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What is cloud-native application security?

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Overview

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Cloud-native application security is the practice of protecting applications built using modern cloud-native architectures, including microservices security, containers, serverless functions, and Kubernetes orchestration. It ensures security is embedded across the entire application lifecycle, from code to deployment to runtime, in highly dynamic, distributed environments.

Cloud-native application security

Why is cloud-native application security important?

Cloud-native development enables speed, scalability, and resilience. However, these benefits also introduce new risks and complexities:

  • Expanded attack surface: Microservices and APIs increase entry points for attackers.
  • Configuration risks: Misconfigured containers, Kubernetes clusters, or serverless functions can expose sensitive data.
  • Ephemeral workloads: Traditional perimeter-based security tools can’t keep up with short-lived, dynamic environments.
  • Shared responsibility: Organizations must secure what cloud providers don’t, including workloads, code, and configurations.

Without effective cloud-native security, organizations risk breaches, compliance violations, and loss of trust in critical digital services.

How does it work?

Cloud-native security combines multiple practices and technologies to protect applications across the software supply chain.

Key elements include:

  • Secure development: Integrating SAST, SCA, and IaC security into CI/CD pipelines.
  • Container security: Scanning container images for vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.
  • Kubernetes security: Enforcing policies across clusters and workloads.
  • Runtime protection: Monitoring workloads for suspicious behavior, anomalies, or exploits.
  • API security: Securing communication between microservices and external APIs.
  • Continuous compliance: Automating checks against frameworks like CIS Benchmarks, NIST, and PCI DSS.

Benefits of cloud-native application security

  • Comprehensive coverage: Protects applications across code, build, deployment, and runtime.
  • Developer enablement: Provides security guardrails inside CI/CD workflows.
  • Microservices security: Protect communication between services, enforce least privilege, and detect risks across distributed application architectures.
  • Agility with control: Balance innovation speed with consistent security policies.
  • Resilience: Defend against emerging threats in dynamic, cloud-scale environments.
  • Compliance support: Meet evolving regulations and industry standards.

Cloud-native application security with OpenText Application Security

OpenText delivers end-to-end security for cloud-native applications through its Application Security platform:

  • Integrated testing: SAST, DAST, SCA, and IaC security embedded into developer workflows.
  • Container and Kubernetes security: Detect vulnerabilities and enforce policies across cloud-native stacks.
  • Application security posture management (ASPM): Centralized visibility and risk prioritization across microservices and pipelines.
  • AI-powered insights: OpenText™ Application Security Aviator™ (Fortify) reduces noise and accelerates remediation with contextual guidance.
  • Flexible deployment models: SaaS, private cloud, and on-premises options to meet enterprise needs.

Key takeaways

Cloud-native application security ensures applications built on microservices, containers, and serverless platforms are secure at every stage of the lifecycle—enabling innovation without compromising protection.

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