In the world of cloud security, practitioners are facing a complex and rapidly evolving landscape that requires a nuanced approach to detection and response. Traditional categories like Kubernetes Security Posture Management (KSPM), Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR), Cloud Workload Protection (CWPP), and Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPP) often overlap and do not fully address the key requirements for effectively combatting cloud attacks.
Despite the projected increase in new application workloads being deployed on cloud-native platforms by 2025, organizations are still grappling with a high number of security breaches. According to recent reports, 90% of organizations running containers and Kubernetes have experienced breaches, while 95% of IT security leaders believe that the skills gap is affecting their teams. With the emergence of zero-day threats like the XZ Backdoor, the importance of enhancing detection and response capabilities in cloud environments has never been more crucial.
Recent attacks, such as the Scarleteel attack targeting cloud infrastructure and non-human identities, highlight the need for robust detection and response strategies that go beyond simply looking for overtly malicious activities. This includes understanding normal processes that can be exploited in malicious ways and incorporating identity as critical context for investigation and response. Additionally, the rise of software supply chain attacks, exemplified by incidents like the XZ Backdoor supply chain attack, underscores the importance of detecting and responding to these types of threats in cloud environments.
To navigate this complex threat landscape, organizations must look beyond traditional security categories and focus on what truly matters for effective detection and response in the cloud. Cloud Detection and Response (CDR) is a key concept that encompasses real-time insight and technology that can detect zero-day threats without relying on signatures. It is distinct from Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions, Security Operations Centers (SOCs), Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPP), and Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) solutions, as it provides specific tactics and detection methods tailored for cloud environments.
In order to effectively detect and respond to cloud attacks, a CDR solution should have capabilities that can detect zero-day threats, address software supply chain attacks, be effective with Kubernetes and containers, include cloud identity context, and determine valid processes used as part of malicious campaigns. By focusing on these essential criteria and cutting through the clutter of traditional security categories, practitioners can better protect their cloud environments and stay ahead of sophisticated attacks.
Overall, navigating the cloud security landscape requires a clear understanding of the evolving threat landscape and a commitment to implementing robust detection and response strategies. By prioritizing real-time, signature-less detection techniques and addressing critical aspects like identity context and software supply chain attacks, organizations can ensure a more secure future in the cloud.