Short-lived credentials`, also known as `ephemeral secrets` or `dynamic secrets`, are a crucial security measure to minimize the risks associated with static, long-lived credentials. By adopting this approach, organizations can significantly reduce the attack window if a secret becomes compromised. Short-lived credentials are generated on-demand and automatically revoked upon expiration, aligning well with zero trust principles and secured-by-default practices. This method is particularly beneficial for cloud-native and CI/CD pipelines, where it reduces the risk of accidentally committing credentials to source control or logs. The shift to short-lived credentials also automates what many teams do manually - rotating credentials on a calendar - freeing developers from manual tasks and reinforcing a culture of "secured by default."