As organizations increasingly adopt cloud-native technologies, securing Kubernetes infrastructure has become more important than ever. Cloud-native security encompasses practices and tools designed specifically to protect applications, data, and infrastructure in today’s ephemeral, distributed cloud environments. By aligning cloud native security practices with regulatory requirements, you can better ensure compliance, which is critical for organizations operating in industries such as finance and healthcare.
Let's examine key aspects of cloud native security and best practices for safeguarding your Kubernetes deployments.
Cloud native security differs from traditional approaches by embedding security measures directly into the design and operation of cloud systems. It addresses unique challenges posed by containerized applications, microservices architectures, and the shared responsibility model between cloud providers and users. Kubernetes operates in all these spaces.
Key components of cloud-native security include:
Following container and Kubernetes best practices helps you build a foundation for cloud-native security by addressing vulnerabilities inherent in dynamic, distributed systems. Here’s how they map to cloud-native principles.
As the central control plane for orchestration, the Kubernetes API server is a prime attack vector. Cloud-native environments require the use of Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption for data in transit and enable encryption at rest for sensitive data stored within the control plane. Also, restrict access to the API server through strong authentication mechanisms. You should audit logging to track changes in ephemeral workloads, aligning with the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requirements for immutable evidence.
Run containers with minimal privileges to reduce the risk of privilege escalation. Avoid running containers as root and use RBAC to limit permissions and enforce the principle of least privilege; RBAC will also minimize the risks of lateral movement in multi-tenant clusters. Ensure that anonymous login is disabled and create unique roles for different teams and service accounts. Use RBAC to restrict access based on roles and permissions, ensuring only authorized entities can interact with resources within the cluster. OpenID Connect (OIDC) integration with cloud IAM (for example, AWS IAM Roles for Service Accounts) streamlines identity federation.
Use trusted base images from verified sources to minimize vulnerabilities. Scan container images regularly for vulnerabilities and misconfigurations using automated tools integrated into CI/CD pipelines. Use tools like Trivy to identify Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) and keep containers patched and up-to-date. Regularly scan Kubernetes configurations and workloads for misconfigurations and vulnerabilities using tools aligned with benchmarks, such as the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Kubernetes benchmarks.
Define and implement granular network policies to isolate resources and control traffic flow between pods, namespaces, and external systems. Use firewalls to limit unnecessary network connectivity and encrypt communications using TLS. Service meshes, like Istio, help enable service-to-service mutual TLS. In cloud-native security, zero-trust segmentation replaces traditional perimeter models, isolating microservices even within the same Virtual Private Cloud (VPC).
Configure comprehensive logging to monitor activity and detect potential security incidents. Ensure logs are available even if nodes, pods, or containers fail. Enable Kubernetes audit logging to track user actions, Application Programming Interface (API) requests, and system events for forensic analysis and compliance purposes.
Keep Kubernetes clusters, container images, and all related components updated with the latest security patches. Continuously update container runtimes, host systems, and dependencies to address vulnerabilities. Establish a process for timely application of updates to minimize vulnerabilities.
Integrate tools, such as Polaris, Kyverno, and Open Policy Agent, into your CI/CD pipeline to check your Kubernetes configurations against security best practices. Implement Policy-as-Code to automate security checks throughout the development lifecycle. Use admission controllers to validate or mutate Kubernetes API requests based on predefined security policies. Adopt PaC to ensure consistent enforcement across development pipelines.
Securely manage sensitive data like API keys and credentials using dedicated tools instead of hardcoding them into images. Use Kubernetes Secrets or tools like Vault to store and manage sensitive information, ensuring they are encrypted at rest. Implement proper key management practices for added security.
Enforce pod security standards to ensure proper isolation of pods and containers, preventing privilege escalation or insecure configurations, which is important for shared cloud nodes.
As cloud-native technologies evolve, new security challenges are emerging, driven by the rapid adoption of AI/ML workloads, edge computing, and automated processes. AI/ML workloads introduce novel attack vectors, such as supply chain vulnerabilities in third-party libraries or poisoned datasets, which can corrupt models or exfiltrate sensitive data. Attackers increasingly target high-value AI models in Kubernetes environments, exploiting misconfigured storage or excessive permissions to steal intellectual property.
Meanwhile, edge computing amplifies risks due to distributed clusters in remote locations, where physical device tampering, insecure network connections, and fragmented visibility create entry points for lateral movement or data breaches. For instance, edge devices in industrial settings are vulnerable to physical theft or unauthorized access, requiring you to implement hardware-based encryption and tamper-proof designs.
The shift toward automated security processes, while essential for scaling defenses, also introduces its own risks. Over-reliance on AI-driven tools without proper oversight can lead to false positives or overlooked threats, particularly in dynamic environments where ephemeral workloads evade traditional monitoring tools. However, automation also offers solutions: tools like Falco enable real-time threat detection in Kubernetes environments, while Policy-as-Code frameworks enforce compliance across distributed systems.
As cloud-native technologies continue to evolve, security practices must adapt to address new challenges. By implementing robust security measures and following best practices, your organization can significantly reduce its risk exposure and ensure the integrity of your Kubernetes environments. Many organizations struggle with balancing visibility, compliance, and security in cloud-native environments — and you will need to make informed decisions about when sacrificing visibility might be acceptable for improved security.
Not sure how to implement cloud native security for your Kubernetes infrastructure? Fairwinds can help.
