Sealed Secrets

Kubernetes uses a key-value object called a secret, but by default, they are not fully secure. They are kept separate from other data to allow for separate security measures. Encryption of secrets before storage in etcd is available, but they initially appear as plain text in config files. Sealed Secrets provides encryption of secrets using asymmetric keys, making them only decrypted by the cluster controller, ensuring their safety in config files. This makes it possible to safely share or store encrypted secrets with other deployment artifacts.

To use Sealed Secrets in Kubernetes, you need to follow these steps:

• Install the Sealed Secrets operator in your cluster: You can use the Kubernetes manifests provided by the Sealed Secrets project to install the operator in your cluster.
• Create a private/public key pair: You can use the kubeseal command-line tool to create a private/public key pair. The private key will be used to encrypt the secrets, and the public key will be used to decrypt the secrets in the cluster.
• Encrypt your secrets: You can use the kubeseal command-line tool to encrypt your secrets. The tool takes the plaintext secrets and outputs a sealed secret file that can be deployed to the cluster.
• Deploy the encrypted secrets to the cluster: You can deploy the sealed secret files to the cluster using kubectl or a CI/CD pipeline.
• Decrypt the secrets in the cluster: The Sealed Secrets operator will decrypt the secrets using the public key and create a Kubernetes secret object. Your application can then use the decrypted secrets as usual.

As a developer, securing your secrets is a crucial aspect of your work. Sealed Secrets can be a game changer in this regard, offering an extra layer of protection to your secrets by encrypting them before storage in the cluster. This way, even if the cluster gets compromised, unauthorized access to your secrets is prevented.

Sealed Secrets, being an open-source project, has the backing of a growing community of users and contributors. This ensures that bugs and security vulnerabilities are dealt with promptly, leading to a continuously improving project.

However, Sealed Secrets is not a foolproof security solution. It is crucial to follow best practices such as using secure network communication, implementing RBAC, and regularly rotating keys and credentials to ensure the security of your cluster.

This tool is compatible with different cloud platforms and on-premise installations, making it a versatile option for securing secrets in a Kubernetes cluster. It’s worth noting that the architecture of your cluster and the way secrets are managed and accessed is equally important. For instance, using different keys for different parts of the cluster can ensure that secrets are only accessible by the intended users.

Rotating keys and secrets is also a critical aspect to consider. Automating the process or setting up a regular schedule for review and rotation can minimize the risk of compromise.

In conclusion, Sealed Secrets can be a valuable addition to your security arsenal, but it’s important to keep in mind that it is not a guarantee of absolute security. Regular audits and scans for vulnerabilities, along with penetration testing, can help ensure the security of your cluster and its configurations.