Kubernetes Secrets provide basic secrets storage but lack encryption at rest by default, audit logging, and rotation capabilities. HashiCorp Vault adds enterprise-grade secrets management with dynamic secrets, encryption as a service, and detailed access policies.
Integration Patterns
The Vault Agent Sidecar injects secrets into pods automatically. The CSI driver mounts secrets as files. Direct API access provides maximum flexibility. Choose patterns based on application requirements and operational preferences.
- Use dynamic secrets for databases—credentials generated on-demand and automatically revoked
- Implement transit encryption for application-level data protection
- Configure AppRole authentication for service-to-Vault authentication
- Set up namespaces for multi-tenant secret isolation
- Enable audit logging for compliance and security monitoring
Operational Considerations
Vault requires careful operational attention. High availability configurations prevent secrets access outages. Backup and recovery procedures protect against data loss. Unsealing after restarts requires planning—auto-unseal with cloud KMS simplifies operations.