> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsoar-8-on-prem/8.5/configure-cortex-xsoar/integrations/manage-credentials.md).

# Manage credentials

Credentials simplify and compartmentalize administrative tasks, and enable you to save login information without exposing usernames, passwords, certificates, and SSH keys. You can reuse credentials across multiple systems, for example, when using the same administrator password across multiple endpoints.

After you set up a credential, you can configure integration instances to use it instead of entering the name and password manually.

How to add credentials to an integration instance

1. Create the credential.
   1. Select **Settings & Info** → **Settings** → **Integrations** → **Credentials** → **New Credential**.
   2. Add the following parameters:

      | Parameters      | Description                                                                                                                                            |
      | --------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
      | Credential Name | <p>The name of the credential. You select this name when adding the credential to the integration instance.</p><p>For example, Cortex XDR API Key.</p> |
      | Username        | The username for the credential.                                                                                                                       |
      | Workgroup       | The workgroup to associate this credential with. Relevant for third-party services, such as Active Directory, CyberArk, and HashiCorps.                |
      | Password        | The password for the credential. For example, add the API Key when defining the API credential.                                                        |
      | Certificate     | Certificate or SSH to use for the credential.                                                                                                          |
   3. Save the credential.
2. Add the credential to the integration instance.
   1. Go to **Integrations** → **Instance** and select the integration instance you want to add the credential.
   2. Click **Add instance**.
   3. Locate the relevant section and click **Switch to credentials**.

      If there is more than one credential, select the relevant credential.
   4. Test and click Save & Exit the integration.

#### Configure an external credentials vault

Cortex XSOAR integrates with external credential vaults, which enables you to use them without hard coding or exposing the credentials. The credentials are not stored in Cortex XSOAR, but the integration fetches the credentials from the external vault when called. The credentials are passed to the relevant executed integrations as part of the integration parameters.

Sample credentials provider integrations:

* [CyberArk AIM v2](https://xsoar.pan.dev/docs/reference/integrations/cyber-ark-aim-v2)
* [HashiCorp Vault](https://xsoar.pan.dev/docs/reference/integrations/hashi-corp-vault)

After the integration is configured to fetch credentials, you can also use them in scripts and playbooks. To use these credentials in an integration, click \*\*Switch to credentials \*\*in an integration instance, and select the necessary credential from the drop-down menu.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsoar-8-on-prem/8.5/configure-cortex-xsoar/integrations/manage-credentials.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.