Docker images, commonly used for software deployment due to their portability, pose a significant security risk as they often contain hidden sensitive information, or "secrets," such as API keys and credentials. These secrets can originate from the source code embedded within the images or from the Dockerfile configuration itself, potentially bypassing security checks if not managed properly. GitGuardian's research revealed that 7% of public Docker images contain such secrets, a lower percentage than found in public source code, yet still significant enough to necessitate concern. The layered structure of Docker images can obscure secrets, making them hard to detect, which is why GitGuardian has developed a dedicated secret scanner to find and address these vulnerabilities. Although security practices can mitigate some risks, automated scanning is recommended for comprehensive protection, and GitGuardian provides tools like the Docker image scanner in CI environments to help secure Docker images.