Digital Safekeepers: The 24 Best Secrets Management Tools Of 2024
10 Best Secrets Management Tools Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 24 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Navigating the intricacies of secrets management, I've delved into tools designed to safeguard your encryption keys, database credentials, API tokens, and more. Integrating a secrets management platform into your software development process will centralize access management across multi-cloud environments, ensuring endpoints in microservices and git repositories are protected. Embrace a trusted management service, and fortify your digital fortress.
What Is A Secrets Management Tool?
Secrets management tools are specialized software SaaS-based platform solutions designed to securely store, manage, and provide controlled access to sensitive information, such as API keys, passwords, tokens, container orchestration platforms, and certificates. They play a pivotal role in ensuring that certain types of secrets remain confidential yet are accessible to authorized personnel or systems when needed.
These management systems bolster data security by turning plain text into fortified cryptography, defending against unauthorized access and potential data breaches. They streamline password management, store secrets like SSL/TLS certificates, and SSH keys, and maintain audit logs. Key rotation follows the principle of least privilege, safeguarding your source code and preventing mappings that expose secrets.
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Best Secrets Management Tools Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Pulumi | From $0.37/resource/month | Website |
| HashiCorp Vault | Pricing upon request | Website |
| CyberArk Conjur | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Azure Key Vault | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Akeyless Vault Platform | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Keeper Secrets Manager | From $5/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Thycotic Secret Server | From $15/user/month (min 20 seats) + $150 base fee per month | Website |
| Google Cloud Secret Manager | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Delinea DevOps Secrets Vault | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Delinea Secret Server | From $10/user/month (min 10 seats) + $100 base fee per month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Secrets Management Tools Reviews
Pulumi ESC is a secrets management service designed to securely handle sensitive information, such as API keys, database credentials, and other confidential data, across cloud infrastructure. Built for developers, DevOps teams, and IT administrators, Pulumi ESC integrates into the Pulumi platform to safeguard secrets throughout the infrastructure's lifecycle.
Why I Picked Pulumi:
Pulumi ESC offers centralized secrets management and orchestration that makes it easy to manage secrets sprawl and configuration complexity securely across all your cloud infrastructure and applications. You can pull and sync secrets with any secrets store–including HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager, Azure Key Vault, GCP Secret Manager, 1Password, and more–and consume secrets in any application, tool, or CI/CD platform.
Standout features and integrations:
Other features include Pulumi IaC, which allows you to define and manage cloud infrastructure using standard programming languages, giving you IDE support, autocomplete, and type checking. Additionally, Pulumi Insights leverages AI to speed up infrastructure code authoring and resource management, allowing you to search and analyze cloud resources efficiently. Integrations include AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Kubernetes, GitHub, GitLab, Datadog, Jenkins, 1Password, HashiCorp Vault, DigitalOcean, and Docker.
Pricing for Pulumi ESC starts from $0.50 per secret per month.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports modular and reusable code
- Facilitates strategies across multiple cloud providers
- Allows use of familiar programming languages
Cons:
- Potential performance issues when working on larger projects
- May be excessive for non-programmers who could use simpler formats
HashiCorp Vault offers organizations a centralized tool to manage, control, and protect sensitive data such as secrets, tokens, and certificates. As applications and infrastructure environments become more complex, the need for dynamic secrets management intensifies, making Vault's capabilities particularly essential.
Why I Picked HashiCorp Vault:
In the realm of secrets management, few tools can match the adaptability and comprehensiveness of HashiCorp Vault. I chose this tool after comparing various platforms and determining that its dynamic secrets management approach is unique. Based on my judgment, Vault is the go-to choice for organizations looking for robust, scalable, and flexible secrets management.
Standout features and integrations:
HashiCorp Vault distinguishes itself with features like on-the-fly generation of secrets, ensuring that applications access only what they need when needed, and automatic revocation of secrets post-usage. Furthermore, Vault's encryption as a service offers another dimension of data protection. The tool integrates efficiently with numerous platforms, including AWS, Kubernetes, and Terraform, allowing for secrets management software across various ecosystems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations with key infrastructure platforms
- Versatile encryption as a service feature
- On-the-fly generation of secrets boosts security
Cons:
- Might be overkill for smaller setups or projects
- Setup and configuration can be complex
- Steeper learning curve for newcomers
CyberArk Conjur is a specialized secrets management tool meticulously designed to secure sensitive information and credentials. With an emphasis on meeting stringent compliance requirements, it's built to provide enterprises with audit-ready solutions that protect and provide transparency.
