Top Tools To Improve Kubernetes Security

The development of containers has made it easier for developers to build and deploy their applications. Implementing Kubernetes is a common step that developers take when it comes to using a container orchestration system.

Kubernetes helps to automate important processes, such as configuration and overall management of containers on a larger scale. When it comes to managing containers and Kubernetes, simplicity and security are some of the main elements for developers to think about.

Each pod within a clutter is provided with an IP address when you use Kubernetes. This results in security for the IP addresses but this level of security is fairly basic. The more advanced security features need to be managed and there are several tools that you can use to help with this.

Snyk is a helpful source that can help boost Kubernetes security by integrating its secure containers. For example, Snyk open-source is part of their container security system that runs tests to let you know about vulnerabilities.

Their container security features can also help with securing added layers and base images to ensure that your code is solid from the ground up.

Our post below covers some of the other top tools to improve your Kubernetes security to prevent vulnerabilities from becoming a big problem.

Kube-Hunter

Kube-Hunter is a tool that scans for security threats that may be present within Kubernetes. It provides you with the ability to detect and deal with the problem before hackers are given the chance to cause more serious issues.

This tool lets you take advantage of discovery and penetration testing features that work with an automated system to make the entire process more straightforward. Kube-Bench works well when combined with Kube-Bench as it boosts the CIS validation that’s provided by Kube-Bench for better security.

Kube-Hunter is an open-source tool that shouldn’t be used with other clusters aside from your own. This is because the code gained could be used by hackers to gain access to other sites. The terms and conditions of Kube-Hunter also make it clear that using their tool to secure clusters that belong to others is prohibited.

Kube-Bench

Kube-Bench is an open-source security tool that lets you monitor whether your deployment of Kubernetes meets the standards that are set out by CIS (Center for Internet Security). You distribute Kube-Bench as a container and see what the results are to make sure that your deployment procedures are properly secured.

This tool informs you about errors while also giving you pointers on ways that you can solve the problems. It’s an excellent tool for ensuring that user authentication and authorization processes are secure enough. Therefore, you’ll be made aware if user authorization and authentication are prone to hackers gaining access and prevent the issue before it happens.

The data from this tool is encrypted during rest and transit so that all of the information being provided is secure. Each test carried out by Kube-Bench is given in a YAML file as it makes it easier to modify.

The tool must be run for each node that you’re looking to deploy to make sure that they all meet the CIS standards.

Project Calico

Project Calico is an open-source that you can use to secure your containers to help them run smoothly. This tool can be easily integrated with Kubernetes, along with many other cloud-based platforms, such as OpenStack.

Developers use Calico to establish a micro firewall for every workload that they carry out. The tool operates with Firewall guidelines and these guidelines can be applied automatically for every new workload that you start.

Calico lets you benefit from scaling your workloads easier due to the Layer 3 function. This tool communicates with routers and switches that are already present within a network to create similar IP packets that are more secure for your Kubernetes and containers.

Aqua Security

Aqua Security is a tool to consider if you want to use a program that secures container applications and cloud-native applications. The tool achieves this by bringing DevOps and IT security closer together.

Organizations can have full visibility of the activity happening within their containers. In addition to this, container security profiles and user access can be automated processes that are secure.

Developers also like how Aqua can find threats and prevent them due to their incredible automation features. This makes it less of a headache for large organizations as they don’t have to manually find the vulnerabilities.

Aqua lets you benefit from full-stack development as well as production security when it comes to your CI/CD pipeline. The tool also enables security features to cover many cloud-based processes that make deployment of Kubernetes easier and safer.

This also means that you can use Aqua as a centralized location for keeping track of how you deploy code.

Twistlock

Twistlock is fantastic for letting you integrate a wide variety of security checks for Kubernetes. There are more than 200 security checks that can be carried out which comply with the CIS guidelines.

A vulnerability management system is included that’s excellent for deploying firewalls automatically. This enables the tool to keep your applications protected throughout the entire development process.

Implementing Twistlock to your Kubernetes system lets you carry out image scanning which allows you to scan a container image as well as the Node.js or Docker elements that are present inside.

Developers can customize how they use Twistlock by creating different policies for various uses. This frees up developers to have the ability to be more specific when creating security policies for different instances.

NeuVector

NeuVector is a great tool to secure Kubernetes that are in production. It’s easy to integrate and can make security procedures automated. Developers can establish end-to-end security within containers that are backed up by vulnerability scanners, run-time protection, and compliance testing.

A Layer 7 Firewall system is included for containers which means you don’t need to use other external processes to keep your containers secured.

Conclusion

Keeping your security tools and procedures up to date with the times is imperative to preventing hackers from gaining access to your system. Using the right tools to protect your Kubernetes and containers can make this process much simpler.

We hope that you can use the details in this post to find that tool that’s best for boosting your Kubernetes security to make the development and deployment stages easier.