Which scenario is appropriate for using a read-only policy in Vault?

A read-only policy in HashiCorp Vault is specifically designed to allow users to access and view secrets without giving them permissions to modify, create, or delete any of those secrets. This scenario is applicable in situations where there is a need for users or applications to retrieve sensitive data—such as API keys, passwords, or certificates—without the risk of accidental or intentional alteration.

By implementing a read-only policy, organizations can ensure that critical secrets remain secure and unchanged while still being accessible to authorized users for operational tasks. This structure supports the principle of least privilege, which is essential for maintaining a secure secrets management environment.

In contrast, situations requiring frequent modifications, the creation of new policies, or the deletion of secrets do not align with the function of a read-only policy, as those actions necessitate write or admin-level permissions.