Why I Picked CyberArk Conjur:
While selecting tools, I noticed a clear distinction with CyberArk Conjur regarding ensuring audited compliance. Judging from the myriad of solutions available, Conjur stood out, especially with its emphasis on providing auditable records of secret access. CyberArk Conjur fits the bill for those enterprises that must meet audited compliance needs.
Standout features and integrations:
CyberArk Conjur shines with its role-based access control, ensuring that secrets are only accessible to those with the correct permissions. Another noteworthy feature is its detailed logging system, which provides transparent and auditable trails of secret access. As for integrations, Conjur smoothly integrates with popular tools like Jenkins, Ansible, and Puppet, bridging the gap between secrets management and popular DevOps tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with many DevOps tools
- Detailed logging provides auditable trails
- Role-based access control ensures tight security measures
Cons:
- Some advanced features might require additional costs
- The learning curve can be steep for newcomers
- Might be overkill for smaller organizations without compliance needs
Azure Key Vault is a dedicated service within the Microsoft Azure cloud platform that manages cryptographic keys, secrets, and certificates for Azure-based applications. For businesses already leveraging the Azure ecosystem, integrating and managing secrets through Key Vault offers both simplicity and a native experience.
Why I Picked Azure Key Vault:
Through selecting and comparing, Azure Key Vault caught my attention due to its native integration with the Azure environment. For businesses that are deeply embedded in the Azure ecosystem, the choice of Azure Key Vault is almost intuitive. This native integration makes it an optimal choice, especially for Microsoft Azure users.
Standout features and integrations:
Azure Key Vault provides strong data protection with hardware security modules (HSMs). Its centralized management of application secrets ensures uniformity and consistency across services. Additionally, Key Vault integrates closely with other Azure services, making it easier for developers to keep application secrets without needing to handle them in their code.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Centralized management facilitates consistency
- Utilizes hardware security modules for added protection
- Native integration with the Azure ecosystem
Cons:
- Pricing can be complex due to various tiered options
- Initial setup might require familiarity with Azure
- Might not be the first choice for non-Azure environments
Akeyless Vault Platform is a solution that manages, stores, and controls access to digital secrets. Tailored to organizations aiming for streamlined access to various secrets, the platform provides a cohesive and unified approach, making it especially valuable for environments with diverse secret requirements.
Why I Picked Akeyless Vault Platform:
I chose Akeyless Vault Platform for its unified access to secrets. It manages secrets from any source, solving the scattered access issue in complex enterprises.
Standout features and integrations:
Key features of Akeyless Vault Platform include zero-trust access to secrets, ensuring a high level of security, and distributed architecture, which boosts resilience and scalability. Additionally, its platform-agnostic nature provides it can operate efficiently across various environments. It integrates effortlessly with popular DevOps tools like Jenkins, Kubernetes, and Terraform, augmenting the secret management process within these ecosystems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Platform-agnostic design aids in diverse environments
- Distributed architecture ensures high availability
- Zero-trust access emphasizes security
Cons:
- Potential for extra costs with added integrations and features
- Some advanced features might be overkill for smaller setups
- Might have a steeper learning curve for beginners
Keeper Secrets Manager is a comprehensive secrets management solution that handles sensitive data across diverse platforms. For businesses navigating the labyrinth of modern tech stacks, Keeper offers a haven, boasting compatibility with a wide array of media.
Why I Picked Keeper Secrets Manager:
I chose Keeper Secrets Manager for this list after determining that its multi-platform prowess was unmatched. While comparing various tools, Keeper's commitment to ensuring compatibility across multiple platforms became evident. I judge that for those who engage with an array of platforms, Keeper Secrets Manager is the optimal choice, hence it's best for multi-platform support.
Standout features and integrations:
Keeper Secrets Manager excels with its biometric login, providing an added layer of security. Its secure file storage also ensures that essential documents are kept away from prying eyes. On the integration front, Keeper integrates with popular platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux but also offers extensions for most browsers and apps for mobile devices, ensuring a cohesive experience.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Secure file storage ensures essential files remain confidential
- Biometric login adds an extra security layer
- Comprehensive multi-platform support
Cons:
- Additional features may come with extra costs
- User interface may require a learning curve for some
- Might come across as complex for simpler use-cases
Thycotic Secret Server offers a comprehensive solution for organizations to manage, protect, and control access to sensitive data right from their infrastructure. Its emphasis on on-premise deployments ensures businesses maintain direct oversight over their secrets.
