As technology evolves, businesses collect, store, and manage vast amounts of data every year. Since the lockdown, remote work has gained popularity, and plenty of companies have adopted the cloud. While remote work brings plenty of benefits for employees and employers, it also has a downside. Much sensitive data is now being accessed and managed outside the office, in places where companies have less control.
Because of this, businesses have started rethinking their security setup. Many already use cloud storage, but usually only to a certain extent. There’s still some hesitation in the IT world about how secure the cloud is. Many still question how secure and effective cloud storage is. As a result, some businesses stick with traditional security methods or use a combination of both.
That’s where the cloud native application protection platform (CNAPP) comes in. CNAPP is built to secure every phase of a cloud-native application’s lifecycle.
In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of traditional versus cloud-native security and explain why CNAPP is becoming the more intelligent choice for modern businesses.
| Feature | CNAPP | Traditional Security |
| Environment | Built for cloud-native environments | Designed for on-premise systems |
| Security Coverage | End-to-end (infrastructure to applications) | Focused on network perimeter |
| Monitoring | Real-time, continuous | Periodic, often manual |
| Automation | High – integrates with CI/CD and DevOps | Low – relies on manual processes |
| Scalability | Automatically scales with cloud resources | Limited by physical infrastructure |
| Tool Integration | Unified platform with built-in features | Multiple siloed tools |
| DevSecOps Support | Actively supports shift-left security practices | Typically separated from development |
| Compliance Tools | Built-in and automated | Requires manual setup and monitoring |
| Maintenance | Minimal, cloud-managed | High, requires in-house IT teams |
Understanding CNAPP and Traditional Security and How They Differ
Before diving deeper, let’s take a closer look at what CNAPP and traditional security mean. Understanding the basics of both approaches will help you see how they compare and where each one fits best.
What is CNAPP?
A cloud native application protection platform (CNAPP) is there to protect cloud-native apps at every step, from building to running in production. It stands out because it brings security and compliance together in one easy-to-manage system. CNAPP merges security and compliance into a single platform that’s easier to manage and scale.
Here’s what CNAPP typically offers:
- Complete lifecycle protection from code to runtime
- Unified security and compliance in one platform
- Visibility into risks and misconfigurations
- Real-time monitoring across multiple cloud environments
- Built-in support for secure development workflows
- Cross-team integration between development, operations, and security
It works across all major cloud service providers, so your security operations remain consistent no matter what platform you’re using.
Some companies also use a VPN with a free trial to help secure remote employee access, keeping sensitive data encrypted even on public networks.
What is Traditional Security?
Most companies used traditional security before the cloud became popular. It means setting up and running all your IT equipment in your office. You’re using the usual tools like firewalls, antivirus software, and systems that detect suspicious activity. These have been around for a long time and are still used in many businesses today.
At first, it might feel like you have more control with this setup. But in reality, you’re also taking on all the responsibility. That includes the cost of getting everything up and running, regular upkeep and unexpected repairs along the way. And those costs can build up quickly.
Why? Because as your data grows, you’ll need more machines to handle it. More machines mean more in-house IT staff to manage and maintain everything.
Now, let’s look at some of the other challenges that come with traditional security.
What are the Limitations of Traditional Security?
Traditional security has been around for a long time, and it got the job done for a while. But the way businesses work today has changed. With remote teams and cloud-based systems becoming the norm, these older methods are falling behind. They were built for office-based setups, not for the flexible, fast-moving world we’re in now.
1. Perimeter-Based Models Don’t Work Anymore
Traditional security is built around the idea that threats come from outside your network. That worked when everything was in one physical location. But in the cloud, there’s no clear perimeter. People are logging in from all over the world, using different devices and networks. A model based on walls and borders just doesn’t hold up anymore.
2. Hard to See What’s Really Going On
Many traditional tools just weren’t built for the pace of the cloud. Things change quickly, and these systems often can’t keep up. If you don’t have a clear, real-time view of what’s going on, it’s easy to miss something important. And when you’re in the dark, fixing a problem is hard until it’s already caused damage.
3. Manual Work Slows Everything Down
Many traditional systems still depend on manual tasks like scanning for vulnerabilities or applying security rules. That takes time and often slows down the whole development process. Plus, the more people involved, the higher the chance of someone making a mistake.
4. Tools That Don’t Talk to Each Other
A lot of older security tools work in isolation. Most of these tools don’t play well with others. They weren’t designed to connect or share data with other systems. That makes it challenging to see everything in one place. And when something breaks, you’re stuck trying to connect the dots instead of jumping straight into a fix.
How Can CNAPP Solve These Problems?
CNAPP stands out because it’s made with cloud environments in mind. It doesn’t just protect one part of your setup. It takes care of everything from your cloud setup to the apps running on it. It works in real time, spotting misconfigurations, unusual activity, or anything else that could lead to a security issue.
One of the best things about CNAPP is its automation, which saves time. It fits smoothly into your DevOps workflows and CI/CD pipelines without getting in the way. Security checks run on their own throughout the entire development process. This saves your team time and helps catch issues before they become real problems. The idea behind this is called “shift-left” security. It means bringing security into the development process early instead of waiting until the end.
CNAPP pulls several key features into one platform, so you’re not jumping between different tools. It includes:
- Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) to constantly check for and fix misconfigurations
- Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP) to protect workloads running across different cloud services
- Application security tools that keep your code and apps safe from start to finish
Instead of dealing with separate tools that don’t work together, CNAPP gives you a single, streamlined solution where everything is designed to run in sync.
What Are the Key Advantages of CNAPP Over Traditional Security?
One of the biggest things that sets CNAPP apart is how well it covers your entire cloud environment.
Whether you’re using AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or all three, CNAPP keeps your systems protected across the board. It offers smarter, context-aware security that grows with your business. As your systems scale, CNAPP scales with you without requiring manual adjustments.
Another key benefit is how well CNAPP supports DevSecOps. It helps create a culture where everyone plays a role in keeping things secure, not just the IT team. When security is built into daily workflows, developing safer applications becomes easier and faster.
Keeping Compliance Simple
CNAPP also makes it easier to keep up with industry regulations. Further, it has built-in tools that will help you comply with HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS.
These checks run automatically in the background and give you the reports you need when it’s time to show you’re following the rules. It takes the pressure off your team, keeps things organized, and helps avoid unnecessary fines or last-minute scrambles.
| Want to learn more about cloud-native security? Check out the Cloud Security Alliance for expert tips, research, and best practices. |
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Business
By now, you’ve got a clearer picture of what traditional security and CNAPP bring. As more companies move to the cloud, CNAPP is helping them stay protected while keeping up with the speed of modern tech.
Still, every business is different. Some may benefit from sticking with what they know, while others are ready to switch to something more cloud-friendly. The best choice is the one that fits your team, your tools, and the way you work.
FAQs on CNAPP vs Traditional Security
Can CNAPP work with any cloud provider?
Yes. CNAPP works across all major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Everything is protected in one place, whether using one or mixing a few.
Is CNAPP the same as CSPM or CWPP?
Not quite. CSPM and CWPP are part of what CNAPP offers, but CNAPP brings them together under one roof. So, instead of managing multiple tools, you get one system that does everything.
Is CNAPP useful for small businesses?
Even small teams can benefit from CNAPP. It takes care of the heavy lifting of security and helps you stay compliant without needing a big IT staff.
Muninder Adavelli is a core team member and Digital Growth Strategist at Techjury. With a strong background in marketing and a deep understanding of technology's role in digital marketing, he brings immense value to the TechJury team.