Content
Problem and Challenge
The Credential Sprawl Time Bomb
API keys, service account tokens, and database credentials spread everywhere during development. They get misplaced in config files, logs, git commits, or developer laptops. This creates massive risk and is hard to detect until it becomes a real issue. One leaked key can expose entire systems. We needed a model where storing static credentials was impossible by design.
dvdTechnical Solution
The Zero Credential Architecture
The goal is simple. Machines do not store credentials. Instead, they request identity and credentials only at runtime.
The architecture:
A machine presents a trusted identity to Vault
Vault returns a short-lived token
The agent requests just-in-time credentials
Credentials expire fast and are automatically rotated
The multi-platform agent is written in Go for portability and a low footprint. Vault policies limit each identity to only the secrets it truly needs.
Zero-credential identity enforces least privilege and eliminates lateral movement caused by stolen credentials.
Implementation Details
Building the Trust Layer
A Svelte interface enables secure onboarding. A trusted administrator verifies each machine before it can communicate with Vault. The agent runs as a persistent service using the Kardianos library with automatic recovery during network or Vault outages.
A Python layer tracks status and heartbeats for operational visibility and auditing. This ensures continued compliance and fast remediation.
Deployment typically takes one to three months depending on system complexity.
Problem and Challenge
The Credential Sprawl Time Bomb
API keys, service account tokens, and database credentials spread everywhere during development. They get misplaced in config files, logs, git commits, or developer laptops. This creates massive risk and is hard to detect until it becomes a real issue. One leaked key can expose entire systems. We needed a model where storing static credentials was impossible by design.
dvdTechnical Solution
The Zero Credential Architecture
The goal is simple. Machines do not store credentials. Instead, they request identity and credentials only at runtime.
The architecture:
A machine presents a trusted identity to Vault
Vault returns a short-lived token
The agent requests just-in-time credentials
Credentials expire fast and are automatically rotated
The multi-platform agent is written in Go for portability and a low footprint. Vault policies limit each identity to only the secrets it truly needs.
Zero-credential identity enforces least privilege and eliminates lateral movement caused by stolen credentials.
Implementation Details
Building the Trust Layer
A Svelte interface enables secure onboarding. A trusted administrator verifies each machine before it can communicate with Vault. The agent runs as a persistent service using the Kardianos library with automatic recovery during network or Vault outages.
A Python layer tracks status and heartbeats for operational visibility and auditing. This ensures continued compliance and fast remediation.
Deployment typically takes one to three months depending on system complexity.
Problem and Challenge
The Credential Sprawl Time Bomb
API keys, service account tokens, and database credentials spread everywhere during development. They get misplaced in config files, logs, git commits, or developer laptops. This creates massive risk and is hard to detect until it becomes a real issue. One leaked key can expose entire systems. We needed a model where storing static credentials was impossible by design.
dvdTechnical Solution
The Zero Credential Architecture
The goal is simple. Machines do not store credentials. Instead, they request identity and credentials only at runtime.
The architecture:
A machine presents a trusted identity to Vault
Vault returns a short-lived token
The agent requests just-in-time credentials
Credentials expire fast and are automatically rotated
The multi-platform agent is written in Go for portability and a low footprint. Vault policies limit each identity to only the secrets it truly needs.
Zero-credential identity enforces least privilege and eliminates lateral movement caused by stolen credentials.
Implementation Details
Building the Trust Layer
A Svelte interface enables secure onboarding. A trusted administrator verifies each machine before it can communicate with Vault. The agent runs as a persistent service using the Kardianos library with automatic recovery during network or Vault outages.
A Python layer tracks status and heartbeats for operational visibility and auditing. This ensures continued compliance and fast remediation.
Deployment typically takes one to three months depending on system complexity.
