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Secret

security

Also called: credential secret

Plain-language definition

Plain-language definition

Sensitive information used to prove identity or authorize protected operations.

Why it matters

Secrets must stay out of source code, logs, public clients, and unprotected storage.

Technical detail

Secrets include passwords, private keys, API keys, and signing material whose disclosure lets an unauthorized party impersonate a principal or decrypt data.

Examples

  • A Stripe secret key is stored in the server environment rather than browser JavaScript.

Sources and review

Reviewed July 12, 2026 by e2e-1783854138445-0citu53rtqqe@test.repairyour.tech. Next review due January 11, 2027.

  1. Glossary of Key Information Security Terms — National Institute of Standards and Technology Accessed 7/11/2026

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