Credentials Cycling

In the context of Exoscale Managed Kafka, cycling credentials is a critical task to maintain secure access control and minimize potential security risks. This involves the process of creating a new service user and handling the associated SSL certificates and keys effectively.

Steps to Cycle Credentials

By cycling credentials regularly, Exoscale Managed Kafka users can maintain a robust security posture, mitigating risks associated with credential exposure or compromise. This process not only strengthens security but also aligns with best practices for managing secure access in a dynamic cloud environment.

  • Create a New Service User
    Begin by generating a new service user within the Exoscale platform. This user will be used to access Kafka resources with renewed credentials,ensuring any exposed or old credentials are replaced. As part of this creation process, a new SSL certificate and private key are issued to the new service user. These are crucial components forauthentication and must be stored securely.

  • Retrieve Certificate and Key
    Once the new service user is created, immediately download and store the SSL certificate and private key. Proper storage of these credentials isessential to prevent unauthorized access and to maintain uninterrupted secure communications with the Kafka cluster. If possible, use a secure secrets management tool to store these credentials, reducing the risk of exposure.

  • Update Client Configuration
    Replace the old credentials in your clients (producers/consumers) with the new certificate and key. Update the keystore and truststoreconfigurations to reflect these changes. This step ensures that your clients can continue to connect to Exoscale Managed Kafka seamlessly and securely using the new certificates.

  • Delete the Previous Service User
    After successfully updating your clients with the new credentials, delete the old service user from the Exoscale platform. This step is crucialto prevent any potential misuse of outdated credentials. Deleting the service user formally invalidates the old credentials, ensuring that only the new credentials are valid for accessing the Kafka resources.