GCP API Keys and Secrets Exposure Remediation

Learn how to fix exposed API keys, secrets, and tokens in GCP environments. Follow step-by-step guidance for SOC 2 compliance.

insecure APIs

SOC 2

gcp

Why It Matters

The core goal is to immediately remediate any exposed API keys, secrets, or tokens within your GCP environment that could grant unauthorized access to your cloud resources. Fixing exposed credentials in GCP is a priority for organizations subject to SOC 2, as it helps you prove you've implemented proper controls to prevent unauthorized access and maintain the security of customer data.

Primary Risk: Insecure APIs leading to unauthorized access

Relevant Regulation: SOC 2 Security Criteria

A rapid remediation response delivers immediate security, preventing potential breaches and ensuring ongoing compliance with security frameworks.

Prerequisites

Permissions & Roles

  • GCP project owner or security admin
  • Secret Manager Admin role
  • API Keys Admin permissions

External Tools

  • Google Cloud SDK (gcloud CLI)
  • Cyera DSPM account
  • Incident response playbook

Prior Setup

  • GCP project provisioned
  • Secret Manager API enabled
  • Audit logging configured
  • Emergency contact list ready

Introducing Cyera

Cyera is a modern Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) platform that discovers, classifies, and continuously monitors your sensitive data across cloud services. Using advanced AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, Cyera automatically identifies exposed API keys, secrets, and tokens in code repositories, configuration files, and data stores within your GCP environment, enabling immediate remediation before attackers can exploit them.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Immediate containment and assessment

Immediately revoke or disable the exposed credentials using GCP Console or CLI. Document the scope of exposure and affected services for incident tracking.

gcloud auth revoke [ACCOUNT] gcloud api-keys delete [KEY_ID]

2
Generate new credentials securely

Create replacement API keys with minimal required permissions and store them in Secret Manager. Enable automatic rotation where possible and implement strict access controls.

3
Update applications and services

Deploy the new credentials to all affected applications and services. Test functionality thoroughly and monitor for any service disruptions or authentication failures.

4
Monitor and verify remediation

Use Cloud Audit Logs to monitor for any attempted use of old credentials. Set up alerts for future exposure incidents and validate that all applications are using the new secure credentials.

Architecture & Workflow

GCP Secret Manager

Secure storage for replacement credentials

Cloud Audit Logs

Monitoring for unauthorized access attempts

Cyera DSPM

Continuous scanning for exposed secrets

IAM & Security Center

Access control and security recommendations

Remediation Flow Summary

Detect Exposure → Revoke Credentials → Generate New Keys → Monitor & Verify

Best Practices & Tips

Incident Response

  • Act within 15 minutes of detection
  • Document all remediation steps taken
  • Communicate with stakeholders immediately

Secure Credential Management

  • Use Secret Manager for all sensitive values
  • Implement automatic key rotation
  • Apply principle of least privilege

Common Pitfalls

  • Delaying credential revocation
  • Forgetting to update all dependent services
  • Not monitoring for attempted use of old keys

References & Further Reading

Next Steps

🛡️ Prevent: Set up proactive secrets protection 🔍 Detect: Monitor for future exposures