Containers are extremely useful for both the development and shipment of applications in the cloud. They require limited resources to manage the infrastructure of applications, but as they are still a relatively new concept, there are vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are taking advantage of. Many businesses have hesitations when it comes to adopting containers for security reasons. By integrating effective security practices, you can take advantage of all the fantastic benefits of using containers while keeping your data and applications safe.
Implementing Container Cybersecurity
Container cybersecurity is becoming more advanced as the demand for it grows. While last year only 20% of organizations were using containers, that figure is estimated to well over triple by 2023. Adopting new technologies, such as containers, is essential for optimal business growth and keeping up with competitors. The automation, efficiency, and agility of using containers to develop and ship applications hugely boost company productivity.
Some of the most common vulnerabilities when using containers include configuration errors, insufficient authorization and authentication, and bugs. Developers and business owners must address these vulnerabilities at each stage of the development process to ensure there are no holes that hackers can get through. It’s always best to enlist the help of the experts at McAfee to ensure your cybersecurity is optimized. Here are some tips for implementing cybersecurity practices at each touchpoint.
1 Development
Cybersecurity should be a primary concern from the start of the development phase. Hackers often target containers during the development stage since the malicious code they enter will give them more access. When building and developing, the cloud environment must be fully protected. Avoid putting any code into production without testing it through both static and dynamic code analysis. Dynamic code reviews can typically pick up 85% of flaws present, so there’s a good chance your developer will be able to identify malicious code before it ends up in your container.
2 Contents of Containers
The next touchpoint that you need to address with your cybersecurity is the contents of your container. The less exposure there is to your containers’ content, the better, and the less risk there is of the system becoming compromised. All the images in your container should be approved images, and you can monitor this by tracking them and using digital signing. Container vendors will typically employ tools that can help you limit the content to only the most essential, but you can also choose to use third-party tools.
3 Runtime Protection
Runtime protection means screening every activity with a container’s application environment to identify any abnormal behavior. These include container activities, host activities, monitoring protocols, and more. Container environments, including the host, container, and network surfaces, are incredibly dynamic. Basic vulnerability scanning is often not enough to fully protect runtime. Runtime protection should be able to look at the network in its most finite form, at the packet level, to identify all activity within the container accurately.
Conclusion
With so many moving pieces, container cybersecurity is different from other forms of cybersecurity to account for the dynamic nature. It includes everything from internal content and applications to the infrastructure the container runs on. By implementing effective container cybersecurity, you can ensure that all your applications and data are adequately protected.
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