# azure-key-vault

Source: https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/secrets/azure-key-vault/
Last updated: 2026-07-03
License: content by Start with Identity. Cite the source URL.

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## Overview
Azure Key Vault is Microsoft's managed service for storing and accessing secrets, encryption keys, and certificates in Azure. It integrates natively with Entra ID for access control and with Azure services for consumption.

## What it is good at
For Azure-native workloads it is the natural choice: managed secret and key storage, HSM-backed keys, certificate management, access governed by Entra identities and managed identities, and tight integration across Azure. It removes hardcoded secrets with minimal setup for teams already in Azure.

## Where it falls short
It is Azure-centric, so multi-cloud organizations often want a cloud-neutral platform, and its dynamic-secrets and broad third-party integration story is lighter than dedicated secrets platforms like Vault.

## Pricing
Transparent, usage-based Azure pricing, with a premium tier for HSM-backed keys.

## Best for, and who should look elsewhere
Choose Key Vault for Azure-native secrets and keys. Look elsewhere for cloud-neutral or dynamic-secrets-heavy needs (see [HashiCorp Vault](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/machine-identity/hashicorp-vault/)).

## Bottom line
The default managed secrets and key store for Azure, integrated with Entra identity.