what is cloud native security

Cloud-native security refers to the approach of securing applications and services that are specifically designed to run in cloud environments, using cloud-native technologies and practices. It focuses on securing the entire lifecycle of cloud applications, from development and deployment to monitoring and scaling, ensuring that security is built-in from the start rather than being added as an afterthought.

Cloud-native security leverages the following key principles:

1. Microservices Architecture: Many cloud-native applications are built using microservices, which are small, independent units of code that communicate over the network. Securing each microservice individually, as well as managing how they interact, is a critical part of cloud-native security.
2. Automation: Cloud-native environments use automation for scaling, deployment, and management. Security controls are automated, allowing for real-time threat detection, response, and patching, which reduces human error and increases efficiency.
3. Containers and Kubernetes: Containers, such as Docker, and orchestration platforms like Kubernetes are commonly used in cloud-native applications. Securing containers and Kubernetes clusters is essential, ensuring that they are properly configured and protected from vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.
4. Identity and Access Management (IAM): Cloud-native security relies heavily on IAM to ensure only authorized users or systems have access to specific resources, including cloud services, data, and applications.
5. Zero Trust Model: With cloud-native security, the Zero Trust security model is often adopted, meaning that trust is never assumed based on location (internal vs external network). Every access request is verified regardless of where it comes from.
6. Visibility and Monitoring: Continuous monitoring and visibility into cloud infrastructure are key to identifying potential threats. This includes monitoring network traffic, user activities, and application performance to detect and mitigate attacks in real-time.

In essence, cloud-native security focuses on securing applications designed for the cloud, using the cloud’s capabilities to automate, scale, and protect resources efficiently.