Unlocking the Future of Cloud Native Security

Over the past 15 years, cloud native computing has become a cornerstone of modern IT, revolutionizing the way applications are developed, deployed, and maintained. From elements like containerization and microservices to game-changing technologies like Kubernetes and DevOps practices (CI/CD), cloud native computing has impacted industries worldwide. With open source tooling enabling essential capabilities, such as automated provisioning, scalability, and decentralized management, it is clear that this approach to application development is here to stay.

But with great power comes great responsibility. Cloud native computing's dynamic and distributed nature introduces new and evolving cybersecurity challenges. Each microservice, container, and API introduces potential vulnerabilities, and traditional security measures often fall short in these complex environments. That’s where the 2024 Cloud Native Security Study by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) and Linux Foundation Research comes in. This research offers a detailed look at how organizations are tackling these challenges and provides valuable insights for anyone navigating the cloud-native security landscape.

Here’s why you need to explore the full study and how it can help you secure your cloud native applications.

The State of Cloud Native Security: A Positive Trajectory

One of the most encouraging findings from the study is that organizations are making significant progress in securing their cloud native applications. In fact, 85% of respondents reported that their applications are more secure than they were two years ago, with 45% saying they are significantly more secure. This improvement is closely linked to the adoption of cloud native technologies, with those heavily invested in cloud native practices reaping the most benefits in terms of security.

This suggests a reinforcing cycle: better security practices drive further cloud native adoption, and as organizations increase their use of cloud native technologies, they implement more advanced security measures. 

The Challenges of Securing Cloud-Native Applications

While organizations are making strides in security, the study also highlights their ongoing challenges. As systems grow more intricate, managing security across multiple containers, microservices, and APIs becomes more demanding. Early-stage cloud native adopters often struggle with cost and security awareness, while more mature organizations are focused on keeping up with emerging threats, ensuring secure deployments, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Another important distinction the study makes is between the challenges faced by vendors and service providers versus end-user organizations. Vendors, who manage security across various clients and infrastructures, report greater concerns about complexity, secure deployments, and emerging threats. End users, on the other hand, face time constraints and challenges with the complexity of their software and infrastructure.

The Reality of Security Incidents in Cloud Native Environments

Not surprisingly, the study found that security incidents most frequently occur in cloud infrastructure and services—the very backbone of cloud native environments. These dynamic systems can introduce gaps in security policies that attackers exploit. As organizations scale their cloud native practices, the complexity increases, broadening the attack surface and leading to more incidents in areas like configuration management and application runtimes.

Interestingly, companies that are just starting with cloud native technologies tend to report fewer security incidents, possibly because their environments are smaller and less complex. However, as they expand, they face more security challenges. This underscores the importance of proactively adopting strong security measures early in the cloud native journey.

Are We Misjudging Cloud Native Security Risks?

The study brings attention to survivorship bias in how security incidents are perceived. Organizations that have been using cloud native technologies for longer tend to report higher rates of security incidents, but this could be due to their better detection capabilities and greater awareness of security issues. In contrast, those with lower adoption may not detect incidents simply because they lack the tools or expertise to do so. This finding is a reminder that more frequent incident reports in mature cloud native environments don’t necessarily mean they’re less secure—it could indicate better security monitoring and response practices.

The Growing Role of Security Tools and Testing

One of the study’s most significant findings is the increased use of security assessment tools. Organizations are now using an average of 4.5 security testing techniques, up from 2-3 in previous years. Popular tools like Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Software Composition Analysis (SCA) are widely used, particularly in organizations with advanced cloud native development practices.

Yet, some organizations lag in adopting these tools, particularly those at the earlier stages of their cloud native journey. The study shows that using these tools can lead to substantial security improvements, with 84% of respondents believing their cloud native applications are more secure than they were two years ago.

Best Practices for Cloud Native Security

The study also highlights two essential strategies for securing cloud native applications: manual code reviews and CI/CD security. Manual code reviews provide deep insights into business logic and architectural issues that automated tools might miss, while CI/CD security ensures that automation doesn’t compromise your security posture.

Embedding security practices throughout the CI/CD pipeline can ensure your organization maintains strong security standards while continuing to deliver software quickly and efficiently. The combination of manual and automated security approaches can provide comprehensive coverage for vulnerabilities.

Why You Should Read the Full Study

Cloud native security is a rapidly evolving field, and staying ahead of the curve requires constant learning and adaptation. 

Don’t miss out on this valuable resource from CNCF and Linux Foundation Research. Explore the full 2024 Cloud Native Security Study to get a deeper understanding of how organizations like yours are tackling the complex and ever-changing world of cloud native security!