Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPP) have emerged as the unified approach to cloud security, combining CSPM, CWPP, CIEM, and more into integrated platforms. This ranking evaluates the leading CNAPP solutions for protecting cloud-native applications and infrastructure.

What is CNAPP?

CNAPP converges multiple cloud security capabilities:

ComponentFunction
CSPMCloud Security Posture Management
CWPPCloud Workload Protection Platform
CIEMCloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management
IaC ScanningInfrastructure as Code security
Container SecurityImage scanning, runtime protection
API SecurityCloud API protection

Market overview

MetricValue
Market size (2025)$7.8 billion
Projected (2028)$18.2 billion
CAGR23.6%
Multi-cloud adoption89% of enterprises

Rankings

1. Wiz

AttributeDetails
Category positionLeader
ArchitectureAgentless-first, graph-based
Valuation$12 billion (acquired by Google)
StrengthSpeed of deployment, visualization
ConsiderationPremium pricing

Core capabilities:

  • Agentless deployment in minutes
  • Security graph visualization
  • Attack path analysis
  • Comprehensive multi-cloud support

2. Palo Alto Prisma Cloud

AttributeDetails
Category positionLeader
ArchitectureAgent + agentless hybrid
Key productsPrisma Cloud, Cloud Code
StrengthComprehensive platform, scale
ConsiderationComplexity, multiple acquisitions

Core capabilities:

  • Full CNAPP functionality
  • Code-to-cloud security
  • Runtime protection
  • Extensive compliance frameworks

3. Orca Security

AttributeDetails
Category positionLeader
ArchitectureSideScanning (agentless)
Funding$550M+ raised
StrengthAgentless depth, unified platform
ConsiderationNewer runtime capabilities

Core capabilities:

  • Patented SideScanning technology
  • Context-aware risk prioritization
  • Unified data model
  • Shift-left integration

4. CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security

AttributeDetails
Category positionLeader
ArchitectureAgent-based + agentless
IntegrationFalcon platform unified
StrengthThreat intelligence, XDR integration
ConsiderationAgent deployment required for full value

Core capabilities:

  • Cloud threat intelligence
  • Container runtime protection
  • Unified with endpoint XDR
  • Adversary-focused detection

5. Microsoft Defender for Cloud

AttributeDetails
Category positionLeader
ArchitectureNative Azure + multi-cloud
PricingIncluded with Azure, add-ons
StrengthAzure integration, cost
ConsiderationBest for Microsoft-centric

Core capabilities:

  • Native Azure security
  • Multi-cloud support (AWS, GCP)
  • Defender for Containers
  • Security recommendations

6. Lacework

AttributeDetails
Category positionChallenger
ArchitecturePolygraph behavioral analytics
AcquisitionAcquired by Fortinet (2024)
StrengthAnomaly detection, automation
ConsiderationIntegration with Fortinet ongoing

Core capabilities:

  • Behavioral analytics
  • Automated anomaly detection
  • Build-time to runtime
  • Compliance automation

7. Sysdig

AttributeDetails
Category positionChallenger
ArchitectureRuntime-focused, eBPF
FoundationOpen source (Falco)
StrengthContainer runtime, Kubernetes
ConsiderationLess comprehensive CSPM

Core capabilities:

  • Runtime threat detection
  • Kubernetes-native security
  • Falco-powered detection
  • Forensics and audit

8. Aqua Security

AttributeDetails
Category positionChallenger
ArchitectureFull lifecycle
FoundationOpen source contributions
StrengthContainer security depth
ConsiderationComplexity

Core capabilities:

  • Supply chain security
  • Runtime protection
  • Kubernetes security
  • Cloud VM protection

9. Tenable Cloud Security

AttributeDetails
Category positionChallenger
ArchitectureUnified exposure management
HeritageErmetic + Tenable
StrengthCIEM, identity focus
ConsiderationNewer CNAPP entrant

Core capabilities:

  • Identity-first approach
  • CIEM leadership
  • Attack path analysis
  • Just-in-time access

10. Check Point CloudGuard

AttributeDetails
Category positionNiche
ArchitectureUnified security platform
IntegrationCheck Point ecosystem
StrengthPrevention focus, compliance
ConsiderationLess cloud-native

Core capabilities:

  • Posture management
  • Workload protection
  • Network security
  • AppSec integration

Comparison matrix

VendorCSPMCWPPCIEMIaCContainerAgentless
Wiz★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★
Prisma Cloud★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆
Orca★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★
CrowdStrike★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆★★★☆☆★★★★★★★★☆☆
Microsoft★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆

Selection criteria

By primary use case

Use caseTop picks
Rapid deploymentWiz, Orca
Container/K8s focusSysdig, Aqua, CrowdStrike
Azure-centricMicrosoft Defender
Comprehensive platformPrisma Cloud
Identity/CIEM focusTenable, Wiz

By organization size

SizeRecommendations
EnterprisePrisma Cloud, Wiz, CrowdStrike
Mid-marketOrca, Wiz, Microsoft
Startup/Cloud-nativeWiz, Sysdig, Aqua

Key differentiators

Wiz

  • Fastest time to value
  • Security graph visualization
  • Agentless-first architecture
  • Google acquisition resources

Prisma Cloud

  • Most comprehensive platform
  • Code-to-cloud coverage
  • Palo Alto ecosystem integration
  • Enterprise scale proven

Orca

  • Unique SideScanning technology
  • Unified data model
  • Context-aware prioritization
  • Strong CIEM

CrowdStrike

  • Threat intelligence integration
  • Runtime protection strength
  • Unified with endpoint XDR
  • Adversary-focused approach

Microsoft

  • Native Azure integration
  • Cost-effective for Azure shops
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Continuous improvement

Implementation considerations

Deployment approaches

ApproachBest for
Agentless-firstRapid visibility, low friction
Agent-basedDeep runtime, containers
HybridComprehensive coverage

Integration priorities

IntegrationPurpose
CI/CD pipelineShift-left scanning
SIEM/SOARAlert correlation
TicketingWorkflow automation
Cloud providerNative controls
TrendImpact
CNAPP consolidationSingle platform preference
Agentless normalizationExpected capability
AI-powered remediationAutomated fixes
Code security integrationFull SDLC coverage
Data security (DSPM)Expanding scope

Recommendations

For rapid cloud visibility

Top pick: Wiz

  • Deploys in minutes, immediate insights

For container-heavy environments

Top pick: Sysdig or CrowdStrike

  • Deep runtime protection, K8s native

For Microsoft environments

Top pick: Microsoft Defender for Cloud

  • Native integration, included capabilities

For comprehensive enterprise

Top pick: Prisma Cloud

  • Full platform, proven scale

For identity-first approach

Top pick: Tenable Cloud Security

  • CIEM leadership, identity focus