Storing secrets in Azure - Step-by-Step Execution

Process Flow - Storing secrets

Start

↓

Create Key Vault

↓

Add Secret to Vault

↓

Access Secret from Vault

↓

Use Secret in App

↓

End

This flow shows creating a secure vault, storing a secret, retrieving it, and using it safely.

Execution Sample

Azure

az keyvault create --name MyVault --resource-group MyGroup --location eastus
az keyvault secret set --vault-name MyVault --name MySecret --value "MyPassword123"
az keyvault secret show --vault-name MyVault --name MySecret

This code creates a vault, stores a secret, and retrieves it.

Process Table

Step	Action	Command	Result	Notes
1	Create Key Vault	az keyvault create --name MyVault --resource-group MyGroup --location eastus	Key Vault 'MyVault' created	Vault ready to store secrets
2	Add Secret	az keyvault secret set --vault-name MyVault --name MySecret --value "MyPassword123"	Secret 'MySecret' stored	Secret securely saved in vault
3	Retrieve Secret	az keyvault secret show --vault-name MyVault --name MySecret	Value: "MyPassword123"	Secret retrieved for use
4	Use Secret	Application reads secret from vault	App uses secret securely	Secret not exposed in code
5	End	-	-	Process complete

💡 All steps completed successfully; secret stored and accessed securely.

Status Tracker

Variable	Start	After Step 1	After Step 2	After Step 3	After Step 4	Final
KeyVaultName	None	MyVault	MyVault	MyVault	MyVault	MyVault
SecretName	None	None	MySecret	MySecret	MySecret	MySecret
SecretValue	None	None	MyPassword123	MyPassword123	Used by app	Used by app

Key Moments - 2 Insights

Why do we store secrets in a Key Vault instead of directly in application code?

Storing secrets in a Key Vault keeps them secure and separate from code, reducing risk of exposure. See execution_table step 4 where the app uses the secret without embedding it in code.

What happens if you try to retrieve a secret before it is stored?

The retrieval command will fail because the secret does not exist yet. In the execution_table, step 3 shows retrieval after storing in step 2, ensuring success.

Visual Quiz - 3 Questions

Look at the execution_table, what is the result of step 2?

A Key Vault created

B Secret 'MySecret' stored

C Secret retrieved

D Application uses secret

💡 Hint

Check the 'Result' column in row for step 2 in execution_table.

At which step does the application use the secret securely?

A Step 1

B Step 2

C Step 4

D Step 3

💡 Hint

Look at the 'Action' column in execution_table for when the app uses the secret.

If the secret value changes, which variable_tracker column shows the updated value?

A After Step 2

B After Step 1

C After Step 3

D After Step 4

💡 Hint

SecretValue is set when the secret is stored, see variable_tracker after step 2.

Concept Snapshot

Storing secrets in Azure Key Vault:
- Create a Key Vault to hold secrets securely.
- Add secrets using 'az keyvault secret set'.
- Retrieve secrets with 'az keyvault secret show'.
- Use secrets in apps without embedding them in code.
- Keeps secrets safe and manageable.

Full Transcript

This lesson shows how to store secrets securely using Azure Key Vault. First, you create a vault to hold secrets. Then you add a secret like a password to the vault. Next, you retrieve the secret when needed. Finally, your application uses the secret securely without exposing it in code. This keeps sensitive information safe and separate from your programs.