The Power of Correlation: Securing the Entire Cloud Architecture from Code to Cloud

The true strength of a CNAPP lies not just in the individual capabilities of its components, but in their correlation and integration, especially with insights from your code.

Imagine a scenario:

1. Code (Shift-Left): During development, your CNAPP's code scanner (like a smart architect reviewing blueprints) analyzes your application's code and discovers a hidden "backdoor" feature – a developer accidentally left a way to access the application without proper authentication.

2. CSPM: Even if the code got deployed, the CSPM component would flag that the server where this application runs has a publicly accessible port that shouldn't be open, indicating a potential entry point. (The building inspector sees an open window in your cloud environment).

3. DSPM: The DSPM component, having identified that this application processes sensitive customer credit card information, immediately recognizes the severity of the exposed backdoor and the open port. (The data security specialist knows the open window is right next to the safe with your valuable data).

4. CIEM: Simultaneously, the CIEM component notices that an employee who left the company last week still has administrative access to this particular cloud server. (The security guard realizes a former employee still has a master key to your cloud resources).

5. KSPM (if applicable): If this application runs within a Kubernetes cluster, KSPM might discover that the specific container isn't isolated correctly from other critical containers, potentially allowing an attacker to move laterally if they exploit the backdoor. (The apartment complex manager sees that if someone gets into one application container, they could easily jump to others).

6. CWPP (Runtime): If an attacker tries to exploit that backdoor at runtime, the CWPP component detects the unusual activity (e.g., an unauthorized login attempt from a suspicious IP address) and might even automatically block it or alert the security team. (The security guard sees someone trying to pick the lock and intervenes).

7. Correlation (The "Aha!" Moment): A standalone CSPM might tell you a port is open. A standalone DSPM might tell you sensitive data exists. But a CNAPP, by correlating the exposed backdoor from code, the open port from CSPM, the sensitive data exposure from DSPM, the over-privileged former employee from CIEM, the Kubernetes misconfiguration from KSPM, and the real-time attack attempt from CWPP, provides a complete "attack path." It's not just a list of individual problems; it's a story of how a potential breach could unfold.

This unified view allows security teams to:

• Prioritize effectively: Understand the true impact of a vulnerability by linking it to critical assets and potential attack vectors.

• Accelerate remediation: Pinpoint the exact source of the problem, whether it's in the code, a configuration, an identity permission, or a runtime threat.

• Enable proactive security: "Shift left" by identifying and fixing issues early in the development lifecycle, preventing them from reaching production.

• Improve collaboration: Provide developers, security teams, and operations teams with a shared understanding of risks and responsibilities.

• Achieve comprehensive visibility: Gain a single pane of glass for all cloud security risks, reducing blind spots in complex multi-cloud and hybrid environments.

There are several CNAPP players in the market, but there’s one that clearly stands-out as a clear winner. It’s elementary - How easily are you able to achieve all of the above, with minimal learning curve.

Did you ever have to learn how to ‘Google” search ?

Read the next part of the series to learn - Why a Platform Like Wiz is a Far Superior CNAPP Platform.