VMware Carbon Black Container

VMware Carbon Black Container addresses the critical security and operational challenges in securing Kubernetes environments by providing comprehensive visibility, hardening, and runtime protection for both on-premise and cloud-native workloads.

The technical architecture of Carbon Black Container involves key components that interact within a Kubernetes cluster. The solution deploys its components in a dedicated namespace called cbcontainers-dataplane, where all pods connect to the Carbon Black Cloud through a direct connection or a proxy. It utilizes eBPF technology to add a runtime security layer in Linux, extending kernel capabilities safely and efficiently without requiring kernel modifications.

Operationally, the Carbon Black Container Operator plays a crucial role in deploying and managing the solution, including configuring and scanning container images for security vulnerabilities. The Operator automates tasks such as registering the cluster, managing validating webhooks, and monitoring agent availability, ensuring integration into existing DevOps processes and CI/CD pipelines.

Key operational considerations include the need for consistent connectivity between the Kubernetes components and the Carbon Black Cloud, as well as the management of image scanning and vulnerability assessments. The solution offers policy-based reporting and enforcement, enabling security teams to define and customize security policies, and it integrates with SIEM systems for consolidated event and alert management. However, it is important to note that the solution's effectiveness can be influenced by the complexity and scale of the Kubernetes environment, with potential impacts on performance and resource utilization.