Kubernetes AirGap Implementation (An Airplane Mode)

Good day. It's Wednesday, Sep. 4, and in this issue, we're covering:

• Kubernetes AirGap Implementation (An Airplane Mode)

• This developer tool is 40 years old: can it be improved?

• An AWS IAM Security Tooling Reference [2024]

• Linux: SSH and Key-Based Authentication

• GitLab: Forget GitKraken, Here are the Only Git Commands You Need

• How to build a Data Pipeline with AWS Glue and Terraform

You share. We listen. As always, send us feedback at [email protected]

Use Case

Kubernetes AirGap Implementation (An Airplane Mode)

For someone who is new to air gap environments, it is a security measure where a network or system is physically isolated from other networks, including the internet, to prevent unauthorized access.

In this use case, the task is to build a working application prototype in a connected network. After security clearance, the prototype must be moved to an air-gapped Kubernetes environment where it will live and operate.

Basic Components used:

1. Talos:
A Kubernetes-optimized OS offering a secure, minimal environment with an API-first approach, immutable infrastructure, and automated Kubernetes operations.

2. Zarf:

Facilitates packaging all necessary components including container images, Helm charts, and configuration files, into a single deployable unit for an offline deployment.

How It Works ?

1. CLI: Zarf uses a command-line tool to create and manage packages for air-gapped deployments.

2. init: The init step gathers all the software, settings, and security rules needed into one package.

3. zpkg: Zarf delivers and installs this package using .zpkg files, allowing easy deployment without internet access.

An overview of Zarf package structure and eco system 👇️ 

The Air Gap Implementation Architecture:

1. Package Creation:
In a network-connected setting, 𝘻𝘢𝘳𝘧 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 is used to assemble Zarf packages, bundling all essential deployment artifacts.

2. Secure Transfer:
These Zarf packages are then securely conveyed to the air-gapped zone utilizing secure transfer methods, ensuring the environment where Talos operates is safeguarded.

3. Deployment by Talos:
Received by Talos nodes, the command 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘤𝘵𝘭 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘺-𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘨 is then employed to deploy these packages, which initializes and activates the Kubernetes workloads.

4. Management and Operations:

• The Talos API is the channel for all management and operational tasks, with commands such as 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘤𝘵𝘭 to manage nodes.

• Zarf ensures all essential tools and resources are available on the nodes for successful deployment and full functionality in the air-gapped environment.

This is one unusual and exciting project I couldn't stop sharing.

Chances to work on an air gap implementation are very rare. Typically, defense, government, and security domain clients prefer this airplane mode.

For more details visit:
The Talos documentation
The Zarf documentation

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