What is CNAPP and how to select the right one?

Using a Cloud-native application protection platform is integral to the way we handle end-to-end security. Instead of employing different solutions, by different sources, different teams, and from POV – each dedicated to solving one particular issue – CNAPP gives managers an integrated dest of security and compliance features easily designed to help protect and safeguard could native applications across their lifecycle. All other tools are goal-oriented and focused on one single purpose, they need to be stitched together with one another, configured to work as an integrated platform — CNAPP doesn’t.

What is CNAPP?

CNAPP stands for Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform. It is a framework/app/set of tools that are housed on a cloud-native server. This kit of tools encompasses Cloud Service Network Security (CSNS) features, as well as Cloud Workload Protection Platform features (CWPP), and Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) solutions. 

What really makes it an outstanding platform is the fact that all these tools, which previously had to be bought as single units and then patch together to work in harmony, now relate dynamically under one holistic platform for protecting cloud-native application development.

What does CNAPP do?

CNAPP is a platform intended to replace other tools sold separately — tools that were independent and focused on just one aspect of a software’s lifecycle. Cloud-Native Application Platform’s model exists because there’s a need for enterprises to consolidate solutions, tools, and security measures under one roof — under one platform that offers them full control and continuum across multiple operations, departments, and security teams. 

That’s the main challenge of securing cloud-native applications.

What problems do CNAPPs solve? 

Today, most software has shifted to the cloud. Long gone are the days of downloading tech, or using CDs to carry them around. Today, key software and apps are accessed on the cloud — we only have a portal, which is installed on our computer, or smartphone. The real power is somewhere else, spread over the either. Traditional security tools right now struggle to provide adequate protection in these cloud environments. Why? Mostly because the focus is on a single aspect of a product’s lifecycle and security needs. 

CNAPP looks to streamline the current model by solving holistically the following challenges.

• Check cloud security misconfigurations, like open buckets, databases, and network ports.
• monitor cloud workload and detect abnormalities in runtime.
• Give you a complete overview of your security workload and allow automated detection of vulnerabilities.
• Correlate findings between CSPM and CWPP to identify high-risk threats. 
• Give you automatic and continuous coverage/scan of your development services, manufacturing practices, and different production environments. 

Key components of a CNAPP

CNAPP is a unified platform/tool that joins under one dynamic umbrella different tools of a software security’s lifecycle. One of the key innovations is that before, you had to configure how each of these tools – come from different vendors – would link up to the other. In most cases, one would simply spark a red-flag protocol and demand that you take action. How? By manually entering an insular tool and telling it what to do. That is no longer the case. Thanks to CNAPP, the platform not only identifies risks, informs you of those risks, but also automatically acts on them.

This is all due to 3 components:

Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) 

CSPM automates the ID and remediation of threats across a cloud infrastructure. It uses risk visualization dashboards, threat analysis, incident response, and compliance monitoring. In any case, the latter has to do with how your system has been misconfigured on your end.

Using the cloud to house your software is both a blessing as well as a curse. Why? Because connecting and disconnecting from hundreds even thousands d of networks gives you powerful response time, unlimited access to key tools, and makes you incredibly dynamic. It also gives you a platform that has no perimeters, a lack of centralized entry points, and zero to no visibility — all factors that make it incredibly difficult to safeguard. 

CSPM reduces alert fatigue by automating ten, continually monitors your environments and correlates with other CNAPP tools, and uncovers hidden threats. 

Cloud Workload Protection Platforms (CWPP) 

CWPP is designed to provide you with security features that are tailored to your workload needs. It is a security solution that protects your workload regardless of its location, across multiple providers. CWPP offers breach security for containers, Kubernetes, workloads, archives, and multiple other resources —- allowing you to continue building and running applications with confidence and speed. 

Cloud Service Network Security (CSNS)

CSNS or simply cloud security is a broad set of tools, based on preconfigured personal policies and industry standards, that protect your general sound computing infrastructure. From IP, data, to application and services. 

Without a hardened policy, most services are considered “soft targets” and they are extremely attractive to hackers and cybercriminals — all of which explode data leakage, malware, faulty configuration, and other vulnerabilities. 

CSNS is your rule book on how you approach your security, manage, and ultimately automate it. 

How to choose a CNAPP platform?

Base your choice on the specifics of your organization, and the requirement of the app/software you want to create. 

Take into account the following landmarks:

• Vendor experience: how long the vendor has been working in the industry, and their familiarity with compliance issues.
• Technical know-how: cover the vendor’s understanding of the modern landscape and their views on how it will evolve, what security issues to consider further down the line.
• Features: what capabilities do that vendor’s CNAPP offer. 

Why is CNAPP important

CNAPP gives you full holistic control over your security features. It enables firms, businesses, enterprises, no matter the size, to proactively scan and detect threats, and then automatically fix or shore them up depending on your policies and compliance issues. CNAPP represents the future of cloud security by giving you consolidated tools.