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Finding Exposed Credentials and Sensitive Data in Cloud, Repositories, and Logs

A Deep Dive into Discovering Leaked Cloud Keys, SSH Private Keys, and Database Credentials

Karthikeyan Nagaraj
OSINT Team

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Introduction

Attackers don’t always need zero-day exploits to compromise systems — many breaches happen due to accidentally exposed credentials. Cloud services, source code repositories, and logs often leak sensitive authentication details like:

Cloud Access Keys (AWS, Azure, GCP)
SSH Private Keys
Database Credentials
Hardcoded API Keys in Logs
JWTs and Session Tokens

This article will guide you through manual and automated techniques to uncover and secure sensitive information before attackers exploit them.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for educational and ethical use only. Accessing or using leaked credentials without authorization is illegal. Always conduct security research responsibly.

1️⃣ Finding Exposed Cloud Access Keys

Why Cloud Keys Matter?

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Published in OSINT Team

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Written by Karthikeyan Nagaraj

Entrepreneur | Writer | Cyber Security Consultant | AI Researcher TopMate - https://topmate.io/cyberw1ng

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