What Is Container Security? Definition, Benefits, and Risks

Container security is a vital factor for all companies that use containers for running their software, as an alternative to using virtual machines. Container security is a total of policies and tools that are applied to maintain a container running as it was meant to. Container security includes protecting the infrastructure, the software supply chain, runtime, and many more. With the containerized environment being such a complex and dynamic structure, we recommend that container security should be completely automated. "A container is a software conglomeration that includes all the components required for the soft to work in any environment: executables, libraries, binary code, and configuration files. It can run any kind of application and it will do it the same way, regardless of the host system. It actually makes the „write once, run anywhere" developers` dream come true. Containerization fans prefer this method of running software due to its portability, efficiency, flexibility, and improved security, as the containers are isolated from each other and from the host system. Since using containers to run, move and deploy software increased, container security went right to the top of the priorities list. Because container security not only involves all aspects of securing a containerized app and its supporting infrastructure but also tends to improve IT security as a whole. Companies will strengthen security in general when demanding round-the-clock security monitoring across development, testing, and production environments. The problem with open-source software is that it frequently has security vulnerabilities. Containers need to communicate with each other and with network services, in order to work well. Otherwise, they can turn into risk factors for the company`s network. Running containers can be a target of attackers that work around the isolation between the container and the host. Threat actors can escape from a container, take over the host, and get access to other containers without authorization. Cgroups, Linux namespaces, and access controls should all be carefully managed in order to ensure container security. Container Security Main Elements: Cloud & Network Security: Containers use networks to communicate with one another, so network and container security are usually discussed together. Cloud security encompasses networks as well as containers, apps, servers, etc. Configuration: Although most cloud, orchestration, and container technologies have strong security features and controls, setting them up properly and some fine-tuning now and then are necessary in order for them to work at their best. In areas like access/privilege, isolation, and networking, this configuration comprises vital settings and hardening. With the containers being so easy to use and move around, containerization made life easier for developers. The security risk factors they bring around are not at all neglectable. Here are some of the downsides of using containerized software, that container security can solve. Even if the containers are isolated from one another, it doesn`t mean they are completely safe. If threat actors manage to identify a container flaw in the platform, they can gain access to data inside other containers. In order to work, any container needs access to a kernel, so even if the apps in a system are separated, they are still somehow connected, as they use the same kernel. It is common for containerization platforms to provide network segmentation, but despite that network segmentation features are mostly ignored. This common mistake allows threat actors to infect the whole network, once they managed to compromise one container. Keep in mind that attackers too can and will create containers, that they will upload to trusted, intensively used platforms, such as Docker Hub, aiming to compromise potential users` networks. Any IT team should check the source and safety of a container before running and integrating it into their system. Keeping the host operation system up to date and secure is one important goal in container security. Machines that run containers can be victims of OS-level attacks. To name just two of them: scripts that contain hard-coded credentials and were placed in containers, and secrets that were saved on a poorly configured key management system. Keeping your containers perfectly safe demands top-level security measures for your endpoints` OS, your secrets management, and communication traffic. In order to keep up with changes and be able to tackle any new threat that could arise, it is vital for your business` safety to employ automation of certain processes and go for a professional security solution. Heimdal® Threat Prevention solution helps your team stay ahead of malicious actors and offers 96% accuracy in predicting future threats. It allows you to spot malicious URLs and processes in time, while also offering the perfect tools to control your endpoints and network. The most recent addition to Threat Prevention - Endpoint, Cloud Access Security Brokerage, is made to combat insider attacks, find and destroy shadow IT instances, and any form of harmful behavior linked to compromised accounts. CASB empowers system administrators to manage their cloud-hosted resources easier and safer, so integrating it into your security mix. Wrap Up. "With the usage of serverless container technologies on the rise - researchers report a 15% growth during the last two years, from 21% in 2020 to 36% in 2022 - container security is becoming more and more important. Although containers are a great and modern solution that allows programmers to enjoy a „write once, run anywhere" approach to their work, securing them properly brings serious challenges to the system administration team. Container security should be taken seriously and should be addressed professionally.

This Cyber News was published on heimdalsecurity.com. Publication date: Mon, 06 Feb 2023 15:30:03 +0000


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