Reviews 5,0
Reviews 5,0
Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)
Kubernetes platforms enable fast deployments and high automation – but without targeted security measures, production environments become vulnerable to attacks. The CKS course teaches how to integrate security directly into infrastructure and deployment processes.
Key topics
- Security standards and best practices for Kubernetes
- Cluster hardening and workload protection
- Network security and API access control
- Secrets management and policy enforcement
- Image security and container scanning
- Logging, auditing, and monitoring in the cluster
- Security strategies for DevSecOps workflows
Prerequisite
Those who already work with Kubernetes, containers, and Linux and have a foundational understanding of networking and cloud infrastructure are well prepared.
Target group
Suited for IT professionals responsible for Kubernetes clusters: cloud engineers, DevOps engineers, security specialists, system administrators, and SREs.
In cloud-native environments, security is not an optional feature – it is an integral part of modern platform architectures, with a direct impact on stability, compliance, and trust.
Course Content
Setting Up and Securing the Cluster
- Kubernetes architecture in a security context
- Using CIS benchmarks to validate cluster configuration
- Securing pod-to-pod communication
- Setting up public key infrastructure (PKI) and certificate authorities (CA)
- Minimizing GUI access
- Configuring service accounts restrictively and limiting default permissions
Reducing Microservice Risks through Sandboxing
- Defining security domains at the OS level using PSP, OPA, and security contexts
- Setting up pod security policies
- Sandboxing container runtime environments
- Overview of the Open Container Initiative
- Using Kata Containers as a sandbox solution
Securing the Software Supply Chain
- Optimizing base images through static analysis of workloads (Kubernetes resources, Dockerfiles)
- Establishing secure supply chain processes
- Setting up and using ImagePolicyWebhook
Monitoring, Logging, and Runtime Security
- Behavioral analysis of system calls, processes, and file activities at host and container level
- Understanding kernel and user space concepts
- Using Falco for runtime security monitoring
- Ensuring container immutability in production
- Using audit logs for access monitoring
System Hardening and Attack Surface Reduction
- Using tools for kernel hardening
- Isolating and securing the Linux kernel
- Minimizing the OS footprint to reduce the attack surface
Up to 100% funding for your continuing education
Attractive funding opportunities are available for numerous continuing education programs – depending on the funding program, up to 100% funding is possible.
The requirement is that you live or work in Germany. Our funding opportunities are not available outside of Germany.
Funding opportunities are available for career starters, job seekers, career changers, startups, experienced professionals, those seeking career advancement, and specialists.
Why is Kubernetes security so decisive today?
- Even minor configuration errors can compromise entire container environments – targeted hardening measures provide the necessary foundation.
Which competencies does CKS specifically develop?
- Securely configuring clusters, detecting attacks, protecting networks, and securing sensitive workloads – these are the core competencies of the course.
Which tools are used during the CKS course?
- The course uses Falco, Trivy, kube-bench, kubectl, and policy frameworks to build secure Kubernetes deployments.
How does the CKS course work with real-world scenarios?
- Based on typical attack patterns and real vulnerabilities, concrete security measures are applied directly to the cluster.
What dangers do poorly secured Kubernetes clusters pose?
- Insecure clusters put data security, availability, and compliance at risk – with potentially serious consequences for operations.
Who benefits most from CKS certification?
- DevOps teams, platform engineers, cloud professionals, and everyone responsible for container security benefit most from CKS.
What does modern Kubernetes security encompass?
- Modern Kubernetes security covers cluster hardening, role-based access control, runtime protection, image scanning, and secure network communication.
Why is demand for Kubernetes security expertise rising?
- With the rapid growth of cloud-native platforms, demand is rising for professionals who can securely operate and protect Kubernetes environments.
