Security in DevOps: Scenario-Based Questions

Secrets like API keys, tokens, and credentials are vital — and high-risk if leaked. CI/CD systems must ensure secrets are injected securely, rotated regularly, and audited continuously.

🔐 Common Secret Types

• Cloud provider keys (AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID, etc.)
• Database passwords, tokens, JWT secrets
• Webhook credentials and third-party API keys

🔧 Secure Storage Solutions

• HashiCorp Vault: Granular access control, dynamic secrets, audit logging.
• AWS Secrets Manager / SSM: IAM-based retrieval, rotation support.
• GCP Secret Manager / Azure Key Vault: Native integration with roles and logging.

🔁 Access in CI/CD Pipelines

• Use CI-native secrets injection (GitHub Actions secrets, GitLab CI variables).
• Never echo or log secret values in pipelines.
• Use short-lived credentials (OIDC federation, STS).

✅ Best Practices

• Restrict scope: limit secret visibility to specific stages/jobs.
• Rotate secrets regularly and automate the process.
• Monitor secret access and set alerts on unusual patterns.
• Lint for accidental secret commits (e.g., GitLeaks, TruffleHog).

🚫 Common Pitfalls

• Hardcoding secrets in pipeline YAML or environment files.
• Reusing the same secrets across environments or services.
• No revocation plan in case of exposure.

📌 Final Insight

CI/CD pipelines must treat secrets as first-class, sensitive assets. Strong tooling, tight access controls, and frequent rotation keep your deployments secure and auditable.