Described embodiments provide systems and methods for securing communications between services in a cluster using load balancing. A first proxy of a first node of a cluster of nodes can receive a request for a service from at least one pod of the first node. The service can include a plurality of pods. The plurality of pods can execute in the cluster of nodes including the first node. The first proxy can select, responsive to a load balancing determination, a pod of a second node of the cluster of nodes to receive the request. An encrypted connection can be established with a second proxy of the second node. The request can be forwarded to the selected pod via the encrypted connection to the second proxy. The request can be decrypted at the second proxy and forwarded at the pod of the second node.