Glossary
CSPM and CNAPP are related but distinct cloud security approaches. Here’s how they compare — and where each fits.
Definition
Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) focuses on finding and fixing misconfigurations and exposures in cloud environments. Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) is a broader category that bundles CSPM together with workload protection (CWPP), entitlement management (CIEM) and other capabilities into one platform. In short: CSPM is a capability; CNAPP is a suite that usually includes CSPM. Many organisations start with CSPM and adopt broader CNAPP capabilities over time.
Why it matters
Buyers often conflate the two. Understanding the difference helps you avoid paying for an entire CNAPP suite when focused external CSPM is what closes your most urgent gap — internet-exposed cloud assets.
Comparison
Cloud configuration, exposure and policy compliance across accounts.
CSPM plus workload protection, CIEM, IaC scanning and more.
CSPM: “is my cloud configured securely?” CNAPP: “is my whole cloud-native stack protected?”
CSPM is often agentless; CNAPP typically adds agents for workload protection.
CSPM for fast exposure reduction; CNAPP as the programme matures.
Attack Insights adds the outside-in view both approaches often miss.
How it works
Start by understanding what cloud assets you actually expose to the internet.
Use CSPM to remediate misconfigurations and exposures quickly.
Add CNAPP capabilities (workload, identity) as needs grow.
Keep an external check on real, internet-reachable risk.
Related
FAQ
Not exactly — CNAPP usually includes CSPM as one component, alongside workload protection and other capabilities.
Many organisations use CSPM for cloud exposure and adopt broader CNAPP capabilities over time. External CSPM complements both.
Starting with CSPM delivers fast reduction of internet-exposed cloud risk; CNAPP suits more mature programmes.
Attack Insights provides external, attacker-perspective CSPM that complements internal CNAPP tooling.
Find what’s genuinely reachable in your cloud — from the outside in.
