International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Saraswati Acharya
Abstract: The growing reliance on containerized environments has revolutionized modern DevOps pipelines, enabling agility, scalability, and rapid software deployment. However, this transformation has also introduced complex security challenges related to image integrity, dependency management, and supply chain vulnerabilities. Secure container registries have emerged as a pivotal control point within the DevSecOps ecosystem, ensuring that only verified, trusted, and compliant images are used throughout the continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) lifecycle. This review examines the critical role of secure container registries in strengthening DevOps pipeline protection through mechanisms such as vulnerability scanning, digital signature verification, access control, and automated policy enforcement. It explores how these registries mitigate risks associated with code tampering, unauthorized access, and unverified dependencies while maintaining operational efficiency and developer agility. The paper also discusses implementation frameworks, best practices, and case studies illustrating the practical benefits and challenges of registry adoption in large-scale enterprise environments. Finally, it highlights future research directions, emphasizing the integration of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and zero-trust principles in advancing registry security. The study concludes that secure container registries serve as the foundation for achieving continuous, transparent, and resilient DevOps security in an era of increasingly dynamic software ecosystems.
