Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
- Wolfi is a new Linux “un-distro” designed to improve cloud software supply chain security by focusing on minimalism and speedy updates.
- It offers better security through rapid package updates and a focus on containerized and cloud-native workloads.
Wolfi, developed by Chainguard, aims to revolutionize the software supply chain security in the cloud. It was introduced in September 2022 as a community-driven Linux distribution focused on minimalism, speed, and addressing Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE). Chainguard believes that Wolfi’s design, with its rolling release model and rapid package updates, can provide a secure base layer for containers within the cloud storage environment. By prioritizing speed over stability, Wolfi ensures that users can quickly access vulnerability-free packages. It also differentiates itself from traditional Linux distributions by offering a simpler, container-focused approach without a traditional Linux kernel.
One of the key aspects of Wolfi is its distinction from Chainguard Images, which are container images built from Wolfi packages. This separation allows for better control over applying updates and patches in response to security vulnerabilities. The emphasis on rapid patching of CVEs and the automation driving package updates make Wolfi unique in the Linux distribution landscape. As organizations increasingly rely on containers for cloud computing, Linux distributions like Wolfi that cater to containerized workloads are expected to gain traction. Overall, Wolfi represents a shift towards smaller, modular packages and frequent updates that can benefit organizations running container workloads in the cloud.
