The Best CNAPP for 2023

Although the Cloud-Native Application Platform (CNAPP) is a new concept, it builds on four pre-existing technologies.

However, these four predecessors are relatively new. These are:

Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) Risk scanning for cloud assets
Cloud Service Network Security (CSNS) Implemented by a Web application firewall (WAF)
Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM) Access right management for the Cloud
Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP) Threat protection for cloud-based assets

The beauty of this modular composition is that many cloud protection providers already had the building blocks in place, so all they had to do was package them into a bundle to launch their new CNAPP products. Consequently, there are some excellent CNAPP systems to choose from.

Here is our list of the six best Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms:

Cyscale CNAPP This platform integrates compliance management for HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and SOC 2 into its cloud security features.
CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security This package takes the CrowdStrike Falcon brand into comprehensive cloud security. This package includes a threat intelligence feed and integration with the AWS, Azure, and GCP systems.
Ermetic Cloud Native Application Protection Platform This challenger provider grew its CNAPP out of a successful CIEM, which was its first product and has now expanded to a full cloud security package.
Zscaler Posture Control This new package from an established Zero Trust Access provider includes a threat intelligence feed and strong user account controls.
Palo Alto Prisma Cloud Code, platform, and service security scanning and attack prevention from a leader in cybersecurity.
Check Point CloudGuard This cloud platform includes CSPM, CSNS, and CWPP modules that combine into a CNAPP service.

You can read more about each of these options in the following sections.

The Best CNAPPs (Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms)

Our methodology for selecting a CNAPP

We reviewed the market for Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms and analyzed options based on the following criteria:

A package that includes CSPM, CSNS, CIEM, and CWPP
Infrastructure-as-Code configuration management and vulnerability scanning
Kubernetes Security Posture Management (KSPM) to protect the coordinators of container deployment
CI/CD pipeline integration
Messaging to project management tools
A free trial or a demo for a no-cost assessment opportunity
A hosted package that provides value for money

With these selection criteria in mind, we identified emerging CNAPP systems that are out of the gate at the head of the pack.

1. Cyscale CNAPP

Cyscale CNAPP is a new cloud security service that provides compliance management as well as threat prevention and detection systems. This package can protect AWS, GCP, Azure, and Alibaba Cloud systems. It will scan VMs, containers, storage, compute accounts, and serverless hosts.

Key Features:

CSPM, CWPP, CIEM, and KSPM
Compliance management
Threat prevention and detection

Why do we recommend it?

Cyscale CNAPP provides compliance management that is threaded through the security platform. This is the outstanding feature of the service and isn’t matched by any of the other tools on this list. This system can protect Alibaba Cloud accounts, which is another service that rivals on this list do not provide.

The console presents a library of security control templates, which make creating a security policy easy. These settings are then applied to the threat prevention measures of the CSPM and the threat detection services of the CWPP.

Who is it recommended for?

This platform is important for businesses that handle sensitive data through their Cloud systems or that have user-facing interfaces that could, if not properly secured, provide an entry point for data thieves. The system can also generate compliance reports and guide data-handling departments.

Pros:

Compliance reporting for HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and SOC 2
Suitable for operations management
Scanning for VMs, containers, and Kubernetes

Cons:

No CIEM module
Not suitable for developers

The main strength of the console for Cyscale is that it makes creating security controls easy through templates and compliance automation. Get a 14-day free trial to assess the service.

2. CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security

CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security is the definitive CNAPP on the market at the moment. This system checks all the boxes of a CNAPP platform and then adds a few more features, such as a threat intelligence feed. The package specifically monitors the platform, services, and hosted software on AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

Key Features:

Adapts to know current threats
Container and platform security scanning
Serverless hosting configuration checks
Code repository integration
Security orchestration

Why do we recommend it?

CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security builds on CrowdStrike’s growing excellence in cloud security. The company started out providing a hybrid AV under the Falcon brand and quickly moved to Cloud security. This package speeds up threat blocking through preventative measures in every layer of Web application provision plus adaptation to current threat campaigns.

This system provides configuration checks for platforms, containers, Kubernetes, and middleware. It also provides scanning for code under development in a continuous testing scenario for CI/CD pipelines, reporting back to development management tools, and bug tracking. Live code is checked as it is delivered and responses or other access by users are checked for malicious activity.

The system provides reports for development activity and live scans for Web applications that are running. The tool’s console shows alerts for detected threats but instant remediation will occur simultaneously and automatically.

Who is it recommended for?

This platform is a useful package for teams that provide and support Web applications. The system can be used just by an operations team, or it can be integrated into the production pipeline for businesses that also develop their own applications in a DevOps scenario.

Pros:

Production security testing automation
Preventative scanning of cloud infrastructure
Tracking of live app activity
External access tracking for threats
Identifies attacks on infrastructure and attacks on running applications

Cons:

User account management for insider threat detection seems to be missing

The CrowdStrike system has a strong emphasis on prevention and protection against external threats. It ensures that all components involved in the hosting and delivering applications are hardened against attack and monitored for live malicious misuse. It isn’t so strong at insider threat detection. You can contact CrowdStrike to get an assessment of your Cloud-based system for a recommendation on which Cloud security services you need.

3. Ermetic Cloud Native Application Protection Platform

Ermetic Cloud Native Application Protection Platform is strong on user account security. The platform’s creators started as a Cloud Identity and Entitlement Management (CIEM) provider. The group added Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) and a Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP) to form its CNAPP solution. This platform can provide a Zero Trust user access management strategy for internal users, as well as external prevention and protection security scanning against external attacks.

Key Features:

Suitable for DevOps
Blocks internal threats
Threat prevention and protection
Integration with AWS, GCP, and Azure

Why do we recommend it?

