- and people --- use privileged credentials to access resources, communicate with databases, and obtain encryption keys. But if these credentials aren't secured, the gates of the enterprise are swung open, leaving assets across tool stacks, platforms, and cloud environments at risk. Secrets in the digital era are ubiquitous, making secrets management integral to [cloud security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-cloud-security?ts=markdown). As the use of cloud-based applications and datastores climbs, so does the need to protect sensitive information. Secrets management helps organizations to protect against data theft, unauthorized access, and other security threats. ## Secrets Management Across the Enterprise In enterprise-wide environments, the secrets management process must handle a diverse range of technology stacks, including legacy systems, commercial off-the-shelf applications, and custom applications. The diversity complicates the management process, as each system requires tailored solutions. Multiple departments and teams with varying access levels necessitate a granular and hierarchical approach to access controls. Manual processes, such as IT teams handling access requests and granting privileges, can increase the risk of human error and unauthorized access. Additionally, compliance and [governance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-governance?ts=markdown) are crucial in enterprise-wide environments, demanding comprehensive auditing, reporting, and monitoring capabilities in secrets management solutions. ![Secrets management within a CI/CD pipeline and cloud environment, highlighting potential locations of secrets (e.g., Git repos, configuration files, state files), their flow, and mechanisms like key vaults, backups, and log masking for handling them.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/secrets-management/secrets-management-flow-diagram.jpg) **Figure 1**: Secrets management within a CI/CD pipeline and cloud environment, highlighting potential locations of secrets (e.g., Git repos, configuration files, state files), their flow, and mechanisms like key vaults, backups, and log masking for handling them. ## Secrets Management in DevOps Environments For digital organizations, securing secrets in the DevOps pipeline is central to minimizing the attack surface. Automation and continuous delivery require secrets management solutions that securely inject secrets into applications and infrastructure as needed. These environments often rely on [cloud-native technologies](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-cloud-native?ts=markdown), like [container orchestration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-container-orchestration?ts=markdown) platforms such as [Kubernetes](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-kubernetes?ts=markdown), necessitating tailored secrets management solutions. The collaborative nature of DevOps teams demands a flexible approach, focusing on rapid access provisioning, revocation, and [shared responsibility](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-security-is-a-shared-responsibility?ts=markdown). What's more, the frequent deployments and shorter development cycles in DevOps environments result in a higher volume of secrets and more frequent changes, requiring vigorous secrets rotation, automation, and dynamic secrets provisioning. But security often --- commonly --- takes a backseat to agility. In the name of speed, developers have been known to hard-code credentials in source code, leaving secrets littered throughout configuration files and configuration management tools, or stored in plaintext in version control, wikis, and shared volumes. **Related Article:** [Exposed Credentials Across the DevSecOps Pipeline: 5 Places Secrets Hide in Plain Sight](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/prisma-cloud/exposed-credentials-across-the-devsecops-pipeline/) When credentials in source code are publicly exposed, bad actors can gain unauthorized access and instigate attacks involving [data leaks](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-leak?ts=markdown), code tampering, or service disruptions. ## Challenges of Secrets Management Despite the critical role secrets management plays in preserving the security of applications and infrastructure, organizations struggle with diverse challenges --- including the consequences of mistakes. [DevSecOps](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-devsecops?ts=markdown) and IT are complicated fields. The many types of secrets an organization has to control makes transmitting and storing them difficult. ### Incomplete Visibility Managing privileged accounts, applications, tools, containers, and microservices --- along with their associated passwords, keys, and secrets --- presents a significant challenge in terms of scale. SSH keys can number in the millions at some organizations, for instance. Decentralized approaches, where admins, developers, and other team members manage their secrets separately or not at all, exacerbate this challenge. The result is fragmented control. security gaps, and challenges when it comes to auditing. ### Remote Access As employees access secrets from various locations and devices, the risk of exposure through unsecured networks, personal devices, and insecure communication channels increases. What's more, the challenge intensifies as organizations need to enforce strict access controls and monitor usage without hindering the productivity of remote employees. ### Default Security Most new applications and IoT devices come preinstalled with default credentials, which are easy to crack. Even professional DevOps tools sometimes come with pre-made credentials that put the organization at risk if