Intro
Cloud-native applications are becoming increasingly prevalent, but they also introduce new security challenges. To address these challenges, organizations are turning to Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPPs), which offer a comprehensive and integrated approach to securing cloud environments. In this article, we’ll explore what CNAPPs are, how they work, and provide examples of leading CNAPP vendors, including Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks.
What is a CNAPP?
A CNAPP is a unified security solution designed to protect cloud-native applications across their entire lifecycle. It integrates multiple security capabilities into a single platform, including Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM), Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM), Kubernetes Security Posture Management (KSPM), Cloud Workload Protection Platforms (CWPPs), and Cloud Detection and Response (CDR). This integration allows organizations to streamline security operations, reduce errors, and enhance overall security effectiveness.
How Does a CNAPP Work?
CNAPPs operate by continuously monitoring cloud environments for misconfigurations and vulnerabilities. They use advanced analytics and machine learning to detect anomalies that may indicate security incidents, such as unauthorized access or data exfiltration attempts. By providing real-time threat detection and automated response capabilities, CNAPPs help organizations respond quickly to emerging threats.
Benefits of Using a CNAPP
- Unified Security Management: CNAPPs consolidate multiple security tools into a single platform, reducing complexity and enhancing visibility across cloud environments.
- Improved Collaboration: By integrating security practices early in the development process, CNAPPs foster collaboration between DevOps and SecOps teams, enhancing overall security effectiveness.
- Real-Time Threat Detection: Advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities enable CNAPPs to detect and respond to threats in real-time.
Examples of CNAPP Vendors
Fortinet: Lacework FortiCNAPP
- Integration with Fortinet Security Fabric: Fortinet has integrated Lacework’s CNAPP into its Security Fabric, extending its reach into cloud computing environments. This integration includes FortiGuard Outbreak Alerts for enhanced threat visibility and automated remediation of runtime threats.
- AI-Driven Security: Lacework FortiCNAPP uses machine learning and generative AI to identify potential attack paths and automate tasks like report creation. It also includes a CIEM framework to manage cloud identities and permissions.
- Behavioral Analytics: The platform detects early signs of active attacks using behavioral analytics and anomaly detection, providing composite alerts for high-confidence threat detection.
Palo Alto Networks: Prisma Cloud and Cortex Cloud
- Comprehensive Security: Palo Alto Networks offers a comprehensive CNAPP solution through Prisma Cloud, which integrates CSPM, CWPP, CIEM, and more. This platform ensures full-stack security across cloud environments.
- Cortex Cloud: The latest evolution, Cortex Cloud, unifies CNAPP capabilities with cloud detection and response, providing AI-driven insights and real-time threat prevention. It includes CNAPP at no additional cost for customers, enhancing cloud security adoption.
- AI-Driven Insights: Cortex Cloud uses AI to analyze data from multiple sources, offering centralized visibility and automated workflows to reduce risk and prevent threats.
Conclusion
CNAPPs are revolutionizing cloud security by providing a holistic approach to protecting cloud-native applications. By integrating multiple security capabilities into a single platform, organizations can enhance their security posture, streamline operations, and ensure consistent security across diverse cloud environments.
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