AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store

AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store provides robust and structured system to manage both configuration data and sensitive information securely. AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store allows you to store various types of data such as passwords, database connection strings, AMI IDs, and license codes. Data can be stored either in plain text or encrypted format for enhanced security. Additionally, you can easily reference these stored values in your scripts, commands, automation workflows, and other configuration processes using unique names assigned to each parameter during creation.

No more BS, Let's dive into Steps to Create a Parameter:

• Open the AWS Systems Manager console
• On the left hand side of your aws SSM window in the navigation panel, navigate to "Parameter store"

• Click on "Create parameter"

• For now I am creating parameters for Docker Credentials (Docker username, docker password, docker registry url).
• In Name field, Enter a name (Follow a convetional naming system so that it is easy to recall what the parameter is for).
• Give required/necessary description.
• In Tier, use "Standard" for no extra charges
• In Type, Choose SecureString for now :)
• In KMS key source, Choose My current account and defualt KMS Key ID.
• The Tags option is optional, this is ideal to organize your secrets so you do not get lost.

• Now, click on Create parameter. (Similarly create other credentials that you need)
• You can see your created parameters in My parameters tab.

• Boom! just like that you have made your deployments more secure!
• NOTE: to use this SSM service with other AWS services you need to give other services access to SSM role through IAM roles :)

(You can read the same article on Medium)