not changed. ### Cloud-Based Services Your company likely uses online services like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Office 365. If so, you probably work with multiple virtual machines, which require secrets. How do you handle secrets with so many factors and data points to track? As the IT ecosystem increases in complexity and secrets proliferate, it becomes increasingly difficult to securely store, transmit, and audit secrets. ### Hard-Coded Credentials DevOps teams rely heavily on secrets for their tasks. As we know, secrets can hide anywhere --- in [infrastructure as code (IaC)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/prisma-cloud/what-is-infrastructure-as-code-the-best-way-to-fully-control-your-cloud-configuration/) and application code files, repo config files, and more. Subsequently, applications are often deployed with hard-coded credentials that hackers using scanning tools can crack. ### Cleartext When developers work together on an image in AWS, GCP, Azure, or some other cloud-native environment, it's not uncommon for them to share .PEM files, SSH keys, and other configuration secrets in cleartext through various communication channels or store them in a directory or file assumed secure. ### Secrets Sprawl With the proliferation of multicloud and [microservices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-are-microservices?ts=markdown), organizations have hundreds, or even thousands, of secrets their developers use for accessing machines. These secrets can be shared or left in code or just left unrevoked and leave organizations open to security incidents. **Related Article:** [The Top 5 Secrets Management Mistakes and How to Avoid Them](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/prisma-cloud/5-secrets-management-mistakes/) ### Privileged Credentials and the Cloud Cloud and virtualization administrator consoles (as with AWS, Office 365, etc.) provide broad superuser privileges that enable users to rapidly spin up and spin down virtual machines and applications at a vast scale. Each virtual machine instance has privileges and secrets that need to be managed. ### DevOps Tools While secrets need to be managed across the IT ecosystem, DevOps environments amplify the challenges of managing secrets. Teams typically leverage dozens of tools that rely on automation and scripts requiring secrets to work. These tools, however, frequently have secrets hardcoded within the scripts or files. ### Third-Party Vendor Accounts Organizations rely on external services and APIs, which necessitate additional API keys and access tokens. The growing number of secrets associated with these integrations contributes to secrets sprawl. **Related Article:** [Ungoverned Usage of Third-Party Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/ungoverned-usage-third-party-services-cicd-sec8?ts=markdown) ### Manual Secrets Management Manual secrets management processes are a recipe for error. Poor secrets hygiene, such as lack of password rotation, default passwords, embedded secrets, password sharing, and using easy-to-remember passwords, mean secrets aren't apt to remain secret. Manual processes, in general, equate to a higher likelihood of security gaps and malpractice. **Related Article:** [Insufficient Credential Hygiene Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/insufficient-credential-hygiene-cicd-sec6?ts=markdown) ## Secrets Management Best Practices By following these best practices for secrets management, organizations can effectively protect their sensitive data, minimize the risk of security breaches, and maintain regulatory compliance. ### Identify Sensitive Data First, identify all types of password keys and other secrets across your entire IT environment. Secret types include passwords, access tokens, database credentials, encryption keys, and other sensitive information. Bring them under centralized management. Continuously discover and onboard new secrets as they're created. ### Limit Access to Secrets Begin with access control. Least privilege and role-based access control are essential for managing secrets in complex environments. Ensuring that both human and nonhuman users have access only to the secrets necessary for their specific tasks reduces potential damage in the event of unauthorized access. ### Rotate Secrets Regularly Periodically change and rotate secrets to minimize the potential damage from compromised credentials. Establish a rotation policy that outlines the frequency and process for changing secrets. By implementing short-lived, temporary credentials --- instead of long-lived, static credentials --- organizations can ensure that even if a secret is compromised, its exposure is limited. Dynamically generated and automated rotation secrets minimize the window of exposure. ### Eliminate Hard-Coded Secrets No secrets in source control. Bring all hard-coded credentials in DevOps tool configurations, build scripts, code files, test builds, production builds, and applications under management. Regularly review your codebase for hard-coded secrets. Incorporate tools and practices, such as secret injection, container scanning, and automated security checks to maintain a high level of security and prevent the [accidental exposure](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-leak?ts=markdown) of sensitive information. Address any identified issues promptly to maintain a strong security posture. ### Eliminate Default Passwords Enforce password security best practices, Including password length, complexity, uniqueness expiration, rotation, and more across all types of passwords. Secrets should never be shared. If a secret is shared, it should be immediately changed. Secrets to more sensitive tools and systems should have more rigorous security parameters, such