Kubernetes Cluster Security Hardening Checklist
This Kubernetes cluster security hardening checklist ensures compliance with NSA/CISA Kubernetes Hardening Guidance (August 2022), CIS Kubernetes Benchmark v1.8, NIST SP 800-190 Application Container Security Guide, and MITRE ATT&CK for Containers Matrix. Designed for platform/DevSecOps engineers to harden production Kubernetes clusters.
- Industry: Telecommunications & IT
- Frequency: Monthly
- Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
- Role: Platform Engineer / DevSecOps Lead / Kubernetes Administrator
- Total Items: 19
- Compliance: NSA/CISA Kubernetes Hardening Guidance v1.2 (2022), CIS Kubernetes Benchmark v1.8, NIST SP 800-190 Application Container Security, MITRE ATT&CK for Containers Matrix, OPA Gatekeeper Policy Framework
API Server Hardening
Kubernetes API server security configuration.
- RBAC authorization mode enabled (--authorization-mode=RBAC)?
- Anonymous API authentication disabled (--anonymous-auth=false)?
- API server using TLS 1.2+ with valid certificates?
- API server audit logging enabled with policy file configured?
- Admission controllers: NodeRestriction, PodSecurity, LimitRanger active?
RBAC and Access Controls
Role binding review and cluster-admin minimization.
- ClusterRoleBinding to cluster-admin restricted to essential users only?
- No roles with wildcard (*) verbs/resources unless absolutely required?
- Auto-mounting of service account tokens disabled where not needed?
- RBAC roles and bindings reviewed quarterly?
Workload and Pod Security
Pod Security Standards and container runtime restrictions.
- Pod Security Standards enforced (baseline or restricted) via admission?
- No production workloads running as privileged containers?
- Containers use readOnlyRootFilesystem where possible?
- CPU and memory limits set on all production pods?
- Kubernetes NetworkPolicies enforcing default-deny and least-privilege?
Image Security and Secrets Management
Container image scanning and Kubernetes secrets handling.
- All container images scanned for CVEs before deployment?
- Image admission policy blocking images with critical unpatched CVEs?
- K8s Secrets encrypted at rest in etcd (EncryptionConfiguration)?
- Sensitive secrets managed in external vault (HashiCorp, AWS SSM, Azure Key Vault)?
- Kubernetes Security Notes
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Why Use This Kubernetes Cluster Security Hardening Checklist?
This kubernetes cluster security hardening checklist helps telecommunications & it teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for platform engineer / devsecops lead / kubernetes administrator professionals, this checklist covers 19 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.
Ensures compliance with NSA/CISA Kubernetes Hardening Guidance v1.2 (2022), CIS Kubernetes Benchmark v1.8, NIST SP 800-190 Application Container Security, MITRE ATT&CK for Containers Matrix, OPA Gatekeeper Policy Framework. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Kubernetes Cluster Security Hardening Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 19 inspection items across 4 sections: API Server Hardening, RBAC and Access Controls, Workload and Pod Security, Image Security and Secrets Management. It is designed for telecommunications & it operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Who should use this Kubernetes Cluster Security Hardening Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Platform Engineer / DevSecOps Lead / Kubernetes Administrator professionals in the telecommunications & it industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.