IT technology

Security

Credential rotation enhances system security by reducing the risk of compromised credentials being used for unauthorized access. When credentials (such as passwords, API keys, or tokens) are rotated regularly, even if they are stolen or leaked, their validity is limited to a short time window, minimizing potential damage.  

**How it works:**  
1. **Limits exposure time** – If credentials are compromised, attackers have less time to exploit them before they are changed.  
2. **Mitigates insider threats** – Regular rotation reduces the risk of misuse by former employees or contractors who may still have access.  
3. **Compliance requirements** – Many security standards (e.g., PCI DSS, NIST) mandate periodic credential updates.  

**Example:**  
A company rotates its database admin passwords every 90 days. If an attacker obtains an old password, it will no longer work after the next rotation, preventing unauthorized access.  

**In cloud environments (e.g., Tencent Cloud),** services like **Tencent Cloud Secrets Manager** automate credential rotation for databases, APIs, and other sensitive access keys, ensuring secure and compliant credential management. This reduces manual errors and strengthens overall security posture.

Credential rotation enhances system security by reducing the risk of compromised credentials being used for unauthorized access. When credentials (such as passwords, API keys, or tokens) are rotated regularly, even if they are stolen or leaked, their validity is limited to a short time window, minimizing potential damage.  
How it works:  

Limits exposure time – If credentials are compromised,

How does credential rotation affect system security?

Credential rotation enhances system security by reducing the risk of compromised credentials being used for unauthorized access. When credentials (such as passwords, API keys, or tokens) are rotated r...