Running Untrusted Code: Best Practices and Tools

✨Virtual machines provide the highest level of security by isolating untrusted code in separate VMs with their own kernels.

🐳Containers are a lightweight option for running untrusted code, but they share the same kernel and may have vulnerabilities.

🔒Additional isolation layers like Docker and gVisor help mitigate the risks of running untrusted code in containers.

⚡Firecracker is a microVM manager developed by AWS that offers lightweight virtualization for running untrusted code.

⏱️Startup time and resource usage should be considered when choosing the right tool for running untrusted code.

What is the most secure way to run untrusted code?

—Using virtual machines provides the highest level of security by isolating untrusted code in separate VMs with their own kernels.

Are containers a secure option for running untrusted code?

—Containers offer a lightweight solution for running untrusted code, but they share the same kernel and may have vulnerabilities. Additional isolation layers like Docker and gVisor can help mitigate these risks.

What is Firecracker?

—Firecracker is a microVM manager developed by AWS that provides lightweight virtualization for running untrusted code. It offers a secure and scalable solution for running code in isolated environments.

00:00Introduction to the challenges of running untrusted code and the need for secure solutions.

08:38Overview of virtual machines as a secure option for isolating untrusted code in separate environments.

10:46Explanation of containers and their limitations in terms of security and isolation.

12:23Introduction to gVisor and its role as an additional isolation layer for containers.

14:50Overview of Firecracker as a lightweight virtualization solution for running untrusted code.

17:27Discussion of factors to consider when choosing between virtual machines and containers for running untrusted code.

19:22Summary of the key insights and recommendations for running untrusted code.