--- title: "3 mistakes to avoid when adopting Kubernetes" url: "https://www.sparkfabrik.com/en/blog/common-mistakes-kubernetes/" lang: "en" type: "blog-post" date: "2021-10-28" lastmod: "2026-03-09" author: "SparkFabrik Team" description: "Underestimating security, costs and processes, you risk countering the benefits of Kubernetes. Here’s how to easily avoid these common mistakes." tags: ["Cloud Native"] schema: "@context": "https://schema.org" "@type": "BlogPosting" "headline": "3 mistakes to avoid when adopting Kubernetes" "description": "Underestimating security, costs and processes, you risk countering the benefits of Kubernetes. Here’s how to easily avoid these common mistakes." "url": "https://www.sparkfabrik.com/en/blog/common-mistakes-kubernetes/" "datePublished": "2021-10-28T00:00:00+00:00" "dateModified": "2026-03-09T00:00:00+00:00" "author": "@type": "Person" "name": "SparkFabrik Team" "image": "https://www.sparkfabrik.com/images/blog/common-mistakes-kubernetes/3-errori-da-non-commettere-adottando-Kubernetes.jpg" "publisher": "@type": "Organization" "name": "SparkFabrik" "url": "https://www.sparkfabrik.com" "logo": "https://www.sparkfabrik.com/images/logo.svg" --- # 3 mistakes to avoid when adopting Kubernetes **Author:** SparkFabrik Team **Published:** 28 October 2021 **Updated on:** 9 March 2026 **Tags:** Cloud Native --- According to the [CNCF Annual Survey 2024](https://www.cncf.io/reports/cncf-annual-survey-2024/) (Cloud Native Computing Foundation), **one-quarter of surveyed organizations report that nearly all of their development and deployment uses cloud native techniques**, confirming the maturity reached by the Kubernetes ecosystem and containerization. Kubernetes adoption is now the de facto standard for container orchestration across organizations of all sizes. Therefore, an application scenario is anticipated in which the **adoption and use of Kubernetes will be increasingly more widespread** , all thanks to a series of benefits. These include the automated management of containers in hybrid and multi-cloud environments, optimization of the underlying hardware resources and the ability to quickly scale applications up or down. THIS MAY INTEREST YOU** : [Kubernetes: what are the key benefits for companies?](/en/kubernetes-key-benefits-for-companies?hsLang=en) However, in order to avoid eventual inefficiencies, opting for the open source orchestrator requires specific expertise and a structured implementation path. In this article we will examine **3 common mistakes** that you might run into when adopting Kubernetes. ## Error 1: Not being prepared on the CI/CD pipelines According to the DevOps approach, **Continuous Integration (CI)** is a method that makes it possible to integrate into a build and very frequently test source code changes made by different teams. The aim is to identify and correct errors in a timely manner, through a quick feedback loop. On the other hand, continuous**Delivery (CD)** enables the acceleration of the release of code that has passed the CI process and subsequent verification, within a central repository, building production-ready elements. **Continuous Deployment** is the final step of the process, as it automates the deployment of apps into production, making use of the repository’s validated codebase. In short, the CI/CD pipeline is a process that enables the development team to accelerate the modification, testing and release of the software, but **requires specific skills to ensure correct execution and control**. Fortunately, many tools are available that help teams in this regard. Some of the most popular ones include: [Github Actions](https://github.com/features/actions), [GitLab](https://about.gitlab.com/), [Jenkins](https://www.jenkins.io/), [Travis](https://travis-ci.org/), [Helm](https://helm.sh/) and [CircleCI](https://circleci.com/). Kubernetes makes it possible to automate container management** , freeing DevOps teams from executing some of the most common repetitive and manual error-prone orchestration tasks. Of course, complexity is the flip side of containerized environments and Kubernetes automation takes away the DevOps teams’ visibility into processes. Without specialized knowledge of CI/CD processes and implementation of an effective pipeline, it can become**quite difficult to manually intervene with application updates and hotfixes**. When implementing Kubernetes, the first major mistake is, therefore, attributable to **poor preparation along the CI/CD pipelines**. ## Error 2: Not considering security-related aspects The second mistake, on the other hand, concerns **underestimating** **security-related issues**. Today, Kubernetes environments tend to run multiple applications – many even mission-critical – and the trend is growing. Therefore, it becomes extremely important to protect applications by implementing a future-proof strategy, which takes into account several key aspects. A common mistake is to overlook configuring **role-based access control (RBAC**), a feature that makes it possible to define resource usage policies within Kubernetes environments, making them available to specific users and only if strictly necessary. Another mistake is **not adequately protecting the underlying infrastructure**. Kubernetes is designed to dynamically distribute the containers on the cluster nodes, dealing only with allocating pods to nodes as long as there are resources available and does not provide security tools for the hardware that hosts the applications. Moreover, **Kubernetes does not include functionality for securing the application runtimes running in the Pods** , so it is important to pay close attention to any security flaws that could then escalate all the way to the host. In order to partially overcome these problems, it is possible to rely on the [Network Policies API](https://kubernetes.io/docs/concepts/services-networking/network-policies/), implementing [OPA policies](https://www.cncf.io/blog/2020/08/13/introducing-policy-as-code-the-open-policy-agent-opa/) at the application level. In case you decide to outsource the implementation, management and maintenance