Kubernetes Secrets are a fundamental component of secure configuration management in containerized environments. They provide a built-in solution for storing and managing sensitive data such as passwords, OAuth tokens, and SSH keys, ensuring they remain protected while being accessible to the applications that need them. Unlike ConfigMaps, which are designed for non-sensitive configuration data, Kubernetes Secrets offer mechanisms for encrypting data at rest, controlling access through role-based access control, and managing the lifecycle of sensitive information independently from the applications that consume it. The primary distinction between Kubernetes Secrets and ConfigMaps lies in their intended purpose, with Secrets specifically designed for storing sensitive information such as passwords, tokens, and keys, while ConfigMaps are meant for non-confidential configuration data. To create Secrets effectively, developers can use the kubectl command-line tool or YAML files, and it's essential to enable encryption at rest to protect Secret data stored in etcd. Additionally, implementing role-based access control with least privilege principles is crucial to control access to Secrets, and considering integration with external secret management systems for enhanced security features is recommended.