Cloud
Best Practice: Use temporary security credentials instead of long-lived credentials
Sep 12, 2024
Security in the cloud hinges on how you manage access. Using long-lived credentials such as API keys or access tokens introduces a higher risk of unauthorised access if those credentials are compromised. Implementing temporary security credentials reduces this attack surface by ensuring that credentials expire after a short period, thereby limiting the potential damage caused by a security breach. This best practice is essential for safeguarding cloud environments from malicious actors who exploit compromised credentials.
Why Temporary Credentials Matter
- Reduced risk of exposure: Long-lived credentials can be left exposed, whether through misconfigurations or breaches. Temporary credentials automatically expire, reducing the window of opportunity for attackers.
- Improved security posture: By rotating access credentials and using temporary ones, you ensure that any compromised credentials will be invalidated sooner, minimising potential damage.
- Compliance: Many security frameworks recommend or require the use of temporary credentials to meet stringent compliance requirements and reduce the risk of data breaches.
Implementing This Best Practice
- Leverage cloud-native tools: Use services like AWS Security Token Service (STS), Azure Managed Identity, or Google Cloud Service Accounts to generate temporary credentials for applications and users. These services provide credentials that automatically expire after a defined period.
- Rotate keys frequently: Even with temporary credentials, rotating keys frequently ensures that compromised credentials are not active for long. Implement automatic key rotation using cloud tools.
- Monitor credential usage: Keep an eye on how credentials are being used. Set up monitoring and alerting systems to detect unusual or unauthorised access patterns that might indicate credential misuse.
Conclusion
Switching to temporary security credentials is a simple yet powerful way to reduce the risk of credential compromise in cloud environments. By leveraging cloud-native services and rotating keys regularly, organisations can protect sensitive data and systems while maintaining compliance with security best practices.
