Credential Management
Credential Management is a security-focused concept and practice that involves securely storing, handling, and verifying user authentication credentials such as passwords, API keys, tokens, and certificates. It encompasses strategies, tools, and protocols to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, breaches, and misuse. This includes techniques like encryption, secure storage, rotation policies, and integration with identity providers.
Developers should learn and implement Credential Management to enhance application security, comply with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, and prevent data breaches. It is crucial in scenarios involving user authentication, API integrations, cloud services, and microservices architectures where secure handling of secrets is essential. Proper credential management reduces risks of credential theft, unauthorized access, and operational disruptions.