Securing Docker and Kubernetes

Why Containers Expand the Attack Surface

Microservices speed delivery but multiply risk. Misconfigured Kubernetes clusters are a known goldmine for cryptojacking and data exfiltration.


Core Hardening Steps

  1. Least privilege images – no root user.
  2. Signed images only – verify integrity.
  3. Secrets management – never hardcode creds in YAML.
  4. Network policies – enforce pod-to-pod traffic rules.
  5. Regular scanning – Trivy/Clair for image vulnerabilities.

Kubernetes Example

  • Restrict API access with RBAC.
  • Enable audit logging.
  • Use a service mesh (Istio/Linkerd) for encryption and observability.

Why Clients Care

  • Containers underpin most cloud projects today.
  • Security misconfigurations are the top cause of breaches in Kubernetes.
  • Demonstrates consultant-level ability to secure modern stacks.