Kubernetes Network Policies Cut Egress Bills, Not Just Attack Surface

Most teams add NetworkPolicy to their Kubernetes clusters for security reasons. They want microsegmentation. They want blast radius control. Cost is not part of the conversation. That is a mistake. Unrestricted pod egress is a direct line to NAT Gateway data processing charges, cross-AZ transfer fees, and surprise line items on your AWS bill. NetworkPolicy is both a security control and a cost control. Teams that treat it as only one of those leave real money on the table. The NAT Gateway Tax No