How is credential rotation implemented in a multi-tenant environment?

Credential rotation in a multi-tenant environment involves systematically updating authentication credentials (e.g., API keys, passwords, tokens) for all tenants while minimizing downtime, ensuring security, and maintaining access continuity. Here’s how it’s typically implemented:

Key Steps:

1. Centralized Credential Management
   Use a secure secrets management system (e.g., Tencent Cloud Secrets Manager) to store and manage credentials for all tenants. This allows centralized rotation policies and auditing.

2. Automated Rotation Policies
   Define rotation schedules (e.g., every 30/90 days) and automate the process using scripts or tools. For example, Tencent Cloud CAM (Cloud Access Management) can enforce role-based access and automate key rotation.

3. Tenant Isolation
   Ensure each tenant’s credentials are isolated. Rotation should not affect other tenants. For instance, if a database password changes, only the affected tenant’s connections are updated.

4. Graceful Transition

   • Double Credentials: Temporarily allow both old and new credentials during rotation to prevent service disruptions.
   • Zero-Downtime Deployment: Use rolling updates (e.g., in Kubernetes with Tencent Cloud TKE) to apply new credentials without downtime.

5. Notification & Logging
   Notify tenants (or admins) before/after rotation. Log all changes for auditability (Tencent Cloud CloudAudit can track credential changes).

6. Tenant-Specific Workflows
   For self-managed tenants, provide APIs or dashboards (e.g., Tencent Cloud API Gateway) to trigger manual rotation. For managed tenants, automate the process.

Example: Database Credential Rotation

• Scenario: A SaaS platform with multiple tenants sharing a database but using unique credentials.
• Steps:
  1. Generate new credentials in Tencent Cloud Secrets Manager.
  2. Update the database access list with the new credentials.
  3. Deploy the new credentials to tenant applications via Tencent Cloud TKE (Kubernetes) or SCF (Serverless Cloud Function).
  4. Monitor logs (CloudAudit) for failed connections and revert if needed.

Tencent Cloud Services for Implementation

• Secrets Manager: Securely store and rotate credentials.
• CAM: Manage permissions and automate access control.
• TKE/SCF: Deploy credential updates without downtime.
• CloudAudit: Track rotation activities for compliance.

This approach ensures security while maintaining tenant isolation and service reliability.