Container registries store and serve container images, acting as the distribution hub for containerized applications.
Registry types
- Public registries: Docker Hub, GitHub Container Registry, Quay.io.
- Cloud-managed: AWS ECR, Azure ACR, Google Artifact Registry.
- Self-hosted: Harbor, Nexus Repository, GitLab Container Registry.
Security features
- Authentication: Control who can push/pull images.
- Authorization: Role-based access to repositories.
- Vulnerability scanning: Automatic CVE detection.
- Image signing: Verify image authenticity.
- Immutable tags: Prevent tag overwrites.
- Geo-replication: Distribute images globally.
Cloud registry comparison
| Feature | AWS ECR | Azure ACR | GCP Artifact Registry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scanning | Inspector | Defender | Artifact Analysis |
| Signing | Signer | Notary v2 | Binary Authorization |
| Replication | Cross-region | Geo-replication | Multi-region |
Best practices
- Enable vulnerability scanning on push.
- Implement image retention policies.
- Use immutable tags for production images.
- Require image signing for deployment.
- Restrict push access to CI/CD pipelines only.
- Enable audit logging for compliance.
Registry security checklist
- Authentication required for all operations.
- Network access restricted (VPC endpoints, private links).
- Vulnerability scanning enabled and enforced.
- Image signing implemented.
- Retention policies configured.
- Audit logs exported to SIEM.
Related Articles
View all articlesContainer Security Best Practices: Securing Docker and Kubernetes
Learn how to secure containerized applications from image to runtime. This guide covers Docker hardening, Kubernetes security, and container vulnerability management.
Read article →Private Python Package Repositories: PyPI Alternatives for Enterprise
Set up private Python package repositories using devpi, AWS CodeArtifact, GCP Artifact Registry, or JFrog Artifactory. Learn authentication, CI/CD integration, and best practices.
Read article →Kubernetes Security & Hardening Workflow | CIS Benchmark
Master the complete Kubernetes security workflow from CIS benchmark assessment to runtime threat detection. Implement Pod Security Standards, RBAC, network policies, and NSA/CISA hardening guidance for production clusters.
Read article →GitHub Advanced Features: Codespaces, Copilot, Projects, and More
Master GitHub advanced features including Codespaces for cloud development, Copilot AI assistance, Projects for planning, Discussions, Packages, Pages, and the GitHub CLI.
Read article →Explore More DevSecOps
View all termsContainer Image
A lightweight, standalone, executable package containing everything needed to run an application: code, runtime, libraries, and settings.
Read more →Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
Testing a running application from the outside to discover security vulnerabilities by simulating attacks.
Read more →Immutable Infrastructure
An infrastructure paradigm where servers are never modified after deployment; changes require replacing instances with new ones built from updated images.
Read more →Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
Managing and provisioning infrastructure through machine-readable configuration files rather than manual processes.
Read more →Policy as Code
Defining and enforcing security, compliance, and operational policies through code that can be versioned, tested, and automated.
Read more →Runtime Security
Monitoring and protecting applications during execution to detect and prevent attacks in real-time.
Read more →