as one-time passwords and rotation after each use. ### Elevate Accountability Implement privileged session monitoring. Software that helps manage a secrets vault can also integrate with privileged access management (PAM) platforms, adding an extra layer of security and ensuring that access is restricted to users who need it. [DevOps](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-devops?ts=markdown) teams should be able to monitor privileged user activity and terminate sessions if necessary. ### Encrypt Secrets Always encrypt secrets, both at rest and in transit. Use strong encryption algorithms, such as AES-256, to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and potential security breaches. Encryption keys used for encrypting and decrypting secrets should be appropriately managed and protected --- meaning, they should be securely stored and rotated, in addition to implementing rigorous [access control](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/access-control?ts=markdown) of the encryption keys. ### Extend Secrets Management to Vendors Ensuring that third-party services follow best practices for using and managing secrets requires oversight. Organizations should assign a dedicated team to manage vendor services. The oversight team should possess the skills and resources to effectively handle third-party integration, including understanding their functionalities, monitoring performance, and addressing security or compliance issues. ### Log and Monitor Access Continuously log and monitor access to secrets, including the identity of the requester, the time of access, and the requested secret. Regularly review logs to detect suspicious activity and potential security threats. The more integrated and centralized your secrets management, the better you can report on accounts, key applications, containers, and systems exposed to risk. ### Audit and Compliance Regularly audit your secrets management practices to ensure adherence to internal policies and external regulations. Address any identified gaps or weaknesses promptly to maintain a strong security posture. ### Disaster Recovery and Backup Implement a disaster recovery plan that includes backing up secrets in a secure, offsite location to ensure that sensitive data can be quickly restored in the event of a system failure or security breach. ### DevSecOps With the speed and scale of DevOps, it's crucial to build security into the culture. Embracing [DevSecOps](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-devsecops?ts=markdown) means everyone shares responsibility for DevOps security, helping ensure accountability and alignment across teams. In practice, this should entail ensuring secrets management best practices are in place and that code doesn't contain embedded passwords. **Related Article:** [Shift-Left Secrets Security: How to Prioritize Secrets Risks](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/prisma-cloud/shift-left-secrets-security-risk-prioritization/) ## A Comprehensive and Automated Solution Secrets should not be stored in code repositories or configuration files. To ensure they're not accidentally exposed, secrets should be stored in a secure location, such as a secrets management system or password vault. But many secret management tools are incomplete, designed for one platform (i.e., Docker) or certain types of secrets. An incomplete tool won't eliminate hard-coded and default passwords nor will it manage script secrets. While application password management improves manual management processes and standalone tools with limited use cases, IT security would benefit from a holistic approach that manages passwords, keys, and other secrets throughout the enterprise. Centralized secret stores, such as HashiCorp Vault or AWS Secrets Manager, enable organizations to maintain a single source of truth for all secrets, simplify access control, and track changes. These stores often provide features like encryption at rest, versioning, and automated rotation, enhancing security and minimizing the risk of compromise. ## Secrets Management FAQs ### What is a key vault? A key vault is a secure, centralized storage system for managing cryptographic keys, secrets, and sensitive information such as API keys, passwords, and certificates. It provides access control, auditing, and encryption, ensuring that only authorized users and applications can access the stored keys and secrets. Key vaults help organizations maintain compliance, reduce the risk of data breaches, and streamline the management of sensitive data across various services and applications. ### What is vault secrets management? Vault secrets management refers to the process of securely storing, organizing, and controlling access to sensitive information such as passwords, API keys, tokens, and certificates within a vault. Vault secrets management solutions often provide features such as automatic secret rotation, versioning, and secure sharing, enabling organizations to enhance their security posture and simplify the handling of sensitive information. ### What is secrets sprawl? Secrets sprawl is the uncontrolled proliferation of [sensitive information](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/sensitive-data?ts=markdown) such as passwords, API keys, and tokens across an organization's IT environment. Secrets sprawl increases the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and compliance violations, as it becomes challenging to monitor and protect the scattered sensitive information. ### What is secrets scanning? Secrets scanning is the process of searching and identifying passwords, API keys, tokens, and other secrets within an organization's IT environment. It can involve scanning source code repositories, databases, cloud storage, configuration