Infrastructure as Code Security

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Security is a set of practices and tools focused on securing infrastructure defined through code, such as in Terraform, CloudFormation, or Ansible scripts. It involves scanning IaC templates for misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and compliance violations before deployment to prevent security risks in cloud and on-premises environments. This approach integrates security early in the development lifecycle, often referred to as 'shift-left' security.

Also known as: IaC Security, Infrastructure Security as Code, DevSecOps for IaC, Cloud Security Automation, IaC Scanning

Why learn Infrastructure as Code Security?

Developers should learn and use IaC Security to prevent common issues like exposed storage buckets, overly permissive IAM roles, or unencrypted data in cloud deployments, which can lead to data breaches or compliance failures. It is essential for DevOps and cloud teams working with tools like AWS, Azure, or Kubernetes to automate security checks and ensure infrastructure is provisioned securely from the start, reducing manual oversight and human error.

Learning Resources

• docs: OWASP Infrastructure as Code Security Top 10
• tutorial: Terraform Security Best Practices
• course: Introduction to IaC Security on Coursera
• docs: Snyk IaC Security Guide
• docs: Checkov: IaC Security Scanning Tool