ASPM vs. CSPM: Understanding the Key Differences>
Security Boulevard – Julie Peterson
ASPM stands for Application Security Posture Management, while CSPM stands for Cloud Security Posture Management.
Both ASPM and CSPM solutions focus on security risk management, but they have different areas of focus.
ASPM is primarily concerned with securing applications throughout their entire software development lifecycle (SDLC), from code to deployment.
It identifies and addresses code vulnerabilities, exposed APIs, open source or third-party dependencies, Infrastructure as Code (IaC) misconfigurations, and sensitive data flows that could be exploited.
ASPM scans applications using common application security testing (AST) tools like SAST (Static Application Security Testing), SCA (Software Composition Analysis), and secrets scanners.
It also monitors code and build tools to ensure the integrity of software supply chains.
The goal of ASPM is to reduce an organization’s risk by protecting its applications and providing complete visibility into the real-time risk posture.
CSPM, on the other hand, focuses on securing cloud infrastructure.
It assesses an organization’s cloud environments and infrastructure, remediates vulnerabilities, and creates a secure cloud-based environment.
CSPM covers Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS).
Its main concerns are misconfigurations, compliance violations, and risky user behaviors that could compromise the security of the cloud-based system.
CSPM helps organizations manage their cloud asset inventory, monitor compliance, remediate misconfigurations, and detect threats.
Here are some key differences between ASPM and CSPM:
– Scope of Protection: ASPM protects applications throughout the SDLC, focusing on software applications themselves.
CSPM, on the other hand, secures the cloud-based environments in which the applications are deployed, addressing vulnerabilities and misconfigurations specific to the cloud infrastructure.
– Primary Security Concerns: ASPM focuses on code vulnerabilities, exposed APIs, open source or third-party dependencies, and sensitive data flows within applications.
CSPM concerns itself with misconfigurations, compliance violations, and risky user behaviors that could compromise the security of the cloud infrastructure.
– Typical Use Cases: ASPM is used to identify and prioritize application security risks, automate remediation of vulnerabilities, and monitor application security posture over time.
CSPM is utilized to identify and remediate cloud vulnerabilities, fix cloud misconfigurations, and monitor cloud security posture.
– Integration and Synergy: While ASPM and CSPM have distinct focuses, when integrated properly, they can complement each other and enhance an organization’s overall security posture.
Both solutions provide security, compliance monitoring, asset inventory management, automated remediation, and risk reporting.
– Impact on SDLC: Both ASPM and CSPM can have a significant impact on an organization’s software development lifecycle.
They can help identify and meet security requirements early in the SDLC, test the security of infrastructures before deployment, and identify security risks post-deployment.
It’s important for organizations to assess their goals, existing infrastructure, security requirements, and development processes when deciding whether to implement ASPM, CSPM, or a combination of both.
The right approach will depend on the organization’s specific needs and circumstances.
Sources:
– [Cycode: ASPM vs.
CSPM: Understanding the Key Differences](https://cycode.com/blog/aspm-vs-cspm-key-differences/)
– [Cycode: Application Security Posture Management (ASPM): Key Components for Complete Coverage](https://cycode.com/blog/application-security-posture-management-aspm-key-components/)
Link: https://securityboulevard.com/2023/11/aspm-vs-cspm-understanding-the-key-differences/