files, and other locations where secrets may be inadvertently stored or leaked. Secrets scanning solutions typically use pattern matching, entropy analysis, or [machine learning](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/machine-learning-ml?ts=markdown) techniques to detect sensitive information and potential secrets [leaking](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-leak?ts=markdown) in any part of your [SDLC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-secure-software-development-lifecycle?ts=markdown) and cloud infrastructure. ### What is the difference between plaintext and cleartext? Plaintext refers to unencrypted data that can be easily read and understood without the need for decryption. It's the original, human-readable form of information before being subjected to encryption or other security measures. Cleartext, on the other hand, refers to data that has been decrypted and returned to its original, readable state. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, cleartext specifically implies that the data was once encrypted and has been subsequently decrypted, while plaintext suggests that the data has never been encrypted. ### What is privileged access management (PAM)? Privileged access management (PAM) is a security strategy that focuses on controlling, monitoring, and auditing access to sensitive systems, resources, and data by privileged users, such as administrators and IT personnel. PAM solutions ensure that privileged accounts are granted the minimum necessary permissions to perform their tasks, following the principle of least privilege. ### What is privileged session management? Privileged session management involves monitoring, recording, and controlling the activities of privileged users during their access to critical systems and data. The practice enables organizations to detect suspicious actions, enforce access policies, and maintain detailed audit logs for compliance and forensic purposes. Privileged session management tools often provide features such as real-time alerts, session termination, and playback capabilities, facilitating enhanced oversight and control over privileged user activities. ### What is vendor privileged access management? Vendor privileged access management (VPAM) is the process of securing, monitoring, and controlling access to an organization's critical systems and data by external vendors, contractors, or partners. VPAM solutions help organizations manage temporary or time-limited access permissions, ensuring that third-party users have the necessary privileges to perform their tasks without compromising security. ### What is application access management? Application access management is a security practice that focuses on managing and securing user access to applications and services within an organization. It involves implementing authentication, authorization, and auditing mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access specific applications and perform allowed actions. Application access management solutions often include features such as single sign-on (SSO), multifactor authentication (MFA), and role-based access control (RBAC), helping organizations protect their applications from unauthorized access and potential security threats. ### What is API key management? API key management is the process of securely generating, storing, distributing, and monitoring the usage of API keys. Effective API key management involves implementing access controls, rate limiting, and monitoring to prevent unauthorized access or misuse of the APIs. Organizations often use API management platforms or services to handle key generation, distribution, and revocation, ensuring the security and integrity of their APIs. ### What is shared-access password management? Shared-access password management refers to the secure handling, storage, and distribution of passwords and other sensitive credentials used by multiple users or teams within an organization. Shared-access password management solutions typically provide centralized storage, access controls, and audit trails, ensuring that shared credentials are securely managed and only accessible by authorized users. ### What is a certificate authority (CA)? A certificate authority (CA) is a trusted entity that issues and manages digital certificates for secure communication and authentication over networks. CAs verify the identity of individuals, organizations, or devices before issuing certificates, ensuring that the certificate holder is legitimate. By validating the authenticity of digital certificates, CAs play a crucial role in public key infrastructure (PKI), enabling secure communication, and trust in online transactions. ### What is public key infrastructure (PKI)? Public key infrastructure (PKI) is a system of policies, procedures, and technologies that enables secure communication, authentication, and data integrity over networks using public key cryptography. PKI components include certificate authorities (CAs), registration authorities (RAs), digital certificates, and public and private key pairs. By managing the issuance, storage, and revocation of digital certificates, PKI establishes trust in online transactions, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of the exchanged data. ### What are digital certificates? Digital certificates are electronic documents that use cryptographic techniques to bind a public key to an entity's identity, such as an individual, organization, or device. Digital certificates are issued and signed by a trusted certificate authority (CA) and typically include the certificate holder's name, public key, expiration date, and the CA's digital signature. They enable secure communication and authentication over networks by establishing trust in the