AWS Secrets Manager vs. Parameter Store: Which One Should You Trust with Your Secrets?

A High-Security Vault vs. A Versatile Filing Cabinet

• AWS Secrets Manager is like a high-security vault designed specifically to store your most sensitive items, such as the master keys to your safe or confidential contracts. It ensures these secrets are rotated automatically, securely shared, and always protected.
• AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store, on the other hand, is more like a versatile filing cabinet. It can store not only sensitive items but also general information like office policies, employee directories, or room schedules. While it can lock up sensitive items (with encryption), it doesn’t offer the same advanced security features as the vault.

Detailed Explanation

1. Automatic Secret Rotation

• Secrets Manager: Think of it as having a vault that automatically changes its lock combination every month and securely shares the new code with authorized users. This reduces the risk of someone misusing old credentials.
• Parameter Store: You’d need to manually change the lock combination yourself or build custom automation.

2. Cross-Account Access

• Secrets Manager: Like sharing access to your vault with someone in another branch office securely.
• Parameter Store: The filing cabinet stays within your office; sharing across branches requires additional workarounds.

3. Cost

• Secrets Manager: A premium service for advanced security features, suitable for critical secrets.
• Parameter Store: Budget-friendly, especially for storing large amounts of non-sensitive or moderately sensitive data.

4. Hierarchical Organization

• Parameter Store: Organizes items neatly into folders (e.g., /prod/db/password), making it easy to manage configurations for different environments.
• Secrets Manager: Relies on tags or labels for organization but doesn’t support folder-like structures.

5. Versioning

• Secrets Manager: Allows multiple active versions during secret rotation, making it easier to manage transitions.
• Parameter Store: Only one active version per parameter at any time.

When Should You Use Each?

Use AWS Secrets Manager if:

• You need automated rotation of secrets like database passwords or API keys.
• Your application requires cross-account access to secrets.
• Security compliance or auditability is a top priority.
• You’re managing highly sensitive information that needs robust protection.

Use AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store if:

• You’re managing both configuration data and secrets in one place.
• Cost is a major concern, and you don’t need advanced features like rotation or cross-account access.
• You prefer hierarchical organization for better management of parameters across environments.
• Your secrets don’t require frequent updates or automated rotation.

Can They Work Together?

• Use Secrets Manager for secure storage and automatic rotation of critical secrets.
• Reference those secrets in Parameter Store when you need hierarchical organization or integration with other AWS services.

Summary

• If security is your top priority and you’re dealing with critical secrets that need automated rotation, go with the high-security vault: AWS Secrets Manager.
• If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution to manage both configuration data and occasional secrets, the versatile filing cabinet—AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store—is your best bet.