Securing containers begins at the image creation stage, and one of the most critical strategies at this point is ensuring that only secure and approved base images are used. Container images form the foundation of the runtime environment, and if a base image is compromised, every container derived from it will inherit that vulnerability.
The CSA Security Guidance v4.0 under Domain 8: Virtualization and Containers stresses:
“The use of trusted and validated base images is critical in preventing the introduction of vulnerabilities during the image build process. Organizations must ensure that all base images are sourced from authorized registries and are continuously verified for security and compliance.”
(CSA Security Guidance v4.0, Domain 8: Virtualization and Containers)
Furthermore, the Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) under VIR-06 supports this principle:
“Ensure that container images used in the environment are created from secure, validated, and approved sources. Prevent use of untrusted third-party containers to mitigate risk.”
Why not the other options?
A. Network segmentation – Applies more to container runtime or deployment, not image creation.
C. Regularly updating repository software – Important, but it refers to repository management, not directly to image creation.
D. Enforcing runtime protection measures – This is about protecting containers after deployment, not during image creation.