Kubernetes Secrets
Kubernetes Secrets is a Kubernetes resource object used to store and manage sensitive information, such as passwords, API keys, and TLS certificates, in a secure manner within a Kubernetes cluster. It allows developers to decouple sensitive data from application code and container images, reducing the risk of exposure. Secrets are base64-encoded by default and can be mounted as files or exposed as environment variables to pods.
Developers should use Kubernetes Secrets when deploying applications on Kubernetes that require secure handling of credentials, tokens, or other confidential data, such as in microservices architectures or cloud-native environments. It is essential for compliance with security best practices, enabling centralized management and encryption (e.g., with external key management systems) to protect against unauthorized access in production deployments.