Manual Credential Sharing
Manual Credential Sharing refers to the practice of transferring authentication credentials (such as usernames, passwords, API keys, or tokens) between individuals or systems through non-automated, often insecure methods like email, chat, spreadsheets, or verbal communication. It is a common but risky approach in software development and IT operations for granting access to resources, typically arising from convenience or lack of proper tooling. This methodology is widely discouraged due to significant security vulnerabilities, including exposure to breaches, lack of audit trails, and difficulty in credential revocation.
Developers should learn about Manual Credential Sharing primarily to understand its risks and avoid it in practice, as it is a major security anti-pattern that can lead to data leaks, compliance violations, and operational inefficiencies. It is relevant in scenarios where teams need to share access to databases, cloud services, or internal tools, but secure alternatives like password managers, secret management tools, or identity providers should be used instead. Awareness of this methodology helps in implementing better security practices, such as role-based access control and automated credential rotation.