HashiCorp Vault for the Absolute Beginner (with Labs)

Secure secrets management isn't just a "nice-to-have" any longer -- it's essential to any organization. If you're new to HashiCorp Vault and want to learn how modern organizations protect sensitive data, or you just need a refresher, this course is your perfect starting point.

You might be asking yourself: What is Vault? Why should I use it? How can I set it up and integrate it into my workflow? Don't worry -- we've got you covered!

This course is designed to take you from zero knowledge to confidently managing secrets, tokens, and policies like a pro.

What You'll Learn

Introduction to Vault

Get a clear understanding of what Vault is, why it exists, and the real-world security problems it solves. We'll break down Vault's core components so you feel ready to explore further.

Vault Architecture

You'll see how Vault works under the hood, from installing and running Vault to setting up clusters and comparing different versions. You'll also learn how to interact with Vault through the UI, CLI, and API -- whichever you prefer!

Secrets Engines, Tokens, and Authentication

Unlock the magic of Vault's components:

• Understand tokens and how to use them for authentication
• Explore auth methods and how they ensure the right people (and machines) have the right access
• Discover how to securely store and manage secrets using secrets engines

Vault Initialization and Security

Dive into the essentials of securing Vault itself:

• Learn about initialization, sealing, and unsealing processes
• Discover advanced options like auto-unseal and transit unseal to automate workflows

Audit Devices and Policies

Security is all about visibility and control:

• Learn how to configure audit devices for tracking what happens in Vault
• Cover ACL policies -- from writing your first policy to implementing fine-grained controls

Integrating Vault with Terraform and CI/CD Pipelines

Ready to put Vault to work? We'll show you how to integrate Vault with Terraform and automate secure secrets management in CI/CD pipelines.

Demos and Practical Guidance

This isn't just theory. Throughout the course, you'll get practical demos to see Vault in action. By the end, you'll not only understand Vault, but you'll also know how to implement it confidently in your own projects.

Hands-On Labs

I've also included hands-on labs so you can jump right in and start working with Vault using GitHub Codespaces. It's a super easy way to gain access to a Vault node right in your browser without installing anything.

Who This Course Is For

If you're an engineer, DevOps professional, or security enthusiast looking to take your first steps into secure secrets management, this course is for you. No prior experience with Vault is needed -- just a willingness to learn!

About HashiCorp Vault

HashiCorp Vault is your go-to tool for securing sensitive data like passwords, API keys, and certificates. Think of it as a high-tech safe that helps you manage secrets effortlessly, ensuring they're only accessible to the right people, services, or applications. Whether you're a developer, a DevOps pro, or just getting started with infrastructure security, Vault makes it easy to store, access, and protect secrets without the headache.

About the Instructor

Bryan Krausen is highly regarded as a HashiCorp expert and has been working with HashiCorp Vault for 7+ years, deploying Vault for countless large Enterprise customers. He holds multiple Vault certifications, including one of the first to pass the HashiCorp Certified: Vault Associate certification while it was in the ALPHA stage. Bryan helped develop the HashiCorp Certified: Vault Professional exam and is one of the only people in the world to hold the HashiCorp Vault Expert partner certification.

Enroll in this course and join over 150,000 students who have learned from Bryan Krausen's expertise.