# Cis K8S V1120 5.6.1

> Create administrative boundaries between resources using namespaces (Manual)

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1120-5-6-1` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1120-5-6-1`
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- Category: DevOps & Infra
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1120-5-6-1

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# 5.6.1 Create administrative boundaries between resources using namespaces (Manual)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Master Node

## Description

Use namespaces to isolate your Kubernetes objects.

## Rationale

Limiting the scope of user permissions can reduce the impact of mistakes or malicious activities. A Kubernetes namespace allows you to partition created resources into logically named groups. Resources created in one namespace can be hidden from other namespaces. By default, each resource created by a user in Kubernetes cluster runs in a default namespace, called `default`. You can create additional namespaces and attach resources and users to them. You can use Kubernetes Authorization plugins to create policies that segregate access to namespace resources between different users.

## Impact

You need to switch between namespaces for administration.

## Audit Procedure

Run the below command and review the namespaces created in the cluster.

```bash
kubectl get namespaces
```

Ensure that these namespaces are the ones you need and are adequately administered as per your requirements.

## Remediation

Follow the documentation and create namespaces for objects in your deployment as you need them.

## Default Value

By default, Kubernetes starts with 4 initial namespaces:

1. `default` - The default namespace for objects with no other namespace
2. `kube-system` - The namespace for objects created by the Kubernetes system
3. `kube-node-lease` - Namespace used for node heartbeats
4. `kube-public` - Namespace used for public information in a cluster

## References

1. https://kubernetes.io/docs/concepts/overview/working-with-objects/namespaces/#viewing-namespaces
2. http://blog.kubernetes.io/2016/08/security-best-practices-kubernetes-deployment.html
3. https://github.com/kubernetes/enhancements/tree/master/keps/sig-node/589-efficient-node-heartbeats

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                           | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 13 Network Monitoring and Defense |      |      |      |
| v7               | 12 Boundary Defense               |      |      |      |