Secrets detection is the process of scanning source code, infrastructure-as-code, configuration files, build artifacts, and logs for sensitive material such as passwords, API keys, access tokens, private keys, and cloud credentials. It is a core control in modern application and cloud security because a single exposed secret can let an attacker impersonate a service, access data, or pivot into other systems.
In real attacks, secrets are often found in public repositories, leaked deployment files, or function bundles where developers hardcode values for convenience. In serverless environments, this risk is especially important because functions are deployed quickly and in large numbers, making manual review impractical. Defenders use automated scanners in CI/CD pipelines, repository hooks, and cloud-security platforms to catch secrets before deployment and to alert on exposed credentials after they appear. Good secrets detection also pairs with rotation, least privilege, and secret managers so that any leaked value is less useful to an attacker.