Red Hat SummitChapter 1. Understanding RHTAP's foundations
Discover the robust foundation of Red Hat Trusted Application Pipeline (RHTAP), a framework designed to revolutionize cybersecurity practices across the software development lifecycle (SDLC). With RHTAP, you embark on a journey that transcends traditional security measures, integrating cutting-edge solutions and a DevSecOps CI/CD framework from inception to deployment. This proactive strategy accelerates developer onboarding, process acceleration, and the embedding of security from the beginning.
1.1. Secure CI/CD Framework
Central to RHTAP is its pioneering secure CI/CD framework, designed to uphold highest standards in software development. By aligning with the Supply-chain Levels for Software Artifacts (SLSA) level 3, RHTAP ensures that every line of code contributes to a fortress of security, significantly enhancing early vulnerability detection and mitigation.
1.2. Deep dive into RHTAP's security tools
Ensuring the security of software throughout its development is essential for mitigating potential vulnerabilities. The RHTAP leverages a powerful suite of tools designed to bolster your security measures. Let’s explore how RHTAP utilizes its components — RHDH, RHTAS, and RHTPA — to provide a robust defense against security threats.
Red Hat Developer Hub (RHDH)
- Red Hat Developer Hub serves as a self-service portal for developers. It streamlines the onboarding process and offers access to a wealth of resources and tools necessary for secure software development. This platform encourages best practices and facilitates the integration of security measures right from the start of the development process.
Red Hat Trusted Artifact Signer (RHTAS)
- Red Hat Trusted Artifact Signer focuses on enhancing software integrity through signature and attestation mechanisms. By ensuring that every piece of code and every artifact is signed and attested, RHTAS provides a verifiable trust chain that confirms the authenticity and security of the software components being used.
Red Hat Trusted Profile Analyzer (RHTPA)
- Red Hat Trusted Profile Analyzer, deals with the generation and management of Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs). SBOMs are critical for maintaining transparency and compliance, as they provide a detailed list of all components, libraries, and dependencies included in a software product. RHTPA automates the creation of SBOMs, ensuring that stakeholders have accurate and up-to-date information on the software’s composition.
1.3. Leveraging ready-to-use software templates
RHTAP offers ready-to-use software templates, embedding security directly into the development workflow, thus allowing developers to concentrate on innovation while minimizing security related distractions. These ready-to-use software templates are fully customizable, ensuring they meet your organization’s unique requirements seamlessly.
Benefit from integrated features right out of the box:
- Red Hat Advanced Cluster Security (RHACS): Strengthens your deployments against vulnerabilities.
- Quay: Provides a secure repository for your container images.
- Tekton pipelines: Enables precision in automated deployments.
- GitOps: Maintains consistency and automated configuration management.
1.4. Key security practices
RHTAP incorporates these tools to address specific security concerns effectively:
- Vulnerability Scanning: With each pull request, RHTAP conducts thorough scans with your CVE scanner of choice, such as Advanced Cluster Security, to identify and address vulnerabilities at the earliest possible stage.
- SBOM Generation: RHTAP’s automated generation of SBOMs plays a vital role in maintaining software transparency and compliance. By providing a comprehensive inventory of software components, organizations can better manage and secure their software supply chain.
- Container Image Security: RHTAP verifies that container images comply with SLSA (Supply-chain Levels for Software Artifacts) guidelines. This is achieved through an enterprise contract that includes over 41 rules, ensuring that the container images used in the development process meet stringent security standards.
1.5. The path forward
Embracing a DevSecOps mindset and utilizing RHTAP promotes a secure and efficient development environment. This ongoing journey of assessment and elevation equips organizations to address both current and future cybersecurity challenges effectively.
Additional resources
- For information on Red Hat Developer Hub, see Getting started with Red Hat Developer Hub guide.
- For information on Red Hat Trusted Artifact Signer, see RHTAS Deployment guide.
- For information on Red Hat Trusted Profile Analyzer, see Quick Start guide.
