GigaOm Key Criteria for Evaluating Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPPs)v1.0

1. Executive Summary

Cloud-native application protection platforms (CNAPPs) are comprehensive security solutions designed to safeguard cloud-native applications and workloads throughout their entire lifecycle. These platforms integrate various security capabilities, including cloud security posture management (CSPM), cloud workload protection platforms (CWPP), and cloud infrastructure entitlement management (CIEM), into a unified solution. CNAPPs are crucial for organizations embracing cloud-native architectures, as they address the distinct security challenges posed by dynamic, distributed environments. They matter most to enterprises operating in regulated industries, those managing complex cloud infrastructures, and organizations prioritizing DevSecOps practices.

The CNAPP market has evolved rapidly in response to the increasing adoption of cloud-native technologies and the growing complexity of cloud environments. While initially centered on container and Kubernetes security, CNAPPs have expanded their capabilities to address emerging challenges, such as serverless security, API protection, and supply chain vulnerabilities. As organizations continue to adopt multicloud and hybrid cloud strategies, CNAPPs are evolving to offer unified security across diverse environments.

Looking ahead, CNAPPs are expected to incorporate more advanced AI and machine learning capabilities for improved threat detection and automated response. Integration with DevOps tools and processes will deepen, further embedding security into the development lifecycle. Additionally, CNAPPs will likely expand their focus on securing emerging technologies, such as edge computing and 5G networks.

CNAPPs represent a pivotal evolution in cloud security, providing organizations the comprehensive protection needed in today’s complex, cloud-native world. As cloud adoption accelerates and cyber threats become more sophisticated, CNAPPs will play an increasingly vital role in maintaining robust security postures and enabling secure digital transformation.

Business Imperative
From a CxO perspective, adopting a CNAPP is essential for several reasons. First, it provides a holistic view of the organization’s cloud security posture, enabling better risk management and decision-making. Second, CNAPPs help streamline security operations, reducing costs and improving efficiency. Third, they enable faster, more secure application development and deployment, which support digital transformation initiatives. Finally, CNAPPs assist in maintaining compliance with various regulatory requirements, thereby mitigating the risk of costly data breaches and regulatory fines.

Sector Adoption Score
To help executives and decision-makers assess the potential impact and value of a CNAPP deployment to the business, this GigaOm Key Criteria report provides a structured assessment of the sector across five factors: benefit, maturity, urgency, impact, and effort. By scoring each factor based on how strongly it encourages or discourages CNAPP adoption, we provide an overall Sector Adoption Score (Figure 1) of 4.2 out of 5, with 5 indicating the strongest possible recommendation. This indicates that a CNAPP is a viable candidate for deployment and deserves serious consideration.

The factors contributing to the Sector Adoption Score for CNAPP are explained in more detail in the Sector Brief section that follows.

Figure 1. Sector Adoption Score for CNAPP

This is the first year that GigaOm has reported on the CNAPP space in the context of our Key Criteria and Radar reports. This GigaOm Key Criteria report highlights the capabilities (table stakes, key features, and emerging features) and nonfunctional requirements (business criteria) for selecting an effective CNAPP. The companion GigaOm Radar report identifies vendors and products that excel in those decision criteria. Together, these reports provide an overview of the market, identify leading CNAPP offerings, and help decision-makers evaluate these solutions so they can make a more informed investment decision.