Introduction to serverless security

As we transition from the concept of microservices, which we discussed in the previous chapter, it is essential to understand that serverless architectures are not just an evolution but a specialized form of microservices. While microservices have their own set of security challenges, serverless introduces a new landscape of security considerations that are both unique and complex. This section aims to delve into these aspects before getting more in-depth into specific areas of serverless security.

What is serverless?

First, let’s demystify things around serverless. Serverless is a cloud computing execution model where cloud providers automatically manage the infrastructure. In serverless computing, developers write code that is executed in response to events, such as HTTP requests, database modifications, or even changes in system state or periodical execution. Behind the scenes, the cloud provider dynamically allocates resources to run the code. When an event trigger is received, a runtime environment is instantiated, the code is executed, and the output is returned. Once the function execution is complete, the environment is torn down, freeing up resources. This ephemeral, event-driven nature of serverless computing allows for highly efficient resource utilization and simplifies many operational aspects.

Benefits of serverless

Serverless services offer a plethora of advantages that make them an attractive option for modern software development. The following are some of the key benefits of serverless:

• Efficiency: Unlike traditional server-based models, where you pay for pre-allocated resources regardless of usage, serverless operates on a pay-as-you-go model. This means you only incur costs for the actual amount of resources consumed by your functions during their execution. Additionally, serverless platforms automatically allocate resources as needed, ensuring that each function has just the right amount of computational power and memory to complete its task efficiently. This dual advantage of cost savings and optimal resource utilization makes serverless an economically attractive option, especially for applications with variable or unpredictable workloads.
• Scalability: Serverless architectures are inherently scalable. The cloud provider takes on the responsibility of automatically scaling the function instances up or down depending on the incoming traffic or event triggers. This native auto-scaling capability eliminates the need for manual intervention, making it easier to handle varying workloads without worrying about infrastructure limitations.
• Availability: Serverless architectures are designed for high availability and fault tolerance. Cloud providers typically distribute serverless function instances across multiple availability zones in a region, ensuring that your application remains operational, even if one zone experiences an outage. This level of redundancy is generally built-in and managed by the cloud provider, so you don’t have to configure or manage it yourself. For mission-critical applications where downtime is not an option, the inherent high availability of serverless computing is a significant advantage.
• Simplicity: Serverless allows developers to focus solely on their code, abstracting away most of the underlying infrastructure and server management tasks. This leads to quicker development cycles as developers no longer need to spend time on tasks such as server provisioning, patching, and maintenance. The serverless model enables rapid deployment and updating, allowing businesses to react faster to market changes or customer needs.