The Best 9 Cloud Security Tools of 2024

Navigating the sea of CSPM, KSPM, asset management, and cloud data storage secure service tools can be overwhelming- especially when top-tier performance is the goal. The key is to define your specific needs—cloud security isn’t one-size-fits-all. 

In this blog, we’re diving into some of the top cloud-based security tools, such as Wiz, Orca Security, Prisma Cloud, and others, that are popular among cloud security pros. We’ll break down the pros and cons of these cloud security monitoring tools, backed by real-world user feedback. By the end, you’ll understand which cloud security assessment tool might match your organization’s unique risk and compliance needs.

1. Wiz
2. Orca Security
3. Prisma Cloud by Palo Alto Networks
4. Microsoft Defender for Cloud
5. Bitdefender GravityZone Security for Cloud
6. Zscaler
7. InsightCloudSec by Rapid7
8. Ermetic
9. CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security

Top Security Tools for Cloud Computing

1. Wiz

Wiz has rapidly become a powerhouse in cloud security. Known for its comprehensive security posture management and intuitive graph visualization, Wiz enables organizations to effectively detect and prioritize vulnerabilities across their cloud environments.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Provides visibility across multiple cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Graph Visualization: Offers intuitive visual representations of cloud infrastructure and potential attack paths.
• Agentless Architecture: Simplifies deployment and reduces performance overhead.
• Real-Time Alerts: Delivers immediate security insights for rapid response.

Pros:

• Easy to deploy and use.
• Deep visibility and context for security threats.
• Strong in compliance and governance features.

Cons:

• Pricing: Considered premium-priced, which may be a barrier for small to mid-sized organizations.

2. Orca Security

Orca Security continues to impress with its agentless cloud security platform. This tool provides deep visibility into cloud infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive security without the performance overhead typically associated with agent-based solutions.

Key Features:

• Agentless Operation: Scans entire cloud environments without requiring installations on each instance, enabling quick and efficient deployment.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Offers CSPM, KSPM, DSPM, and asset inventory management across AWS, Azure, and GCP.
• Context-Aware Alerting: Prioritizes alerts based on the context and severity, reducing alert fatigue and focusing on critical issues.
• Automated Compliance: Supports various compliance frameworks and automates assessments to ensure continuous compliance.
• Malware Scanning: Includes robust malware detection capabilities to identify and mitigate threats promptly.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Generally more affordable than competitors like Wiz, making it accessible for small to mid-sized organizations.
• Ease of Use: User-friendly interface with descriptive data presentation.
• Fast Deployment: Quick setup due to its agentless nature.
• Dynamic Alert Prioritization: Helps security teams effectively focus on the most pressing threats.

Cons:

• User Activity Monitoring: May have limitations in monitoring user activities across multi-cloud environments compared to some competitors.
• Runtime Protection: Lacks comprehensive container runtime protection, though recent updates may have addressed this.

3. Prisma Cloud by Palo Alto Networks

Prisma Cloud, part of the Palo Alto Networks family, offers a broad range of cloud security services, from workload protection to identity security and compliance.

Key Features:

• All-in-One Platform: Provides CSPM, CWPP, and other essential security services in a single platform.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other Palo Alto products, offering a cohesive security solution.
• Scalability: Designed for large-scale enterprises, capable of managing complex cloud environments across multiple regions.
• User Activity Monitoring: Offers robust monitoring of user activities across various cloud platforms.
• Runtime Protection: Includes comprehensive runtime protection for containers and serverless functions.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Feature Set: Covers a wide array of security needs effectively.
• Strong Technical Capability: Highly regarded for its depth and effectiveness in securing cloud environments.

Cons:

• Pricing: This can be expensive, potentially limiting accessibility for smaller organizations.
• Customer Service: Some users have reported less-than-ideal experiences with customer support.

4. Microsoft Defender for Cloud

Microsoft Defender for Cloud (formerly Azure Security Center) is a native cloud security solution that provides comprehensive resource protection across Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud.

Key Features:

• Integrated Security: Offers seamless integration with Azure services and supports multi-cloud environments.
• Threat Protection: Provides advanced threat detection and response capabilities.
• Compliance Management: Includes built-in compliance assessments and recommendations.
• Vulnerability Management: Identifies and remediates vulnerabilities across various workloads.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Offers competitive pricing, especially for organizations heavily utilizing Azure services.
• Ease of Use: Native integration simplifies deployment and management within Azure environments.
• Continuous Monitoring: Provides real-time monitoring and security recommendations.

Cons:

• Complexity: May require a learning curve to leverage all features, especially in multi-cloud scenarios fully.
• Feature Depth: While comprehensive, some advanced features may not be as mature as those in specialized third-party solutions.

5. Bitdefender GravityZone Security for Cloud

Bitdefender GravityZone offers comprehensive cloud workload protection to secure virtualized and cloud environments effectively.

