por The Secrets in Kubernetes They refer to a type of object focused on the storage and management of confidential data, such as passwords or SSH keys on the user’s clusters. This tool guarantees the security and flexibility of the information, because it allows control of the use of sensitive data while reducing the risk of accidentally exposing it to users without authorization to view or manage it.
So, to use these elements, a pod You should refer to this and use it either as a file on a mounted volume in a container on the platform or through the tool kubeletwhen carrying out the process of extracting images included in the pod.
Features of Secrets in Kubernetes
Secrets in Kubernetes are characterized by being text-based data objects that include sensitive elements which are encrypted via the Base64 binary encoding system. In addition to this, Secrets offer the possibility of modify them manually by using the system command line or settings. The user can also read and edit them.
The Secrets in Kubernetes They can be created directly by the user or by the system itself and these are characterized by including credentials that allow access to the platform’s API Application Programming Interface. They also contribute to the automatic editing of the pods to use this tool. If the user wishes, he has the possibility of override and disable automated creation and use of API credentials of the system, depending on your needs and those of your project.
Regarding the access of Secrets in Kubernetes, we can add that you can enter them directly or store them locally inside a platform environment variable. In the event that any of the Secrets need an update, the client must not modify any of its references.
Another characteristic of Secrets type objects in Kubernetes is that system tools, such as kubectl get and kubectl describeshave the property of avoid displaying the information contained in a Secret by default. This option contributes to the protection of sensitive data included in the Secret and prevents them from being accidentally exposed to an unwanted user. Additionally, this property also prevents Secrets from being stored inside a terminal record.
The Secrets in Kubernetes They can also be mounted as data volumes or exposed in the format of environment variables.so that, thus, a given container within a pod can use them. Additionally, other parts of the system can implement these Secrets without them being directly exposed in the system. pod.
Limitations of a Secret in Kubernetes
When using a Secrets in Kubernetes, the user must take into account a series of restrictions or limitations, among which is that this must be created before any pod of the system depends on it. It is also necessary that the creation of this item occurs before they are consumed in a certain pod as if they were environment variables.
Another limitation for Secrets in Kubernetes is that, when they are individual, They are limited to a size of 1MiBbecause, in this way, the creation of large Secrets that take up a lot of space in the API memory is avoided server or of Kubelet.
Furthermore, it is important to know that the option of Kubectl only allows the use of a Secret for the pods that are obtained from the API server.
What is the next step?
In this article you have been able to learn what Secrets are in Kubernetes, as well as what their most important characteristics are and their uses and limitations within the platform. Now that you have reached this point, do not hesitate to Continue your learning regarding this and many other Kubernetes tools through our DevOps & Cloud Computing Full Stack Bootcamp. In less than 6 months, you will train in everything necessary to become an expert in the IT sector and improve the processes of your technological projects. Request more information and encourage yourself to register now to continue with your training process!