What is the purpose of the leasing feature in Vault?

The leasing feature in Vault is designed to enhance security by expiring credentials after a predetermined time period. This means that when a piece of sensitive data, such as an API key or a password, is issued, it is associated with a lease that specifies how long it is valid. After this time elapses, the credentials are automatically revoked, ensuring that even if they are compromised, their usability is limited.

This approach helps to minimize the risk of long-term credential exposure and enforces a principle of least privilege. By regularly rotating credentials through leases, organizations can reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access and maintain tighter control over sensitive systems and data. This feature is essential for maintaining a secure environment, particularly in dynamic systems where services and applications frequently update or change.