DevOps strategies can open up backend weaknesses in Web application security, particularly if temporary staff or external consultancies are drafted in for the development effort. Keeping track of all the people involved in a large Web system’s development can be almost impossible, so tightly controlling backend access to live systems is very important.

The CSPM provides a discovery service for all resources. It scans cloud accounts, including serverless hosting systems, containers, and Kubernetes coordinators, and merges into the CIEM for user account auditing and access controls. This process hardens systems against attack by tightening asset configurations, removing abandoned accounts, improving password security, and limiting privileges and permissions.

The CWPP section scans those same assets, looking for access to sensitive data or attempts to get into services, such as databases, through front-end attacks.

Who is it recommended for?

Ermetic stresses that its CNAPP is designed for DevSecOps. It is suitable for use by Web applications and mobile app providers. The crucial attribute of the target market for this system is Web app owners and managers. This is whether those apps were developed in-house, created with the assistance of external consultants, or acquired.

Pros:

Strong user account security and access controls
Threat prevention and system hardening
Live data protection and threat detection
Infrastructure-as-Code scanning

Cons:

Doesn’t include a threat intelligence feed

The Ermetic package includes many development security features such as scanning for Infrastructure-as-Code systems and integration into bug trackers, code repositories, and development management tools. Access a free trial.

4. Zscaler Posture Control

Zscaler Posture Control is a new addition to a platform that has had great success in providing security for virtual networks and implementing Zero Trust Access for cloud services. The Zscaler platform provides building blocks that can be assembled into different security strategies. To implement CNAPP here, you would use the Zero Trust Access components for a CIEM solution and then add on CSPM and CWPP units.

Key Features:

A flexible, modular approach
Aimed at DevOps environments
Threat intelligence

Why do we recommend it?

Zscaler Posture Control is a self-assembly solution that demystifies the terminology of cloud security. You would construct a security service that suits your business, rather than trying to fit a buzzword over your system. After you implement all the units that give you what you want, you might end up with something that an expert would call a SASE or a ZTA, or a CNAPP.

The Zscaler platform provides system hardening and then security scanning for platforms, containers, and Kubernetes. The platform also offers data protection measures and compliance reporting.

Who is it recommended for?

The company presents its CNAPP for use by DevOps teams. However, it suits any business that uses or manages Cloud systems. You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to set up a sophisticated cloud security service with this package, so it is suitable for small businesses as well as large corporations.

Pros:

Infrastructure-as-Code security
Built-in access controls
Includes connection security

Cons:

Doesn’t impose a specific strategy

Zscaler is a low-stress solution because it doesn’t get too caught up in cybersecurity terminology – its services are easy to understand. The Zscaler menu of services has grown rapidly, and now its subscription plan structure has become complicated. The best way to work out which plan you need is to request a demo, which also provides you with a consultation.

5. Palo Alto Prisma Cloud

Palo Alto Prisma Cloud has been around for a while and pre-dates the creation of the CNAPP term. So, this was implementing CNAPP by providing all the cloud security modules that anyone would need. This system has extensive development management modules and integrations with bug trackers and project management systems.

Key Features:

Suitable for DevOps teams
Threat intelligence feed
Cloud Network Security

Why do we recommend it?

Palo Alto Prisma Cloud is a product by a highly-respected brand. It is similar to the Zscaler system in that it presents modules that provide so many options that CNAPP is a subset of everything that you could do with the platform’s modules.

The Prisma Cloud platform includes all the classic elements of CNAPP provision: Access control, WAF, CSPM, and CWPP. This system also provides extras that are suitable for development teams. These include code version control, developer access controls, Infrastructure-as-Code security assessments, and development management system integration.

Who is it recommended for?

The full platform is suitable for DevOps teams. The full package is very comprehensive and, although Palo Alto doesn’t publish a price list, it feels expensive. This is a solution for large industrial-scale developers and provides Web applications and SaaS systems. It would be too much for small developers or businesses that use cloud services instead of creating them.

Pros:

Very comprehensive package
A reliable and competent provider
Identifies secret exposure opportunities

Cons:

No price list

It would be nice to see a price list and what packages are available from the platform. For example, if it is possible to pay for only some services of the platform, then the market for the Prisma Cloud system would be much wider. You can assess Palo Alto Prisma Cloud with a free trial.

6. Check Point CloudGuard

Check Point CloudGuard is another reliable system from a highly respected provider that understood all the elements of CNAPP and delivered them before the term was invented. The package is composed of Cloud Security Posture Management, a Cloud Workload Protection Platform, Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management, Web Application and API Security, and Network Security.

Key Features:

Suitable for Web application development
Live application support
Pipeline security

Why do we recommend it?

Check Point CloudGuard is such a close competitor to Palo Alto Prisma Cloud that it would be unfair to mention one and not the other. Check Point is as respected as Palo Alto in the cybersecurity marketplace, and both platforms provide extensive protection for DevOps teams.

The Check Point system enforces security standards in the development phase for Web applications and checks that interactions with services, such as APIs, hosting platforms, and delivery systems don’t reveal internal security controls or provide entry points for intruders or malware. Those checks are repeated into production and during the service life of the applications.

The package constantly verifies that configurations in services haven’t been set up with weaknesses or loosened as an operations workaround in response to some access or performance problems.

The system provides separate access controls for developers, operations technicians, users, and customers.

Who is it recommended for?

This package is suitable for large-scale developers and providers of Web or cloud systems. For example, a business that delivers its software on the SaaS model would use CloudGuard. The package is so similar to Palo Alto Prisma Cloud that any business considering one should also try the other.