Key Features:

• Endpoint Protection: Provides robust protection against malware and other threats for cloud-based endpoints.
• Workload Security: Secures workloads across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms.
• Compliance Support: Helps organizations meet various compliance requirements through effective security controls.
• Centralized Management: Offers a unified console for managing security across different environments.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Priced competitively, offering solid security features at a lower cost than competitors.
• Easy Deployment: Simplifies securing cloud workloads with straightforward setup procedures.
• Performance Efficiency: Designed to have minimal impact on system performance.

Cons:

• Feature Depth: This may not offer as extensive CSPM capabilities as specialized cloud security platforms.
• Scalability: Better suited for small to mid-sized organizations; large enterprises may require more advanced features.

6. Zscaler

Zscaler has established itself as a leader in secure cloud transformation. Its cloud-native architecture provides secure internet access for users regardless of their location.

Key Features:

• Zero Trust Security: This system implements a zero-trust model, ensuring that application access is granted based on identity verification.
• Secure Access Service Edge (SASE): Combines networking and security functions delivered via the cloud.
• AI-Powered Threat Detection: Leverages artificial intelligence to detect and mitigate threats in real time.
• Scalability: Ideal for global organizations with a dispersed workforce, offering seamless scalability.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Security: Provides end-to-end security for users and applications.
• High Performance: Ensures fast and secure access to applications and data.
• Flexible Deployment: Supports various deployment scenarios and integrates with various cloud services.

Cons:

• Complexity: Initial setup and configuration can be complex and may require expert assistance.
• Cost: Premium features come at a higher price point, which may not be feasible for smaller organizations.

7. InsightCloudSec by Rapid7

InsightCloudSec is a powerful tool for managing and securing multi-cloud environments. It’s part of Rapid7’s broader suite of security solutions and offers advanced threat detection and response.

Key Features:

• Continuous Monitoring: Provides continuous security and compliance monitoring for cloud infrastructures.
• Automated Remediation: Offers automated remediation capabilities, reducing the time it takes to address vulnerabilities.
• Integration: Integrates seamlessly with existing Rapid7 solutions, providing a unified approach to cloud security.
• Resource Visibility: Delivers comprehensive visibility into cloud resources and their configurations.

Pros:

• Real-Time Insights: Enables proactive security management with up-to-date information.
• Automation: Reduces manual effort through automation of common security tasks.
• Scalable: Suitable for organizations operating in complex, multi-cloud environments.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: May require time and training to use all features effectively.
• Pricing: Costs can add up, especially when integrating multiple Rapid7 services.

8. Ermetic

Ermetic is an up-and-comer in the cloud-native application protection platform (CNAPP) space, excelling in cloud security governance, risk management, and compliance.

Key Features:

• Identity-First Security: Focuses on managing identities and permissions, reducing the attack surface by preventing unauthorized access.
• Compliance Reporting: Provides detailed compliance reports, helping organizations meet regulatory requirements.
• Deep Visibility: Offers comprehensive visibility into cloud environments, identifying risks related to overprivileged identities and misconfigurations.

Pros:

• Granular Control: Enables detailed management of access rights and permissions.
• Risk Reduction: Effectively reduces potential attack vectors by enforcing least-privilege principles.
• User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies complex identity and access management tasks.

Cons:

• Scope: Primarily focused on identity and access management; may need to be supplemented with additional security tools for comprehensive coverage.
• Pricing: Advanced features may come at a premium cost.

9. CrowdStrike Falcon Horizon

CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security is a cloud-native platform built to secure workloads, containers, and applications. It offers threat detection, incident response, and visibility across multi-cloud environments. With a focus on reducing manual security work and enhancing proactive monitoring, Falcon Cloud Security is a popular solution for enterprises seeking comprehensive, automated protection.

Key Features:

• AI-Powered Detection: Uses advanced algorithms to detect threats across cloud workloads, improving accuracy and minimizing manual intervention.
• Enhanced Visibility: Provides deep visibility into the attack process chain and incident details, simplifying threat tracking.
• Identity Protection: Monitors and alerts on suspicious identity-based activity, ensuring user behaviors are secure across cloud domains.
• Network Segmentation: Includes host-level firewalls that support network segmentation to contain threats within specific cloud areas.
• Scalability and Integration: Designed to integrate with existing security systems and scale across large, complex environments.

Pros:

• High Detection Accuracy: Falcon’s AI-driven detection is known for its reliable identification of malicious activity, aiding rapid response.
• Efficient Security Management: With automated responses and thorough visibility, it reduces operational load, making cloud security management easier for security teams.
• Adaptable to Large Environments: Scales efficiently in multi-cloud setups, supporting large organizations needing a versatile solution.

Cons:

• Cost: Falcon’s pricing can be high, potentially placing it out of reach for smaller businesses.
• Complexity: Some users report slow support responses and would prefer a unified dashboard to simplify navigation across security tools.

Choosing the Right Cloud Security Tool for Your Business

Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific requirements and how well a tool aligns with your organization’s goals and resources. Whether you choose one of the popular solutions we’ve discussed or explore how Centraleyes can enhance your security strategy, the key is finding a fit that maximizes value and supports your team’s efficiency and effectiveness in managing cloud security risks.