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Seccomp, which comes from "secure computing mode," is a built-in security feature in the Linux kernel that limits the system calls a process can make. Seccomp profiles in Kubernetes help minimize attack surfaces and prevent malicious code execution.

Let's explore how Seccomp profiles can enhance Kubernetes security and how you can enable them in your Kubernetes environment.

What Is Seccomp & How Does It Improve Kubernetes Security?

Container SecurityAdvancing security needs have fueled the evolution of Seccomp, a feature that has become increasingly relevant since its introduction in the Linux kernel version 2.6.12 in 2005. Today, it is used beyond just Linux and Kubernetes, including in web browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Seccomp modes include block or allow and the newer filter mode, which offers filtering and fine-tuning security policies.

Seccomp profiles offer protection in two key ways: exploiting vulnerabilities or compromising the supply chain. Attackers who gain code execution within a Kubernetes workload can potentially compromise the host (or node), exposing secrets and elevating privileges. If malicious code attempts to use a system call not part of its allowed set, Seccomp profiles can effectively block it, denying attackers the ability to access the host filesystem.

How Can I Enable Seccomp in Kubernetes?

There are two ways to enable Seccomp profiles in Kubernetes: pre-made and custom profiles. The former is convenient but less tailored to specific needs, whereas the latter offers fine-grained security measures with more complexity to create and maintain. Linux admins, infosec professionals, internet security enthusiasts, and sysadmins looking to implement Seccomp profiles in Kubernetes need a profound understanding of the application's system call needs.

Our Final Thoughts on the Security Benefits of Seccomp

Using Seccomp profiles in Kubernetes environments is essential for enhancing overall security posture. For Linux admins, infosec professionals, internet security enthusiasts, and sysadmins seeking to improve the security for Kubernetes environments, Seccomp profiles are a critical feature to consider. As the adoption of Kubernetes continues to increase, so does the need to secure Kubernetes environments and prevent malicious actors from compromising them.