Why Kubernetes security matters
Kubernetes has become the preferred platform for managing and orchestrating containerized applications in recent years. Companies rely on Kubernetes to deploy their applications with flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. But along with the advantages come significant challenges, especially in terms of security. A new study conducted by Airlock and techconsult GmbH explores exactly these aspects and offers valuable insights for companies that are already using Kubernetes or are planning to do so.
Kubernetes on the rise – facts and figures
The study is based on a survey of 207 IT decision-makers and DevOps teams from companies of various sizes and industries. It shows that 30 percent of companies have already firmly integrated Kubernetes into their application development. Another 29 percent are currently in the testing phase, while 26 percent are planning to use Kubernetes in the future. Fifteen percent use Kubernetes only for specific applications or outsourced cloud projects. Companies that are not considering Kubernetes were not included in the study.
These figures highlight the growing importance of Kubernetes and the need for effective security strategies to address the challenges of containerized environments.
Security challenges and solution approaches
The study identifies several security aspects that are particularly relevant for companies:
- Integration of security solutions: Many companies struggle to effectively integrate different security tools into their Kubernetes environment.
- Lack of know-how: 56 percent of the companies surveyed see a lack of expertise as a hurdle in securing their Kubernetes environments.
- Shift-left security: More and more companies are adopting this approach, in which security measures are integrated early in the development process to minimize risks and costs.
- Multi-cloud security: As companies increasingly pursue hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, security solutions must be flexible and compatible with various cloud environments.
- Zero-trust models and microgateways: Kubernetes-native security solutions that protect microservices and enable granular access controls are considered essential.
Recommendations for companies
Based on the study’s findings, clear recommendations emerge for companies that want to implement Kubernetes securely:
- Early integration of security solutions (shift-left security): Security measures should be an integral part of the development process from the very beginning.
- Secure cloud-native architectures: Security solutions must be optimized specifically for Kubernetes environments.
- Promote training and automation: Companies should invest in targeted training for their teams and implement automated security solutions to reduce vulnerabilities.
- Implement zero-trust principles: Continuous verification and validation of all access to microservices are essential for a secure Kubernetes environment.
Conclusion
The study shows that Kubernetes has firmly established itself in enterprise IT and plays a strategic role in application development. However, as usage increases, so do the security demands. Companies would be well advised to continuously evolve their security strategies and adopt modern, Kubernetes-native security solutions.
Anyone who wants to dive deeper into the study results and best practices can find the full study here.