A step-by-step guide to automating RDS PostgreSQL credential rotation using AWS Secrets Manager and integrating it into ASP.NET Core applications with zero downtime. Covers the 4-step rotation process (createSecret, setSecret, testSecret, finishSecret), single-user vs alternating-user rotation strategies, and how to build a resilient DbContext factory that caches credentials and refreshes them automatically after rotation. Also addresses common pitfalls like stale connection pools, Lambda VPC configuration, and cost optimization through credential caching.
Table of contents
Secrets in ASP.NET Core with AWS Secrets ManagerWhy Rotate Secrets?How Secret Rotation WorksPrerequisitesStep 1: Create an RDS PostgreSQL InstanceStep 2: Store RDS Credentials in Secrets ManagerStep 3: Enable Automatic RotationStep 4: Build the ASP.NET Core APIStep 5: Handling Credential Rotation at RuntimeStep 6: Testing the Rotation FlowBest Practices & GotchasCleanupSummary8 Impressions