Why I Picked Thycotic Secret Server:
I recommend Thycotic Secret Server for organizations looking for on-premise secrets management tools. It's a great option for those who prioritize keeping their data within their walls and want added assurance.
Standout features and integrations:
Thycotic Secret Server boasts features like session recording, ensuring every activity is documented for future reference. Its disaster recovery capabilities mean businesses can recover quickly from unforeseen data mishaps. On the integrations front, Thycotic plays well with various tools, melding into IT ecosystems with integrations for popular SIEM solutions, ticketing systems, and identity management platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust disaster recovery capabilities
- Session recording for improved transparency
- Tailored for on-premise deployment
Cons:
- Initial cost can be higher for smaller teams
- Requires internal IT maintenance
- Might not cater to businesses seeking cloud solutions
Google Cloud Secret Manager securely manages sensitive data for businesses using Google Cloud services.
Why I Picked Google Cloud Secret Manager:
When I was determining which tools to add to this list, the native integration of Google Cloud Secret Manager within the Google Cloud platform immediately stood out. Given my experience with secret management tools, the fluidity it offers for Google Cloud users became a defining factor in my choice. It’s best for businesses already committed to the Google Cloud suite as it offers a streamlined experience specific to that environment.
Standout features and integrations:
Google Cloud Secret Manager provides robust access controls using Cloud IAM policies. Its automatic and on-demand rotations of secrets help in maintaining the security lifecycle. Notably, the service easily integrates with popular Google Cloud services, ensuring developers have a familiar and cohesive experience.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports automatic rotations of secrets
- Strong access controls via Cloud IAM
- Tight integration with the Google Cloud platform
Cons:
- Pricing might vary based on usage and integrations
- Has a learning curve for those new to Google Cloud services
- Might not be suitable for non-Google Cloud platforms
Delinea DevOps Secrets Vault offers an advanced secrets management solution for modern DevOps environments. With DevOps practices becoming more integral to efficient software delivery, this tool is crafted to integrate with these processes’
Why I Picked Delinea DevOps Secrets Vault:
In my quest to curate a list of top-notch secrets management tools, Delinea DevOps Secrets Vault stood out due to its tailored approach to DevOps ecosystems. It became clear that this tool could be a natural fit for teams deeply ingrained in DevOps, which is why I opined it's the best for DevOps integration.
Standout features and integrations:
Delinea DevOps Secrets Vault boasts features like high-speed secrets retrieval, ensuring minimal delay in DevOps pipelines. Additionally, it has robust role-based access controls, granting granular permissions and minimizing risks. In the realm of integrations, it shines by supporting a broad array of DevOps tools, including Jenkins, Kubernetes, and Terraform, facilitating smoother and more secure operations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integrations with popular DevOps tools
- High-speed secrets retrieval reduces pipeline delays
- Tailored for DevOps environments
Cons:
- Premium features can push costs up for larger teams
- Requires some initial setup and familiarization
- Might be overkill for teams not using DevOps
Delinea Secret Server is a dedicated software designed to manage sensitive data and credentials across various enterprise environments securely. Its architecture promises scalability and adaptability, addressing the intricacies of expanding organizations.
Why I Picked Delinea Secret Server:
Delinea Secret Server is the best scalable enterprise solution for secrets management. It stands out for its robustness and ability to grow with an organization, making it a top choice in a crowded market.
Standout features and integrations:
Delinea Secret Server is packed with features catering to enterprises’ evolving needs. Its role-based access control guarantees precise governance over who gets access to what, and its audit trails offer transparency into data access and usage. The tool integrates with leading IT platforms and applications, ensuring enterprises don’t have to reinvent their workflows. These integrations span SIEM solutions, ticketing systems, and other IT tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive audit trails for transparency
- Precise role-based access control
- Scalable architecture suitable for large enterprises
Cons:
- Pricier initial investment compared to some alternatives
- Steeper learning curve for new users
- Might be too complex for smaller organizations
Other Secrets Management Tools
Below is a list of additional secrets management tools that I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Bitwarden
Best for open-source enthusiasts
- CyberArk DEVSECOPS
Best for securing CI/CD pipelines
- Doppler SecretOps Platform
Best for cloud-native environments
- BeyondTrust Password Safe
Good for privileged account management
- 1Password
Good for a comprehensive secret organization
- CredStash
Good for AWS KMS-based secrets
- Google Cloud Key Management
Good for integrated Google Cloud encryption
- AWS Secrets Manager
Good for native AWS application integration
- Confidant
Good for distributed secret infrastructure
- Keywhiz
Good for system-level secret storage
- EnvKey
Good for configuration management
- LastPass Enterprise
Good for enterprise password centralization
- BeyondTrust Cloud Vault
Good for remote access security
- BeyondTrust DevOps Secrets Safe
Good for DevOps secret automation
Selection Criteria For Choosing Secrets Management Tools
When diving into the expansive world of secrets management tools, it quickly becomes evident that the options are vast and varied. As someone who's evaluated dozens of secrets management tools, I was particularly interested in tools that deliver robust security and easy integration capabilities. With that lens, here are the criteria I held as paramount in making my selections:
Core Functionality
- Secure Storage: Tools should provide encrypted storage to protect sensitive information.
