Keep Your Code and Data Safe with Proper Secret Management in Azure DevOps

Updated August 28, 2023

In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for managing secrets and credentials in Azure DevOps. We’ll cover the different types of secrets, how to store them securely, and how to use them safely in your code. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to keep your code and data safe in Azure DevOps.

Introduction

In software development, managing secrets and credentials is crucial for protecting sensitive information like passwords, API keys, and certificates. In Azure DevOps, there are various ways to manage these secrets, but not all of them are created equal. In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for managing secrets and credentials in Azure DevOps.

Types of Secrets

Before we dive into the best practices, it’s essential to understand the different types of secrets that you might encounter in Azure DevOps. Here are some common ones:

Service Principal Credentials: These are used for authenticating with Azure Active Directory (AAD) and granting access to resources within a subscription.
Certificates: Used for encrypting and decrypting data, authentication, and digital signatures.
API Keys: Used for accessing external services like Twitter or Google Maps.
Passwords: Self-explanatory, but it’s worth mentioning that you should never store passwords in plaintext.

Storing Secrets Securely

Once you know what type of secrets you need to manage, the next step is to store them securely. Here are some best practices for storing secrets in Azure DevOps:

Use a Key Vault: A key vault is a centralized location for storing and managing cryptographic keys and secrets. You can use Azure Key Vault or Hashicorp’s Vault to store your secrets securely.
Encrypt Secrets: Always encrypt your secrets before storing them, even if you’re using a key vault. This will ensure that your data is protected in case someone gains access to your storage location.
Use Environment Variables: When you need to use a secret in your code, store it as an environment variable instead of hardcoding it into your code. This will make it easier to manage and update your secrets without having to redeploy your application.
Limit Access: Make sure that only authorized personnel have access to your secrets. In Azure DevOps, you can use the built-in security features to control who has access to your secrets.

Using Secrets Safely in Your Code

Now that we’ve covered storing secrets securely, let’s talk about how to use them safely in your code. Here are some best practices:

Use a Secure Library: When you need to use a secret in your code, use a secure library like Azure Key Vault or Hashicorp’s Vault. These libraries provide secure methods for handling secrets and ensuring that they’re used correctly.
Avoid Hardcoding: Never hardcode secrets into your code. This will make it easy for someone to access your secrets and compromise your application.
Use Environment Variables: Use environment variables instead of hardcoding secrets in your code. This will make it easier to manage and update your secrets without having to redeploy your application.
Limit Exposure: Limit the exposure of your secrets by only using them when necessary. For example, if you need a secret for authentication, use it only for that purpose and don’t store it in memory or use it for other tasks.

Conclusion

Managing secrets and credentials is an essential part of software development in Azure DevOps. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can ensure that your code and data are safe from unauthorized access and data breaches. Remember to use a key vault, encrypt your secrets, limit access, and use secure libraries to handle secrets safely in your code. With these practices in place, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your Azure DevOps applications secure.