A cloud provider’s native CSPM tool can be a suitable option under specific circumstances. Here are some situations when it might be appropriate to opt for the native CSPM tool provided by your CSP:
- Simplicity and ease of integration: If your organization primarily uses a single cloud provider for most of its cloud services, the native CSPM tool can offer a straightforward and integrated solution. Since it is developed by the cloud provider, it seamlessly integrates with their services, reducing the complexity of setting up and managing security configurations.
- Basic security needs: If your cloud environment is relatively small or straightforward, and you require only basic security features, the native CSPM tool might be sufficient to meet your requirements. Cloud providers often offer essential security checks and best practice recommendations that can help you address common security issues.
- Cost efficiency: Some cloud providers include basic CSPM features as part of their service offerings without additional costs. If budget is a significant concern and the native CSPM tool provides the necessary security checks, it can be a cost-effective option. For example, Oracle Cloud has recently launched Cloud Guard as a free CSPM tool for their specific environments.
- Vendor trust and support: Native CSPM tools are developed and supported by the cloud provider itself. If your organization has a strong relationship with the cloud provider and trusts their security capabilities, using their native CSPM tool can provide a sense of confidence in the overall security of the cloud environment.
- Leveraging cloud ecosystem features: Native CSPM tools are designed to work seamlessly with other cloud-native services and features. If your organization intends to take advantage of specific cloud ecosystem features or services, the native CSPM tool might complement them more effectively.
- Limited integration requirements: If you don’t have a complex security infrastructure and your organization doesn’t require extensive integrations with other security tools or platforms, the native CSPM tool can be a straightforward choice.
Overall, it would be a wise decision to use a cloud-native CSPM tool when an organization primarily uses a single cloud provider, their cloud environment is simple, the cost is a significant factor, and the organization can work within the limitations of the cloud provider’s native CSPM offering.