- Dynamic Secrets: Allow for secrets that are generated on-the-fly and given a limited lifetime.
- Rotation: Support automatic rotation of secrets to ensure consistent security.
- Access Control: Fine-grained permissions to determine who can access what secrets.
Key Features
- Audit Trails: Logs detailing who accessed what secret and when. Crucial for compliance and security review.
- Version History: Track changes made to secrets, enabling recovery of previous versions if needed.
- Integrations: Compatibility with significant platforms and apps to ensure efficient operations without workarounds.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): An added layer of security requiring users to provide two or more verification methods to access secrets.
Usability
- Intuitive Dashboard: Secrets management can get complex; the interface should be intuitive, ensuring users can locate and manage secrets without a steep learning curve.
- Role-Based Access: The tool should make assigning and modifying roles easy, ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to specific secrets.
- Responsive Customer Support: When dealing with something as crucial as secrets management, timely and knowledgeable support is non-negotiable.
- Documentation & Training: Comprehensive guides, wikis, or learning libraries should be available. The best tools also offer training sessions for new users.
Most Common Questions Regarding Secrets Management Tools (FAQs)
What are the primary benefits of using secrets management tools?
Secrets management tools offer several advantages:
- Improved Security: They encrypt sensitive data, ensuring unauthorized parties can’t access it.
- Audit Trails: These tools maintain a record of who accessed which secret and when ensuring accountability.
- Automated Rotations: They can automatically change secrets at regular intervals, reducing the risk of exposure.
- Centralized Management: Organizations can manage all their secrets from one place, streamlining operations.
- Integration Capabilities: Many of these tools can easily integrate with various platforms, enhancing their utility and functionality.
How are secrets management tools typically priced?
The pricing for these tools can vary based on several factors, including the number of secrets stored, the number of users, and the features included. Some tools operate on a subscription model, charging monthly or annually, while others may charge per secret or per request.
What is the typical range of pricing for these tools?
Prices can range from as low as $5/user/month for basic offerings to over $100/user/month for enterprise-grade solutions with advanced features.
Which software is considered the cheapest and most expensive?
While specific pricing can change over time and based on promotions, as of this writing, tools like “EnvKey” and “CredStash” are more affordable. In contrast, enterprise solutions from major cloud providers like AWS Secrets Manager or BeyondTrust DevOps Secrets Safe can be on the higher end.
Are there any free options available?
Yes, some open-source tools like “Confidant” and “Keywhiz” are available for free. However, while they may not have a monetary cost, they often require more in-house expertise and management.
Other Secrets Management Tools-Related Reviews
Summary
Secrets management tools provide a necessary layer of protection and organization in today's digital age, especially when dealing with sensitive information like API keys, passwords, and tokens. With varied pricing models, including per-user and per-secret, there's a solution to fit every budget. From the open-source platforms suitable for those adept at self-management to the more intricate enterprise solutions, there's a spectrum of offerings catering to diverse needs.
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritize Security and Integration: The primary goal of a secrets management tool is to enhance security. Opt for a tool that secures your data and integrates well with your existing systems for a streamlined workflow.
- Understand Pricing Models: Different tools come with different pricing models, such as per-user or per-secret. Grasping these models’ nuances can help make an informed financial decision.
- Consider Scale and Future Growth: When selecting a tool, it's essential to factor in your current needs and future growth. The best tool will scale with your operations, ensuring continued efficiency and protection.
What Do You Think?
If you're using a secrets management tool that you believe deserves a mention or if there's one I missed that you'd highly recommend, I'd love to hear from you. Your insights and experiences can help others make informed decisions. Please drop me a suggestion or share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's keep the conversation going and the list growing.