Essential Docker Security Best Practices

March 22, 2024
docker security containers devops

Essential Docker Security Best Practices

Container security is crucial in modern DevOps environments. Here are some essential practices to secure your Docker containers:

1. Use Official Base Images

Always use official base images from trusted sources. These images are regularly updated with security patches:

# Good
FROM node:18-slim

# Avoid
FROM untrusted/node

2. Scan Images for Vulnerabilities

Regularly scan your Docker images for known vulnerabilities using tools like:

  • Docker Scout
  • Trivy
  • Snyk

3. Run Containers with Least Privilege

Always run containers with minimal required permissions:

USER non-root-user

4. Keep Images Minimal

Only include necessary components in your images to reduce the attack surface:

FROM node:18-slim
WORKDIR /app
COPY package*.json ./
RUN npm ci --only=production
COPY . .
USER node
CMD ["node", "server.js"]

Stay tuned for more security tips and best practices!