Kubernetes Security is based on the 4C’s of cloud native security: Cloud, Cluster, Container, and Code:
Kubernetes security is important throughout the container lifecycle due to the distributed, dynamic nature of a Kubernetes cluster. Different security approaches are required for each of the three phases of an application lifecycle: build, deploy, and runtime. Kubernetes provides innate security advantages. For example, application containers are typically not patched or updated — instead, container images are replaced entirely with new versions. This enables strict version control and permits rapid rollbacks if a vulnerability is uncovered in new code.
However, since individual pods are transient and ephemeral, the ever-changing runtime environment can present challenges for IT security professionals, as applications and API links to other applications and services are constantly in flux.
Kubernetes security tools should:
Best practice recommendations include:Begin with minimal, distro-less images and add only what is absolutely necessary. Smaller is safer.
Streamline operations across multi-cloud infrastructure.
What tools should you choose to succeed with containers?
Once you understand what containers and Kubernetes are, the next step is to learn how the two work together.