Authentication

As explained in Google Anthos in Action

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user, service, or other system actor.

Authentication verifies the identity of a user, service, workload, or other system actor before a request proceeds. In cloud and cluster environments, it supports zero-trust service communication and controls who can access managed clusters. section 4.3.3 section 5.1.2

Common authentication mechanisms and their operational implications include:

• Use IAM roles to govern access to Google Kubernetes Engine clusters. section 5.1.2
• Use Kubernetes Service Account tokens when simple setup is important, but rotate and distribute tokens securely. section 5.1.2
• Use basic authentication only when an identity provider is unavailable; password management and leak response make it the least secure option. section 5.1.2
• Prefer OIDC with Google Cloud Identity, or compatible OIDC and LDAP providers, to centralize identity administration. section 5.1.2
• Use certificate authorities to issue workload certificates and establish strong service identities for mesh communication. section 4.3.3

Managed cluster access with OIDC

Configure OIDC with Google Cloud Identity so users can authenticate through the gcloud CLI or Google Cloud console. If KSA tokens are required, store them in Google Secret Manager, restrict retrieval with IAM permissions, and update them every seven days using Cloud Scheduler. section 5.1.2

Figure 5.4 Authentication flow for OIDC with Google Cloud Identity

Follow the identity flow from a user through OIDC with Google Cloud Identity to an Anthos cluster. section 5.1.2

How Google Anthos in Action covers it

How deep it goes

Descends from identity verification to provider choices, certificate configuration, token rotation, and layered request validation.

Examples

Uses KSA tokens, basic authentication, OIDC, Google Cloud Identity, workload certificates, and layered Connect request validation.

What it assumes

Assumes familiarity with clusters, IAM, RBAC, service accounts, certificates, and identity-provider protocols.

What you can do after

Operate/configure cluster access with IAM, OIDC, KSA tokens, certificate authorities, and secure rotation or distribution practices.

How it connects

Connects authentication with authorization, IAM, RBAC, identity providers, OIDC, LDAP, certificate authorities, and zero-trust security.

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Related concepts

• authorizationcontrasts with · Authorization is the determination and enforcement of rules governing which subjects may access resources or perform operations.
• aaa frameworkpart of · The AAA framework is an access-control model comprising authentication, authorization, and accounting for verifying identity, controlling access, and recording resource usage.
• API gatewayused by · An API gateway is an intermediary that provides an entry point for client requests to backend APIs or services and routes or otherwise mediates those requests.
• credentialuses · A credential is information or an artifact presented as evidence of an entity’s identity, qualifications, status, or authorization to access a system or resource.
• JSON Web Tokenuses · A JSON Web Token is a compact, URL-safe representation of claims encoded as a JSON object and protected by a digital signature, message authentication code, or encryption.

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Google Anthos in Action. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.