What is runtime application security all about?

RASP is also referred to as a runtime application self-protection security system. It is a modern form of security technology whose main focus is to identify and isolate threats round the clock. Runtime indicates that the security is operational on a real-time basis on the server and along with the application keeps on running. Normally it has to be deployed at the end of an application deployment process, but this security technology is incorporated into the environment of an application that makes it effective to detect daily threats or attacks. RASP securityrelies on application context along with behaviour to gather data and outline whether an app is performing normally or not. Since it is based on a server where an application thrives, it can detect and block attacks immediately.

The workings and benefits of RASP

In comparison to the normal security tools, RASP is known to use the data of an app as it becomes easy to detect, report, and block attacks. Since RASP is part of an application, the moment a system detects abnormal behaviour in an application, it will automatically isolate it and deal with the issue accordingly. What it means is that the technology can be altered based on the needs of an application.

RASP technology also enables the ability to alert, offer protection, and resolve any form of security issue that depends upon its severity. Let us consider it in this way: rather than serving as a security guard that protects the parameters of your application, RASP is known to serve as a motion detector, and the moment it recognises a security breach, it is going to ring an alarm. Below are some of the benefits of RASP security.

• RASP is known to provide conceptual data about the performance of an app. It is going to provide you with an idea of who is attacking, which are the vulnerable areas, and which applications are likely to be the target.
• Operational in real time—RAS is known to provide protection round the clock that is independent of an administrator. The data that is present in the app is self-protected, so any malicious users will not be able to use it.
• Time-It is a form of technology that is operational without a minimum degree of human intervention. RASP provides a lot to the security team where they are able to focus on tasks that are vital for the day-to-day needs of a business. Even if it is a low-maintenance solution, as the application will be able to protect itself.
• Accuracy-The efficiency or RASP is high when it comes to defending against attacks. The technical people are smart enough to know the difference between an information request and an attack. This is extremely beneficial in reducing the number of false positives.
• Zero-day attacks are detected—the concept of a zero-day attack means that the security attack occurs on the same day as the exploit is detected. Since RASP attacks are operated on a real-time basis, it possesses the ability to detect and block those threats on an instant basis.

The challenges associated with RASP

Below are a series of challenges that are associated with RASP.

• It is relatively new—RASP is a new form of technology, and recently it has made its presence in the security field. The difficult part is that the adoption rate is not high. Since it is young, it continues to be tested, as the app may experience some form of latency with the RASP tech that has not been fine tuned.
• is used within the code of an app. It is necessary to apply RASP with an application code. This is going to make the overhead and upkeep a difficult task. Make it a point that the deployments are well thought out to prevent any negative impact on the performance of your app.
• Figure out the health of your app first. If by any chance an application is defective, RASP is not going to provide help with that. Yes, it may offer protection, but any inherent issues will not be addressed. If you feel that your application requires some work, it is better that you address them first.
• With DevSecOps it works better. It is best if you combine RASP with devesecops in offering protection against all types of vulnerabilities. The onus is on the IT team to properly communicate the triage issues and resolve them at the earliest.
• WAF is something that you may need as well. WAF stands for web application firewall, and may be used in conjunction with RASP for protection of web applications. It is going to do so by inspecting the inbound and outbound traffic and preventing threats from reaching the perimeter.

RASP and its comparison with WaF

There is bound to be a sense of confusion between the terms RASP and WAF. But a careful analysis indicates that both these technologies are different from each other. For a WAF to be effective, it may require a learning method and still not be equipped to deal with new types of attacks. Sometimes they may not have received the new set of rules to deal with the threats. On the other hand, RASP adopts a real-time defence mechanism against various types of threats.

RASP is known to be using the application itself, so it is possible to monitor the environment of an application as it is regularly updated and then developed. Both of them are known to complement each other well, so as to provide a business with a comprehensive and robust security solution. The name of Appsealing comes to mind straight away as it is one of the popular platforms. WASP is going to provide you with visibility of which types of application requests are sent. On the other hand RASP tries to figure out what the application does with those requests. So in such cases if some resorts to the use of a Metaspoilt, it is possible for an app owner to detect the cause of vulnerability.