of Kubernetes clusters to third parties, as part of a **Managed Services** offering, **don’t make the mistake of not evaluating the security guarantees provided** , or neglecting the protection of the nodes (the virtual or physical machines that make up the clusters) and of the master system that controls them. ## Error 3: Not carrying out a proper cost analysis Automation has always been seen as a tool that helps improve operational efficiency and thus cuts costs. However, when tackling a Kubernetes adoption project, **attention must also be paid to the subsequent maintenance costs**. The orchestration platform is, in fact, capable of hiding a great deal of complexity, technical details and application management operations. Still, it does not actually eliminate the need for updating, monitoring and provisioning of the nodes, tasks that remain in the hands of the IT team. Therefore, the Kubernetes infrastructure requires **constant maintenance** , which usually falls under the responsibility of the Operations team, with a **surplus of work**. Moreover, migrating to Kubernetes often means going through an application modernization process. In some cases, **legacy applications** can in fact be incorporated into containers and used on the Cloud without the need to make major changes. However, in other situations **modernization is required through the adoption of the latest development** techniques in order to ensure optimal application performance in the new environments. Obviously, this process requires a certain amount of **time, resources and additional investments**. Several useful tools are available to help monitor costs, including: * [Kubecost](https://kubecost.com/) (vertical solution for Kubernetes) * [Spot.io](https://spot.io/solutions/cloud-cost-visibility/) * [DataDog](https://www.datadoghq.com/lpgkubets/) * [NewRelic](https://newrelic.com/platform/full-stack-observability) ## Conclusions To summarize, Kubernetes is a powerful tool in terms of efficiency and savings, as it automates and optimizes the management of containers in hybrid and multi-cloud environments. However, its implementation, configuration and maintenance **are not always easy and require specific skills and expertise**. Our main piece of advice is to carefully **evaluate all the collateral aspects** that revolve around the adoption of Kubernetes. First, you must have a **clear understanding of DevOps**practices** so that the CI/CD pipeline is favored through the automated orchestration offered by Kubernetes, rather than compromised. Moreover, you should always keep **a firm grip on the infrastructure** that powers the applications, ensuring that all the various **security** aspects that Kubernetes leaves uncovered are dealt with. A careful and timely **configuration** of the platform's functionality can, indeed, represent an excellent starting point. Finally, before starting with the adoption, you must ensure that you have a clear picture of the **Total Cost of Ownership** , which takes into account the maintenance costs of the Kubernetes infrastructure and any eventual application modernization that may be needed. It may actually be a good idea to start with **small deployments on a limited number of applications** to evaluate the actual benefits of Kubernetes for your business. Relying on an **experienced partner** is, of course, always a valid starting tip, allowing you to obtain maximum returns and reduce complications during the migration to Kubernetes. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What are the most common mistakes when adopting Kubernetes? The three most common mistakes are: not being properly prepared on CI/CD pipelines, neglecting security-related aspects such as RBAC configuration and infrastructure protection, and failing to carry out a thorough cost analysis that accounts for ongoing maintenance and potential application modernization. ### Why is CI/CD pipeline preparation important for Kubernetes adoption? Kubernetes automates container management but also hides complexity from DevOps teams. Without specialized knowledge of CI/CD processes and an effective pipeline, it becomes difficult to manually intervene with application updates and hotfixes, potentially negating the benefits of automation. ### What security aspects should be considered when implementing Kubernetes? Key security considerations include configuring role-based access control (RBAC), protecting the underlying infrastructure that hosts applications, securing application runtimes running in Pods, and evaluating security guarantees when outsourcing cluster management as part of Managed Services. ### What hidden costs should be considered with Kubernetes? Beyond initial implementation, organizations should account for constant maintenance of the Kubernetes infrastructure including updating, monitoring, and provisioning of nodes. Additionally, legacy applications may require modernization through adoption of new development techniques to ensure optimal performance in containerized environments. ### What tools can help monitor Kubernetes costs? Several tools are available for cost monitoring, including Kubecost (a vertical solution specifically for Kubernetes), Spot.io, DataDog, and NewRelic. These tools help organizations maintain visibility into the total cost of ownership of their Kubernetes infrastructure. --- ## Related Articles - [Why CTOs choose Drupal: AI, sovereignty, and platform engineering](https://www.sparkfabrik.com/en/blog/why-ctos-choose-drupal-enterprise/) - Modern enterprise architectures require solid foundations to manage critical data and complex … - [Drupal AI 1.3: security, governance, maturity and new tools](https://www.sparkfabrik.com/en/blog/drupal-ai-1-3-security-governance/) - The adoption of LLMs in CMSs requires solid architectures to avoid privacy risks and hallucinations. … - [How to Choose the Right Cloud Provider for Kubernetes](https://www.sparkfabrik.com/en/blog/choosing-kubernetes-cloud-provider/) - A technical comparison of GKE, EKS, and AKS to choose the best Kubernetes cloud provider. 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