How do the Puppet Master and agents ensure secure communication?

Puppet Master and agents ensure secure communication primarily by operating over an encrypted SSL connection. This method secures the data transmission by establishing a secure channel between the Puppet Master, which is the central management server, and the agents, which are the nodes being managed. The use of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or its successor, TLS (Transport Layer Security), encrypts the data, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring that sensitive information, such as configuration data and scripts, is securely transmitted between systems.

This encryption is vital in a configuration management context, as it protects the integrity and confidentiality of the data being exchanged. SSL certificates also allow the parties to authenticate each other, further enhancing security.

Although VPN tunnels and SSH keys are valid security measures in various scenarios, SSL encryption focuses specifically on securing data in transit in the context of Puppet's architecture. Plain text communication lacks any form of security, making it unsuitable for environments where sensitive data is transmitted.