Which type of solution should be selected for managing secrets in a cloud-hosted environment?

In cloud-hosted environments, managing secrets such as API keys, passwords, and cryptographic keys is vital for ensuring the security and integrity of applications and data. A key management service (KMS) is specifically designed for this purpose.

A KMS provides a centralized platform to create, store, and manage cryptographic keys and other secrets securely. It typically includes features like key rotation, auditing, and access controls, allowing organizations to maintain a robust security posture while simplifying the management of sensitive information. Using a KMS reduces the risk of unauthorized access to secrets, ensuring they are encrypted both at rest and in transit.

Other solutions, while important for overall security, do not specifically address the management of secrets. For instance, firewalls protect network perimeters and prevent unauthorized access, but they don't manage or store secrets. A SIEM tool collects and analyzes security event data but is not designed for secret management. Similarly, an intrusion detection system focuses on monitoring for suspicious activities rather than storing or managing cryptographic keys. Therefore, a key management service is the most appropriate choice for handling secrets in a cloud-hosted environment.