Definition
Key Vault is a cloud service that safeguards cryptographic keys, secrets, and certificates. It provides a centralized and secure location to store and manage sensitive information, preventing it from being exposed in code or configuration files. By using Key Vault, organizations can control access to these critical assets, ensuring only authorized applications and users can retrieve them. For instance, a web application might use Key Vault to securely store its database connection string, eliminating the need to embed it directly in its deployment package. Unlike a simple secrets manager, Key Vault often integrates with hardware security modules for enhanced protection. This concept is frequently assessed on cloud security certifications like CCSP and AWS exams.