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Secrets management

Secrets management involves securely storing and accessing sensitive information, such as API keys, passwords, and configuration settings, to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the integrity of your application.

Managing Secrets Using Azure Key Vault​

Azure Key Vault is a cloud service for securely storing and accessing secrets, such as API keys, passwords, certificates, and other sensitive information. Below are the steps to manage secrets using Azure Key Vault:

  1. Create an Azure Key Vault:
  • Navigate to the Azure portal.
  • Create a new Key Vault resource by specifying the resource group, region, and other required details.
  1. Add Secrets to the Key Vault:
  • In the Azure portal, go to your Key Vault.
  • Select the "Secrets" blade and click "Generate/Import".
  • Provide a name for the secret and either upload a value or generate one.
  1. Access Secrets Programmatically:
  • Use the Azure SDK for your programming language (e.g., Azure SDK for Python, .NET, or Java).
  • Authenticate using Azure Identity (e.g., Managed Identity, Service Principal, or Azure CLI).
  1. Example Code to Access Secrets:
  • Use the SecretClient class from the Azure SDK to retrieve secrets.
  • Ensure your application has the necessary permissions to access the Key Vault.
  1. Secure Your Application:
  • Avoid hardcoding sensitive information in your application.
  • Use environment variables or configuration files to store Key Vault details securely.
  1. Rotate Secrets Regularly:
  • Update secrets periodically to enhance security.
  • Use Azure Key Vault's versioning feature to manage secret updates.
  1. Monitor and Audit Access:
  • Enable logging and monitoring for your Key Vault.
  • Use Azure Monitor and Azure Security Center to track access and detect anomalies.

By following these steps, you can securely manage and access secrets using Azure Key Vault, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of your sensitive data.