| name | implementing-network-policies-for-kubernetes |
| description | Kubernetes NetworkPolicies provide pod-level network segmentation by defining ingress and egress rules that control traffic flow between pods, namespaces, and external endpoints. Combined with CNI plu |
| domain | cybersecurity |
| subdomain | container-security |
| tags | ["containers","kubernetes","security","network-policies","microsegmentation"] |
| version | 1.0 |
| author | mahipal |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| nist_csf | ["PR.PS-01","PR.IR-01","ID.AM-08","DE.CM-01"] |
Implementing Network Policies for Kubernetes
Overview
Kubernetes NetworkPolicies provide pod-level network segmentation by defining ingress and egress rules that control traffic flow between pods, namespaces, and external endpoints. Combined with CNI plugins like Calico or Cilium, network policies enforce zero-trust microsegmentation to prevent lateral movement within the cluster.
When to Use
- When deploying or configuring implementing network policies for kubernetes capabilities in your environment
- When establishing security controls aligned to compliance requirements
- When building or improving security architecture for this domain
- When conducting security assessments that require this implementation
Prerequisites
- Kubernetes cluster with NetworkPolicy-supporting CNI (Calico, Cilium, Antrea)
- kubectl configured with admin access
- Understanding of pod labels and selectors
Workflow
Step 1: Default Deny All Traffic
apiVersion: networking.k8s.io/v1
kind: NetworkPolicy
metadata:
name: default-deny-all
namespace: production
spec:
podSelector: {}
policyTypes:
- Ingress
- Egress
Step 2: Allow DNS Egress (Required for Service Discovery)
apiVersion: networking.k8s.io/v1
kind: NetworkPolicy
metadata:
name: allow-dns
namespace: production
spec:
podSelector: {}
policyTypes:
