Overview
Container security involves securing the container images, the container runtime (e.g., Docker), the orchestration platform (e.g., Kubernetes), and the host operating system. It requires a 'shift left' approach, starting from the build phase.
Key Areas of Focus
- Image Scanning: Checking container images for vulnerabilities and malware before deployment.
- Runtime Protection: Monitoring running containers for suspicious activity or unauthorized changes.
- Network Security: Implementing micro-segmentation to restrict communication between containers.
- Access Control: Using RBAC to limit who can manage and access containers.
- Host Hardening: Securing the underlying OS that runs the container engine.
Importance
As organizations move to microservices and cloud-native architectures, container security is essential for protecting highly dynamic and distributed environments.