In the world of DevOps, RASP, or Runtime Application Self Protection, is a critical security measure that is gaining increasing recognition for its ability to provide real-time protection to applications. This glossary entry will delve into the intricate details of RASP, its history, its role in DevOps, and specific examples of its use.
RASP is a security technology that is built or linked into an application or application runtime environment, and is capable of controlling application execution. But to truly understand its value, we need to dissect its various aspects and delve into its roots.
Definition of RASP
RASP, or Runtime Application Self Protection, is a security technology that is designed to detect and prevent real-time application attacks. It does this by working from within the application itself, rather than from the outside, as is the case with traditional security measures such as firewalls.
By integrating into the application or the application's runtime environment, RASP has a unique vantage point. It can see the data flow, the event path, the configuration settings, the file system, and even the cryptographic operations. This gives it the ability to identify and block attacks in real time, with a high degree of accuracy.
How RASP Works
RASP works by embedding or linking security into the application or application runtime environment. This allows it to have a deep understanding of the application's behavior, context, and data flow. When an application with RASP runs, RASP monitors the application's inputs, behavior, and outputs in real time.
If RASP detects an attack, it can take a variety of actions. It can terminate the user session, stop the execution of a task, alert the user or system administrator, or even alter the application's behavior to make the attack ineffective. The specific action taken depends on the nature of the attack and the configuration of RASP.
History of RASP
The concept of RASP was first introduced by Gartner, a leading research and advisory company, in 2012. The aim was to create a security measure that could provide better protection for applications, particularly in the context of the increasing prevalence of high-profile application attacks.
Since then, RASP has evolved and matured, with a growing number of organizations adopting it as part of their security strategy. It has proven particularly useful in the context of DevOps, where the speed of development and deployment can often outpace traditional security measures.
Evolution of RASP
Over the years, RASP has evolved to become more sophisticated and effective. Early versions of RASP were primarily focused on identifying and blocking SQL injection attacks and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. However, modern RASP solutions are capable of protecting against a much wider range of attacks, including command injection attacks, data leakage, and even zero-day exploits.
Furthermore, modern RASP solutions have also become more flexible and easier to implement. They can be integrated into the application in various ways, including through the use of APIs, software libraries, or even as a standalone server.
Use Cases of RASP
RASP has a wide range of use cases, particularly in the context of DevOps. In a DevOps environment, the speed of development and deployment can often outpace traditional security measures. RASP can help bridge this gap by providing real-time protection for applications, without slowing down the development process.
One common use case for RASP is in protecting web applications. Web applications are often targeted by attackers due to their accessibility and the valuable data they often handle. RASP can protect web applications from a wide range of attacks, including SQL injection attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, and even zero-day exploits.
Examples of RASP Use
One specific example of RASP use is in the financial sector. Banks and other financial institutions often handle sensitive data and are therefore prime targets for attackers. By integrating RASP into their applications, these institutions can provide real-time protection for their applications, without impacting the user experience or the speed of development.
Another example is in the healthcare sector. Healthcare providers often use applications to handle patient data, schedule appointments, and perform other critical tasks. These applications can be protected by RASP, ensuring that patient data remains secure and that the applications remain available and functional, even in the face of an attack.
Conclusion
In conclusion, RASP is a powerful security measure that can provide real-time protection for applications. It is particularly valuable in a DevOps context, where the speed of development and deployment can often outpace traditional security measures.
By understanding the intricacies of RASP, its history, and its use cases, organizations can better appreciate its value and make informed decisions about its implementation. As application attacks continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, the role of RASP in application security is likely to become even more critical.