Trivy Operator
Trivy Operator: A free, open-source posture scanner for Kubernetes teams that do not need runtime controls. Ranked #12 of 27 in Kubernetes Security Software by our editors (6.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for teams wanting free Kubernetes posture scanning.
At a glance
- Editor score6.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTeams wanting free Kubernetes posture scanning
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Deployment modelSelf_hosted
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Continuous scanning covers images, configuration, secrets, RBAC, and infrastructure.
- Generates Kubernetes-native compliance reports and SBOMs.
- Supports Helm, static manifests, and Operator Lifecycle Manager installation.
Where it doesn't
- Does not provide verified runtime protection.
- Does not include admission control enforcement.
- Requires self-hosted installation inside a Kubernetes cluster.
Our verdict on Trivy Operator
Trivy Operator is a free, open-source Kubernetes operator for DevOps, platform, and security teams managing cluster workloads and resources. It uses Trivy to scan Kubernetes environments and publishes security reports through the Kubernetes API. The coverage spans container image vulnerabilities, configuration issues, exposed secrets, RBAC permissions, control-plane and node infrastructure, compliance checks, Kubernetes Custom Resource Definitions, and software bills of materials.
Its main strength is breadth for Kubernetes posture management. Scanning is triggered by Kubernetes resource changes, helping teams keep reports aligned with changing workloads and configurations. Built-in configuration rules can be supplemented with custom OPA policies, while integrations with Grafana, Lens, Policy Reporter, and Webhook support different reporting and workflow needs. Teams can install it through Helm, static manifests, or the Operator Lifecycle Manager, making it suitable for self-hosted Kubernetes environments with an established operational process.
Trivy Operator is a strong fit for teams seeking broad, continuous visibility without a commercial license. It is less suitable when the requirement is to block unsafe deployments or protect workloads during runtime, because it does not provide verified runtime protection or admission control enforcement. Choose it for free image, configuration, identity, infrastructure, compliance, and SBOM scanning within Kubernetes; consider another product when preventive policy enforcement or runtime security is a core requirement.
Trivy Operator pricing
Trivy Operator fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Deployment model | Self_hosted |
| Image scanning | Yes |
| Posture management | Yes |
| Runtime protection | Not verified |
| Admission control | Not verified |
| Identity security | Yes |
| Managed Kubernetes | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Grafana, Lens, Policy Reporter, Webhook |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | aquasecurity.github.io |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Trivy Operator integrations
Trivy Operator lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Grafana
- Lens
- Policy Reporter
- Webhook
Alternatives to Trivy Operator
- Aqua SecurityBroad Kubernetes security spanning supply chain, posture, admission, runtime, and forensics.9.1
- Sysdig SecureA broad Kubernetes security platform for teams needing coverage from pipeline to runtime.8.2
- Trend Vision One Container SecurityBroad Kubernetes security coverage with usage-based pricing and a 30-day trial.7.7
See all Trivy Operator alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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