July 10, 2024
The military likes to use the phrase “situational awareness.” Of course, it is important in an anticipated conflict; it can also apply when managing complex federal IT systems.
For example, we have seen federal systems move to the cloud. This transition allows for more flexible ways to manage applications, especially with units that can include code, commonly called containers. However, the ease of scale with this cloud environment means that we are presented with challenges in managing these containers.
Kubernetes was developed to offer a limited solution for managing replication, load balancing, and scheduling. However, Kubernetes has limitations.
Today, we sit down with Dan McGuan from Rancher Government Solutions. During the interview, he describes how they has worked with many agencies over the years to help them with the complex management of virtual systems.
"We sit above the Kubernetes layer and provide a level of observability and orchestration and operational security to those individual container images"
For example, we see malicious actors targeting containers. Basic Kubernetes was not designed for cyber protection. Dan McGuan describes how they have worked with Mitre to design a hardening guide for Kubernetes.
Another example is controlling energy consumption. Some have described ships in the U.S. Navy as “floating data centers.” Every data center has a challenge with energy consumption. Rancher Government Solutions is collaborating with companies like nVidia to present solutions that drastically reduce energy consumption in limited environments like warships.
Managing a complex abstract environment can yield more security, more control over data, and reduce infrastructure costs.
If you enjoyed this episode, then you may want to listen to
EP 165 – The Role of Strategy in Federal Cybersecurity
Why: Adds a strategic layer to the conversation about security, especially as Kubernetes adoption increases across federal agencies.EP 159 – What is Proactive Cybersecurity?
Why: Ties into Kubernetes’ role in enabling proactive security posture through automation and observability.
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