PKI for Kubernetes: Are You Set Up for Security and Scale?
For Kubernetes, PKI has become more important than ever. In today’s cloud-native, DevOps-driven world, public key infrastructure (PKI) and signing solutions have become foundational to building secure, reliable software supply chains and establishing trust in Kubernetes environments.
PKI has become as critical as our morning coffee, for everything from enforcing identity to ensuring software integrity. If you are not careful, a caffeine crash could lead to heavy fines and loss of reputation.
Yet, deploying PKI often introduces hidden complexities. Platform engineers are faced with assorted options — built-in approaches, DIY PKI setups, open-source tools and other solutions. The hidden costs of poorly implemented PKI include security gaps, integration issues and constant troubleshooting.
Current PKI Challenges Faced by Platform Engineers
Complexity and Fragmentation
Many teams’ approach to PKI involves opting for what seems easiest or least friction-heavy at the time. Unfortunately, this often leads to fragmented systems, creating security silos and a ‘just good enough’ approach that fails to scale with increased complexity.
Automation and Crypto Agility Gaps
In Kubernetes environments, certificates and keys require constant management and renewal. Without robust automation and crypto agility, platform teams risk encountering expired certificates, outdated cryptography, service outages or even worse — manual renewal processes.
Workload Identities in SPIFFE/SPIRE
Service-to-service communication in Kubernetes is enhanced with mTLS and workload identities using SPIFFE. However, many teams struggle with the setup and management of these identities, leading to insecure communication between services, non-compliance with security policies, lost developer time and constant troubleshooting by security teams.
Software Supply Chain Security
With CI/CD pipelines, container signing and artifact attestation signing are becoming increasingly essential for security. The challenge of implementing secure signing solutions is real. Each artifact, from container registries to source code repositories should ideally carry the proof of origin. Without secure software supply chain tools and signing solutions, pipeline security can feel like balancing a house of cards.
What if PKI was not a Patchwork of Tools but a Unified, Scalable Solution?
PKI for Kubernetes doesn’t have to be a series of fragmented, disconnected tools. Instead, a unified, scalable approach can ensure secure, compliant and reliable PKI management across your infrastructure.
Best Practices for PKI in Kubernetes Environments
End-to-End Integration for All Your PKI Needs
Rather than stitching together multiple tools, a unified PKI solution supports end-to-end cryptographic security — from root CA to intermediate CAs to certificate issuance and management. This approach eliminates the need for makeshift fixes and enables scalable PKI solutions that align with compliance and security requirements.
mTLS Certificates in Service Mesh (Istio)
In multi-cluster service meshes, configuring mTLS certificates with tools, such as cert-manager and robust PKI, can simplify certificate management. By implementing policy-driven PKI, teams can ensure that their service mesh is secure, scalable and compliant. This setup also facilitates efficient certificate issuance, rotation and management.
Key Takeaways:
- Implementing policy-driven PKI in Istio
- Creating resilient workload identities to ensure secure communication across clusters
- Avoiding common PKI mistakes and improving security posture
Integrating SPIFFE/SPIRE for Trusted Workload Identity
Using the SPIFFE framework and SPIRE can provide secure workload identities for services within Kubernetes. When combined with an enterprise-grade PKI, this setup strengthens workload security and simplifies identity management at scale.
Key Takeaways:
- Leveraging SPIFFE to provide secure workload identities
- Configuring SPIRE to issue workload identity certificates backed by a trusted PKI
Software Supply Chain Security (CI/CD Pipelines)
Secure code signing is essential for protecting the software supply chain. By leveraging standardized open-source initiatives such as in-toto attestations, SigStore and SLSA, organizations can simplify artifact signing and enforce secure policies across their CI/CD pipelines.
See Our Integration With Chainloop
See Our GitHub Action How-To Guide
Preparing Kubernetes for the Quantum Era: What You Need to Know
Quantum computing is set to disrupt Kubernetes in ways enterprises can’t ignore. By 2035, you will need to have fully implemented quantum-safe solutions, making preparation critical.
To help you stay ahead, save time for a can’t-miss discussion on Friday, April 4 from 11:00–11:30 in Room B (Level 1, Hall Entrance S10), featuring Tomas Gustavsson, Chief PKI Officer at Keyfactor.
The panel discussion, titled ‘Quantum Ready Kubernetes: How Do We Get There’ will explore:
- Why quantum computing is a game-changer
- Orchestrating quantum workloads on Kubernetes
- Bridging classical and quantum infrastructure
- Redesigning systems to meet NIST’s quantum-safe standards
- Real-world applications, from scientific simulations to AI workloads
After the session, stop by booth N752 to continue the conversation on post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and explore what true crypto agility means for your enterprise. You will get a chance to see enterprise-grade PKI in action, including live demos, expert insights and firsthand guidance on securing your Kubernetes environment.
Check Out Our PQC Lab Page for Useful Information and Hands-On Trials
KubeCon London: Your Chance to Build a More Secure, Manageable Kubernetes PKI
PKI for Kubernetes does not have to be complex, fragmented or full of compromise. With integrated, mature tools from Keyfactor, it is easier to implement, scale and secure PKI across your Kubernetes environments. It is time to move past siloed approaches or DIY struggles and explore Keyfactor’s offerings to make Kubernetes security scalable, resilient and future-proof.
Visit us at Booth N752 for live demos, expert insights and hands-on guidance.
KubeCon + CloudNativeCon EU 2025 is taking place in London from April 1-4. Register now.