certificate holder's identity. ### What is a registration authority (RA)? A registration authority (RA) is a subordinate entity within the public key infrastructure (PKI) that assists the certificate authority (CA) in verifying the identities of entities requesting digital certificates. RAs perform tasks such as identity validation, certificate request processing, and certificate revocation reporting. By delegating these tasks to RAs, CAs can maintain the scalability and efficiency of the digital certificate issuance process. ### What is a certificate signing request (CSR)? A certificate signing request (CSR) is a message sent by an applicant to a certificate authority (CA) to request the issuance of a digital certificate. The CSR contains the applicant's public key, identity information, and a digital signature created using the corresponding private key. The CA verifies the applicant's identity, validates the CSR, and, if approved, issues a digital certificate that binds the applicant's public key to their identity. ### What is a digital signature? A digital signature is a cryptographic technique used to verify the authenticity and integrity of a digital message or document. By applying a private key to the data, the signer creates a unique digital fingerprint, which recipients can validate using the signer's public key. Digital signatures ensure that the data hasn't been tampered with during transmission and confirms the identity of the sender, providing non-repudiation and trust in online transactions. ### What is an encryption key? An encryption key is a piece of data used with a cryptographic algorithm to transform plaintext into ciphertext (encryption) or ciphertext into plaintext (decryption). Encryption keys come in two types: * Symmetric keys are used in symmetric encryption, where the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. * Asymmetric keys, also known as public, and private key pairs, are used in asymmetric encryption, where the public key encrypts data and the private key decrypts it. ### What is encryption key management? Encryption key management is the process of generating, storing, distributing, and retiring encryption keys to ensure the security and integrity of encrypted data. Effective encryption key management involves implementing secure key storage, access controls, and audit trails, as well as adhering to key rotation and backup policies. ### What is encryption as a service (EaaS)? Encryption as a service (EaaS) is a cloud-based offering that provides organizations with encryption capabilities for their data, both at rest and in transit, without requiring the management of encryption keys and infrastructure. EaaS providers typically offer APIs, SDKs, or platform integrations that enable easy implementation of encryption across various applications, storage systems, and services. ### What is encryption at rest? Encryption at rest refers to the process of securing data by encrypting it when stored on a disk, in a database, or within a cloud storage service. ### What is encryption in transit? Encryption in transit, often implemented using the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol, is the process of securing data while it's transmitted over a network, such as the internet. TLS provides confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity for data in transit by encrypting the communication channel between the sender and receiver. ### What is zero-knowledge encryption? Zero-knowledge encryption is a security model in which a service provider can't access or decrypt the encrypted data stored on their platform, ensuring complete privacy for the user. In this model, encryption and decryption occur on the client side, and only the user holds the decryption key. As a result, even if the service provider is compelled or hacked, the attacker can't access the user's sensitive data. ### What is just in time (JIT) access? Just-in-time access is a security approach that grants users temporary, time-limited access to sensitive resources or systems only when it's required for a specific task. JIT access reduces the risk of unauthorized access, [data breaches](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-breach?ts=markdown), and insider threats by minimizing the exposure of privileged accounts and sensitive systems. The approach often involves implementing automated workflows to request, approve, and grant access, as well as monitoring and auditing user activities during the granted access period. JIT access aligns with the [principle of least privilege](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-least-privilege-access?ts=markdown), enhancing an organization's security posture. ### What is configuration as code (CaC)? Configuration-as-code (CaC) separates configuration from the application code and allows development teams to automate config management for their applications and environments while ensuring consistency and traceability throughout the development lifecycle. ### What is meant by BYOK (bring your own key encryption)? Bring your own key (BYOK) is an encryption key management model that enables companies, as cloud service customers, to encrypt their data and retain control and management of their encryption keys. ### What is attribute-based access control (ABAC)? Attribute-based access control (ABAC) is a security model that enforces access control decisions based on attributes associated with the user, resource, and environment. Attributes can include user roles, security clearances, location, time, and resource sensitivity. ABAC allows for granular, dynamic, and context-aware access control policies, enabling organizations to define complex rules that govern access to resources. ### What is role-based access control (RBAC)? Role-based access control (RBAC) is a security model that assigns permissions to users based on their roles within an organization. Instead of granting permissions directly to individual users, RBAC associates permissions with roles, and users are assigned to these roles according to their job responsibilities. ### What is multitenancy? Multitenancy is an architecture principle in which a single instance of a software application or service serves multiple tenants, or customers, while keeping their data and configurations separate and secure. In a multitenant environment, strict access controls, data isolation mechanisms, and security measures are essential to prevent unauthorized access to or leakage of data between tenants. [Software as a service (SaaS)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-saas?ts=markdown), an example of multitenant architecture, requires vigilant attention to ensure tenant resources are properly isolated. ### What are static secrets? Static secrets are sensitive pieces of information, such as passwords, API keys, or tokens, that remain unchanged over time unless manually updated. Unlike dynamic secrets, which are automatically generated and have a limited lifespan, static secrets pose a higher security risk due to their long-term existence and potential for unauthorized access. Managing static secrets requires secure storage, access control, and monitoring to ensure their confidentiality, integrity, and availability. ### What is static secrets versioning? Static secrets versioning is the practice of maintaining multiple versions of a static secret, such as a password or API key, to track changes and enable secure updates. When a static secret is modified, the previous version is preserved, allowing for audit trails, recovery in case of accidental changes, and rollback to a previous version if needed. ### What are dynamic secrets? Dynamic secrets are short-lived, automatically generated credentials or tokens used to grant temporary access to sensitive resources, systems, or services. Unlike static secrets, which remain unchanged over time, dynamic secrets have a limited lifespan and are automatically revoked when they expire or when the access is no longer needed. Dynamic secrets reduce the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and insider threats by minimizing the exposure of sensitive credentials. ### What is data at rest? Data at rest describes inactive data stored on hard drives, flash drives, or archives. ### What is data in transit? Data in transit moves through a network and/or internet, such as uploading information from on-premises storage to a cloud environment. ### What is data in use? Data in use is a phrase to describe when a user is presently accessing data or it's currently open in an application. ### What are zero standing privileges (ZSP)? Zero standing privileges (ZSP) are a Gartner-authored phrase that alludes to the ideal state for privileged access to minimize risk of stolen credentials, breaches, data loss, privilege abuse, and noncompliance. ### What is robotic process automation (RPA)? Robotic process automation (RPA) is a software-based automation technology that uses robots to emulate human interaction with digital systems, making it easier and faster to execute business and development processes by performing defined actions. ### What is a hardware security module (HSM)? A hardware security module (HSM) is a computing device that performs cryptographic operations such as strong authentication, digital signature encryption and decryption, and digital key management. Typically, HSMs are external devices or plug-in cards that connect to a computer or network server. Related Content [ASPM Buyer's GuideASPM Buyer's Guide Gain a comprehensive framework for evaluating and choosing an ASPM solution that shifts your AppSec strategy from reactive to proactive.](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/application-security-posture-management-buyers-guide.html) [Accelerate Secure Development with Prevention-First Application Security Posture Management (ASPM) Learn how Cortex Cloud's ASPM centralizes and correlates findings from disparate security scanning tools with complete context across code, application infrastructure, and cloud ru...](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/datasheets/application-security-posture-management-solution-brief?ts=markdown) [Introducing Cortex Cloud ASPM Cortex Cloud ASPM gives security and engineering teams the control to prevent exploitable risk early and respond with full context across the software lifecycle.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/cloud-security/introducing-aspm-cortex-cloud/) [AppSec's New Horizon Join this virtual event to get a practical, prevention-first blueprint --- backed by new Unit 42 research --- to modernize your AppSec strategy.](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/appsecs-new-horizon-virtual-event.html) ![Share page on facebook](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/resources/facebook-circular-icon.svg) ![Share page on linkedin](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/resources/linkedin-circular-icon.svg) [![Share page by an email](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/resources/email-circular-icon.svg)](mailto:?subject=What%20Is%20Secrets%20Management%3F&body=Secrets%20management%20is%20an%20access%20control%20practice%20for%20securely%20storing%20digital%20authentication%20credentials%E2%80%93passwords%2C%20API%20keys%2C%20tokens%2C%20SSH%20keys%2C%20and%20encryption%20keys.%20at%20https%3A//www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management) Back to Top [Previous](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-iac?ts=markdown) What is IaC? 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