cyber-security-resources/docker-and-k8s-security/EKS-best-practices.md

Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS)

Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS) is a managed Kubernetes service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). When it comes to securing an EKS cluster, there are several aspects to consider. Here are some important security considerations for EKS:

1. Cluster Isolation: Ensure that each EKS cluster is isolated from other AWS resources and networks to prevent unauthorized access. Use Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) network isolation and implement security groups and network access control lists (ACLs) to control inbound and outbound traffic.

2. Authentication and Authorization: Use AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) to control access to EKS resources. Implement the principle of least privilege, granting only the necessary permissions to users and services. Consider using IAM roles for service accounts (IRSA) to manage access permissions for pods.

3. Secure API Server: Protect the EKS API server, which is the control plane component of the cluster. Ensure that it is only accessible by authorized users and services. Leverage AWS Network Load Balancer or AWS PrivateLink to securely expose the API server.

4. Node Security: Apply security best practices to the worker nodes in your EKS cluster. Regularly patch and update the underlying operating system, monitor for vulnerabilities, and follow container security best practices when building and deploying container images.

5. Network Security: Use AWS VPC networking features, such as security groups and network ACLs, to control network traffic between pods and other AWS resources. Consider using AWS PrivateLink or AWS Direct Connect to establish private network connections between EKS and other resources.

6. Logging and Monitoring: Enable logging and monitoring for your EKS cluster. Leverage AWS CloudTrail for API auditing, Amazon CloudWatch for cluster and application monitoring, and Amazon GuardDuty for threat detection. Collect and analyze logs to identify potential security issues.

7. Encryption: Implement encryption at rest and in transit. Use AWS Key Management Service (KMS) to manage encryption keys for your EKS cluster. Encrypt sensitive data stored in persistent volumes and use secure communication channels between components.

8. Vulnerability Management: Regularly scan your EKS cluster and container images for vulnerabilities. Monitor for security advisories and apply patches and updates promptly. Consider using third-party security tools or services to enhance vulnerability management.

9. Disaster Recovery and Backup: Implement a robust backup and disaster recovery strategy for your EKS cluster. Regularly back up critical data, configurations, and manifests. Test the recovery process to ensure it is effective.

10. Security Auditing and Compliance: Perform security audits and assessments on your EKS cluster to identify potential weaknesses. Follow security best practices and adhere to relevant compliance standards and regulations, such as the AWS Well-Architected Framework and industry-specific guidelines.

Remember that security is a continuous process, and it is important to stay up to date with the latest security practices, patches, and advisories relevant to EKS and its associated components.

The following table summarizes the EKS security best practices along with reference links for further information:

Best Practice	Reference Links
Implement cluster isolation	AWS EKS Documentation - Cluster Isolation
Use IAM for authentication and authorization	AWS EKS Documentation - IAM Authentication
Secure the EKS API server	AWS EKS Documentation - Securing the Kubernetes API Server
Apply security best practices to worker nodes	AWS EKS Documentation - Amazon EKS Security Groups for Nodes
Implement network security	AWS EKS Documentation - Amazon EKS Security Group Considerations
Enable logging and monitoring	AWS EKS Documentation - Logging EKS API Server Requests with AWS CloudTrail
Implement encryption at rest and in transit	AWS EKS Documentation - Amazon EKS Encryption at Rest AWS EKS Documentation - Amazon EKS Encryption in Transit
Implement vulnerability management	AWS EKS Documentation - Amazon EKS Security Best Practices
Establish disaster recovery and backup strategies	AWS EKS Documentation - Amazon EKS Backup and Recovery
Perform security auditing and compliance assessments	AWS EKS Documentation - Amazon EKS Security

These reference links will provide you with detailed information and guidelines for implementing each best practice in securing your EKS cluster.