Secret store vs. secure string

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Wright, John M

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Nov 21, 2025, 2:13:11 PM (12 days ago) Nov 21
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Is anyone using secret store?  I was thinking of moving a script to that from the current secure string.

 

In particular, I’ve found that it’s impossible to automate using secret store unless I set the authentication to none.  As I understand it, this will still be an improvement because the credential will be encrypted and tied to user context.  As it stands, the password is stored as a secure string in a text file (in hex format).

 

Any opinions?

 

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John Wright

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Michael B. Smith

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Nov 21, 2025, 2:28:29 PM (12 days ago) Nov 21
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Sorry, I have to put on my consultant’s hat.

 

It depends.

 

A secure string is tied to the machine. It’s only semi-portable.

 

A secure string is ONLY SECURE ON WINDOWS. It’s not secure on any other platform.

 

However, it was around for 12-15 years before the secrets management module, so lots of code depends on it, and it is easy to use.

 

I use the PowerShell secrets management module. Is that what you mean by secret store?

 

If so, I automate this all the time. What issue are you having?

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Wright, John M

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Nov 21, 2025, 2:40:34 PM (12 days ago) Nov 21
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Yes, it’s the secrets management module.  I’m not exactly having any issues.  But I wondered what opinion others had about the relative security of these practices.

 

In this case, the vault stores a secure string called by script to form a credential for connecting to ESXI hosts and backing up the configs.

 

I’m really just trying to adhere to best practice, short of securing the vault with a password, which isn’t practical for a scheduled task.

 

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John Wright

IT Support Specialist

1800 Old Bluegrass Avenue, Louisville, KY 40215

502.708.9953

Please submit IT requests to Hazelwoo...@bluegrass.org

24 Hour Helpline 1.800.928.8000

  

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Subject: [ntsysadmin] RE: Secret store vs. secure string

 

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Michael B. Smith

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Nov 21, 2025, 3:01:01 PM (12 days ago) Nov 21
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I’d use the newer secrets management module. 😊

Michael B. Smith

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Nov 21, 2025, 3:01:35 PM (12 days ago) Nov 21
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