Microservices are operated by containers, specifically Kubernetes, which makes cloud adoption and application maintenance more affordable. They do, however, also bring special security threats and difficulties that arise during growth. Security is realizing that their current tools and procedures don’t address the new world of cloud apps and containers; thus, collaboration between DevOps and security is essential. Building bridges and comprehending the function of DevOps must have a robust security posture.
An analysis of container security threats
Running a container has two stages, and both require active risk identification and removal on the part of the IT security team and collaboration with the DevOps team. The building of the container and everything that occurs once it is operational are included in the first phase.
1. Before the start of deployment
With the help of the automation-focused DevOps approach, developers may build code and submit it. IT security specialists will find this technique very helpful since they need to find flaws before they become issues. This cooperative procedure is advantageous to the development and security teams alike. Infrastructure-as-code (IAC), which entails creating machine learning code to perform automated activities like deployment, load monitoring, autoscaling, and port exposure, is a tool that DevOps engineers frequently employ. Before deployment, it is essential to identify and stop problematic settings through security screening of IAC artefacts in the development process.
2. Once it’s set up and functioning
An operating container suffers security problems since it is not a security boundary like VMs. On the same system, engineers can access other containers. The risks are determined by the workload, which is a dynamic objective. Developers must monitor the operating workloads of each container for unusual behaviour, outbound relationships, and process execution, in addition to potential new vulnerabilities.
DevOps is transforming people and processes
Rather than concentrating on procedure or technology, the key to producing safe cloud apps is to bring people together and break down barriers. Traditional security teams, developers, and DevOps can prove to be effective in a cloud application world since the responsibility for identifying and resolving problems crosses these boundaries. A remote code execution vulnerability in a Tomcat program on VMs, for example, may be resolved by establishing a ticket for developers, which requires separate personnel and processes.
Bridge-building is essential in the security sector since it entails comprehending the new environment and its components. DevOps must recognize the significance of security and provide solutions that connect with their present job. Piece two focuses on developing an end-to-end process and integrating security solutions without interfering with DevOps. Autonomy is essential, and automation puts everything at the user’s fingertips. Contextualizing significance and adaptability are also essential. To keep going forward, exceptional processes should be controlled, monitorable, and reasonable, and a balance of risk should be found.
Conclusion
For an in-depth examination of how security and DevOps teams may manage crucial risks, the tools and solutions available can help minimize security risks across organizations, along with how to approach containers from the perspective of security at every stage of maturity.
