VSHN.timer #262: Helm, Hacks, and Quantum Kubernetes: 5 reads you shouldn’t miss

Welcome to another VSHN.timer!

Kubernetes never sits still. (Oh, and in case I lost you after the very first word, why not check out Markus‘ blog post on Kubernetes here?) Whether it’s the Helm community debating the dangers of “super charts”, engineers streamlining GitOps workflows, or cryptographers preparing clusters for the quantum era, there’s always something fresh on the horizon. 2025 has already delivered a wave of insights into how we build, secure, and evolve containerized infrastructure. Here are five standout reads you’ll want on your radar.

1. Post-Quantum Cryptography in Kubernetes
   Quantum computing may still be in its early innings, but the Kubernetes community isn’t waiting around. This article explains how post-quantum cryptographic algorithms are being woven into Kubernetes TLS, ensuring clusters remain secure against tomorrow’s decryption threats.
   https://kubernetes.io/blog/2025/07/18/pqc-in-k8s/
   
2. Cozypkg: Simplifying Local Dev with Helm & Flux
   Local Kubernetes development can be a tangled mess of YAMLs, Helm charts, and GitOps configs. Cozypkg, introduced in this piece, aims to cut through the noise by unifying Helm and Flux for a smoother developer experience. If you’re tired of reinventing your local setup, this might be the tool to watch.
   https://blog.aenix.io/cozypkg-how-we-simplified-local-development-with-helm-and-flux-003c8ed839ca
   
3. Seven Helm Alternatives to Simplify Kubernetes Deployments
   Helm might be the go-to package manager for Kubernetes, but it’s far from the only option. This roundup compares seven alternatives, from Kustomize to Argo CD, highlighting where they shine and where Helm still holds its ground. Perfect reading if you’re questioning whether Helm is the right fit for your stack.
   https://northflank.com/blog/7-helm-alternatives-to-simplify-kubernetes-deployments
   
4. Identifying Vulnerabilities in Public Kubernetes Helm Charts
   Not all charts are created equal – some ship with wide-open exposures. This article investigates common misconfigurations found in public Helm charts and offers practical tips to tighten your deployments. A must-read for anyone pulling in charts from the wild without a second thought.
   https://platformengineering.org/blog/identifying-vulnerabilities-in-public-kubernetes-helm-charts
   
5. The Super Helm Chart: To Deploy or Not to Deploy?
   Should you roll everything into one big Helm chart or keep things modular? This post digs into the pros and cons of the so-called “super chart” approach, balancing centralized management against the complexity it can create. If you’ve ever wrestled with chart sprawl, this debate will feel familiar.
   https://www.firefly.ai/blog/the-super-helm-chart-to-deploy-or-not-to-deploy

From securing clusters against quantum threats to rethinking Helm’s role in deployments, Kubernetes in 2025 continues to evolve at breakneck speed. These five reads offer both practical takeaways and forward-looking insights for anyone managing cloud-native infrastructure.

Do you think Helm will remain the dominant way to package Kubernetes apps, or will alternatives win out? Would your team consider adopting post-quantum security measures now, or wait until the technology matures? How do you balance convenience and security when pulling Helm charts or other community resources? Get in touch with us, and see you next week for another edition of VSHN.timer.

PS: check out our previous VSHN.timer editions about Kubernetes: #4, #8, #11, #14, #16, #19, #23, #37, #46, #49, #59, #64, #74, #82, #97, #99, #102, #109, #118, #126, #142, #146, #163, #187, #211, #226, #250

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