Container scanning definition
Container scanning, also known as container image scanning, refers to examining and reviewing container images for potential vulnerabilities, threats, and inconsistencies in their code. A container is a standard unit of software that packages up code and all its dependencies so the application runs quickly and reliably from one computing environment to another.
See also: firewall, VPN firewall, network intrusion protection system, tunneling
Container scanning examples
- Pre-deployment checks: Developers often employ container scanning before deploying applications to ensure the container images are free from known vulnerabilities.
- Continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines: Container scanning is commonly integrated into CI/CD pipelines for automated security checks.
Advantages and disadvantages of container scanning
Pros:
- Enhanced security: Container scanning helps identify potential vulnerabilities before deployment, reducing the risk of security breaches.
- Compliance: Regular container scanning can help maintain and prove compliance with various industry standards and regulations.
Cons:
- Time-consuming: Scanning large or complex containers may take significant time, potentially slowing down the development process.
- Possible false positives: Depending on the scanning tools used, there may be instances of false positives that require manual investigation.
Using container scanning
- Consider implementing container scanning as part of your regular CI/CD pipeline.
- Choose a container scanning tool that provides accurate vulnerability assessments and is compatible with your existing infrastructure.
