Automated security is unavoidable.
Manual vulnerability scans and compliance checks can’t keep up with ongoing compliance demands.
Instead, solutions must incorporate automation for security. Process logs and events using an automated Kubernetes audit log analyzer.
Continuous auditing of Kubernetes setups should also be implemented using CIS benchmarks and bespoke compliance tests.
Strategies should include instruments for the special ongoing automated monitoring and protective interventions that a given company needs to achieve its regulatory compliance requirements.
Table Of Contents:
- Unavoidable Automated Kubernetes Security
- Built-in Kubernetes Security Features
- Secure Environments for Containers and Kubernetes
Breaking attack chains necessitates visibility.
Once it has obtained what it desires, it contacts an external IP address and discreetly inserts sensitive data into network traffic to deliver stolen material to attackers.
A man-in-the-middle attack against the Kubernetes API service might also be part of a kill chain.
Common threats that use kill chain tactics include zero-day exploits, crypto mining, the current Apache Log4j exploit, and insider attacks.
Kubernetes security measures must offer the necessary visibility to identify kill chain behavior, automatically flag unknown processes, and inspect network traffic payloads.
Safeguard the entire container technology stack.
Continuous compliance assessments must secure containers and the entire technology stack that enables the container environment.
Introduce automated monitoring and mitigation techniques for Kubernetes, service meshes, plugins, hosting VMs, and other potential attack surfaces to do this. These components are vulnerable to assaults and can be exploited.
Practice Zero Trust
A zero-trust approach, which permits only approved activities and traffic within Kubernetes and container environments, improves security and compliance. Rather than detecting risks through log analysis, zero trust proactively prevents assaults from occurring.
Use the built-in Kubernetes security features.
Another best practice is to make use of Kubernetes built-in security capabilities.
This includes Kubernetes support for auditing logs, RBACs, and the capabilities of the Kubernetes API server as a centralized centre for system log collection.
Gather all activity logs and analyse them for any misconfigurations or evidence of compromise.
This method will expose non-compliant run-time activities and allow investigations into what’s causing problems and how to address them through patches or new security rules.
Keep Cloud Security in mind.
Cloud platforms ensure Kubernetes host systems are safe and compliant with regulations.
Although most Kubernetes hosting platforms already have hardened attack surfaces and frequent auditing in line with compliance requirements, this critical threat vector must be confirmed as secure.
A “shared responsibility approach” for security also exists, which mandates that you, the cloud customer, specific network activity, application access, and other cloud-based assets.
Environments for Containers and Kubernetes That Are Secure Throughout the Application Lifecycle
Achieving regulatory compliance-compliant security notifies an enterprise that its Kubernetes and container environments are suitable for production.
Compliance auditing is critical at all phases of the CI/CD pipeline, and production is where these environments will likely confront the most challenging security concerns.
Organizations may identify and mitigate threats smoothly and automatically by implementing best practices for continuous compliance without impacting application delivery or performance.