Step-by-Step Guide to CNAPP Implementation: Securing Cloud-Native Applications

October 29 • 8:09 am

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Key Takeaways

Achieving scalability and agility is one of the top goals for every organization. Cloud-native applications have become the lifesavers of these organizations across various industries to achieve this. But implementing these applications also comes with a few disadvantages.

The main reasons are these applications are dynamic and prone to attacks. Traditional or legacy security tools won’t be enough to secure their dynamic, short-lived workloads.

There comes CNAPP (Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform)!

CNAPP mainly focuses on protecting cloud-native workloads throughout their lifecycle, such as:

CNAPP unifies proactive protection by combining:

Why CNAPP Matters

Here’s why businesses should implement CNAPP.

Ephemeral workloads: Containers and serverless functions exist only for a limited time span. So, continuous real-time monitoring is required to ensure protection.Multi-cloud complexity: Many enterprises use multiple cloud services like AWS and Azure, which requires following different rules and policies. This leads to inconsistencies in security plans.Rapid development cycles: There is a higher chance of unexpected vulnerabilities due to continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD).Traditional tools fall short: Keeping up with the dynamic cloud-native workloads require strong security systems. Traditional systems are mainly built to react, and they are often siloed.

CNAPP is a one stop solution for the above listed challenges. With a unified platform offering complete visibility, security, and compliance, security teams can detect and respond to threats in real time. It also enforces consistent policies and automates incident response — without hindering innovation.

Harden Attackable Surfaces and
Increase Survivability in Hybrid Cloud Environments

Core Components of CNAPP

Check the main components that a CNAPP solution must have:

CNAPP ComponentKey Function

CSPM – Cloud Security Posture ManagementScans cloud infrastructure to check:

Misconfigurations
Vulnerabilities
Compliance gaps
Workload ProtectionReal-time protection for:

VMs
containers
serverless workloads
Runtime MonitoringSpots anything unusual instantly during application execution.Container SecurityProtects:

Container images
Orchestration tools (e.g., Docker)
Runtime operations
Automated RemediationAutomatically fixes:

Misconfigurations
Policy violations
Vulnerabilities
Microagent-Based MonitoringOffers near-real-time details with less performance impact.

With all the above features, a robust CNAPP:

Reduces operational complexityEliminates tool sprawlEnsures consistent policies across multi-cloud and hybrid environments.

The Benefits of CNAPP

Using CNAPP for cloud security comes with various advantages. Check the main benefits:

1. End-to-End Security

CNAPP protects:

WorkloadsContainersServerless functions Cloud infrastructure across multiple clouds, minimizing security gaps.

2. Unified Visibility and Control

Centralized dashboards give security teams:

A clear view of all cloud platformsThe ability to monitor activityThe means to spot issues quickly and act fast

3. Continuous Compliance

Automation allows:

Continuous compliance checksAudit reporting

Without much manual action, organizations can comply with policies and regulations easily.

4. DevSecOps Integration

CNAPP adds security early in the CI/CD process. Teams gain:

Shift-left securityProactive threat detection during development and deploymentLess silos between developers, operations, and security teams

5. Automated Threat Response

CNAPP can automatically remediate:

VulnerabilitiesMisconfigurationsSuspicious activity

This lessens the possibility and effect of security events.

Step-by-Step CNAPP Implementation

Implementing CNAPP successfully requires:

Proper planningRobust strategyA phased approach

Here’s a practical roadmap:

StepWhat to DoTip / Outcome

1. Define Objectives & Scope
Identify key security needs such as:

Visibility
Compliance
Threat detection
Incident response

Decide which cloud environments and workloads to include first.
Reduce risk and maximize impact by prioritizing the important workloads.2. Audit Environment
List cloud assets, workloads, containers, and serverless functions.
Check existing security tools and spot gaps.
Outcome: Clear view of current setup and where CNAPP can help.3. Choose CNAPP SolutionLook for:

Multi-cloud support (AWS, Azure, GCP)
CI/CD & DevSecOps integration
Automated remediation
Easy deployment & scalability
Cost-effectiveness
Select a solution that:

Fits your environment and goals
Provides comprehensive coverage
Is easy to use
Is scalable while reducing manual workload
4. Prepare Cloud Environment

Set governance policies, roles, and responsibilities.
Configure:

IAM
Firewalls,
Monitoring tools

Outcome: Proper prep ensures smooth deployment.5. Deploy & Configure CNAPP
Deploy across selected workloads.
Set policies, alerts, dashboards, and automated remediation.
Pilot test on a small set first.
Monitored platform ready for full rollout.6. Integrate with Security Tools
Connect to:

SIEM
Antivirus
IAM, and
other security tools

Enable unified monitoring and response.
Outcome: Seamless threat detection and response.7. Train Teams
Educate IT, security, and DevOps on CNAPP.
Focus on:

Shift-left security
Compliance, and
Automation

Outcome: Teams become skilled and maintain consistent policies.8. Roll Out & Optimize
Deploy gradually.
Monitor performance, refine policies, and optimize.
Keep improving continuously.
Treat CNAPP as a living system for long-term security.

Secure Every Cloud with One Platform

Strategic Considerations for CNAPP Deployment

Successful CNAPP adoption needs more than just technical setup:

Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Cloud Coverage Ensure protection across: Public Private, and Hybrid clouds Consistently manage: Workloads Containers, and Serverless functions

Automation for Efficiency
Automated remediation accelerates: Threat detection Policy enforcement, and Vulnerability mitigation

Integration with DevSecOps
Integrate security into the development process to: Catch issues early Enhance teamwork, and Promote shared responsibility

Continuous Compliance and Threat Response:
Real-time monitoring, alerts, and compliance checks help meet regulations, respond quickly to incidents, and reduce damage.

Real-World Example: Fidelis Halo®

Fidelis Halo® provides the following for businesses seeking a complete CNAPP solution:

Workload Protection: Secures servers, virtual machines, and serverless workloads in real time.

Container Security: Protects container images, runtimes, and tools like Docker and Kubernetes.

CSPM: Finds misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and compliance gaps.

Automated Remediation: Quickly fixes misconfigurations and security issues.

Heartbeat Monitoring: Provides near-real-time insights with minimal impact on performance.

Fidelis Halo® offers cloud-specific capabilities across major platforms:

CloudCapabilities

AzureMonitor VMs, storage, networking, serverless functions, and AD users; enforce CIS and regulatory policiesGCPSecure Compute Engine, Cloud Storage, GKE clusters, serverless functions, and IAM policiesAWSProtect EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, and VPCs with continuous compliance

Overall, Fidelis Halo® streamlines:

CNAPP deploymentDelivering visibility and securityAutomation across both hybrid and multi-cloud environments

Conclusion

Modern cloud security is incomplete without CNAPP. Since cloud-native apps allow businesses to drive agility and scalability, the security risks that come with it cannot be ignored!

With workload protection, container security, runtime monitoring, cloud posture management, and automated resolution, it can help you automate your cloud security processes and ensure top notch protection.

Choosing a CNAPP solution like Fidelis Halo®, will be a great investment for organizations to secure their cloud-native applications efficiently, maintain compliance, reduce operational burden, and moreover innovate confidently across hybrid and multi-cloud setups.

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