What is a Docker Container and how can you keep it safe?

This is a good idea as it  controls the interactions by isolating them from other operations.  I used to run my Fortran apps literally fifty years ago on a Watfor compiler just because it cut off exposure to the mainframe itself.  No possibility of a nasty shutting down the mainframe.

This is the same strategy writ large.

This also allows memory to be tightly managed as well on less robust systems.  All good.  In fact it may allow for memory management by application.  One can give up speed to preserve another apps speed.

What is a Docker Container and how can you keep it safe?

November 8, 2021 by Brian Wang

https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2021/11/what-is-a-docker-container-and-how-can-you-keep-it-safe.html?

In real life when you need to transport something, you place it inside a container. It can then travel on a boat, on a train or even be pulled on the road by a truck, enabling it to get to its destination. In a virtual environment, the information can also be placed inside containers, so that they can adapt better to any environment where their program/application will have to be run. Here is an introduction to docker containers, that provides such a service, and how to keep them safe.

​Docker Containers: A Packaging Solution for Software Development

It may all seem so easy, when you roam the internet, the way you can use all software and programs on them, without glitch. But that is mainly because programmers spend a lot of time making sure that no matter what operating system your computer or mobile phone is using, these software and applications will adapt seemingly to them. To do so, they use the technology of docker containers, more and more. 

They insert the application/service, its dependencies and the configuration inside what is called a “container image.” That is how it is brought to the operating system on your PC,Mac, or your smartphone.

The question you may ask yourself is: “why do they take the time to package all this together, instead of just leaving it in the open, for the OS to find and run?” That’s because they would then have to adjust for each specific OS system, in order for the software to run smoothly. That takes time, and many complications can then get in the way. By using the docker containers and placing everything needed inside, they can deploy everywhere with almost no changes to be made. A solution that has made them very happy, since time is money. However, it comes with its own problems. The biggest one being keeping them safe, which bring us to our next subject: Docker container security.

​How to keep Docker Containers secured

It should be mentioned that docker containers are actually a much safer environment than the traditional virtual machines. However, they remain a point that needs a lot of attention, since running applications online is still today an important challenge, when it comes to keeping them safe. But because the components are isolated from one another, it makes it much harder for hackers to exploit potential breaches. Here are a few things to keep in mind, to help keep docker containers secured.

​Update Docker and Host often

When you update the docker and the host regularly, you ensure that all parts are optimized, thanks to the latest versions. That in itself will make sure that there are no security breaches that can be found by malicious people.

​Limit Quotas

The programmer can limit the number of resources that the docker container can consume, at any point in time. That helps the memory and CPU usage of the device running the information. It makes the docker container environment more efficient and balances the overall resources needed, inside the container.

Finally, look for a specialized company, online, that can identify breaches. That way, all docker containers will be secured, for sure.