What capability does Azure Defender for Containers offer when securing Kubernetes clusters?

Azure Defender for Containers provides a vital capability in securing Kubernetes clusters through vulnerability assessment in container images. This function is crucial because it actively analyzes container images for known vulnerabilities before they are deployed, thus preventing potential security threats from infiltrating the cluster. By identifying and allowing teams to remediate vulnerabilities during the build phase, Azure Defender helps ensure that only secure and compliant images are used in the production environment.

This proactive stance not only enhances the security posture of Kubernetes clusters but also aligns with DevSecOps practices, where security considerations are integrated into the development lifecycle. Addressing vulnerabilities early before deployment can save organizations from costly incidents and data breaches down the line.

Other options like real-time alerting and incident response, end-to-end encryption for data in transit, and integration with Azure Active Directory do play significant roles in security, but they do not specifically represent the unique capability of vulnerability assessment related to container images within Kubernetes clusters.