This article provides implementation guidance for migrating secrets to AWS Secrets Manager, including a sample CDK solution demonstrating secure access patterns.

• Two migration approaches: move app first then update code, or update on-premises app pre-migration
• Use environment variables to decouple secrets retrieval from application code
• Perform cutover during maintenance window with documented rollback plan
• Verify application connectivity, secret existence, IAM permissions before cutover
• Use CloudTrail to confirm successful Secrets Manager integration post-cutover
• Enable automatic secrets rotation, especially for previously exposed secrets
• Sample solution uses ABAC, tagging scheme, and IAM Roles Anywhere for regulated access
• Archetype 1: On-premises applications using IAM Roles Anywhere for pre-migration access
• Archetype 2: AWS-migrated applications with Lambda integration and ABAC authorization
• Solution includes VPC endpoints, Private CA, client-side utilities, and Aurora MySQL integration

The article demonstrates a comprehensive approach to secrets migration with practical implementation patterns for both on-premises and cloud-based applications.