Experiencing a data breach throws you into a state of panic. The thought of strangers accessing your data is worrisome, especially if it includes your customers' personal information.

It's even more worrisome if you have cybersecurity measures in place already. These measures might be secure in their own rights. The thing is, overzealous hackers always find a way to strike against all odds.

Rather than beat yourself up over the incident, you should be concerned about enhancing your network security with more layers.

This is where Runtime Application Self-Protection comes in. Not familiar with it? Read along to find out more.

What Is Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP)?

Introduced by Gartner in 2012, Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP) is a relatively new security system that prevents hackers from compromising your applications and data.

One of the interesting aspects of RASP is that it offers additional security to whatever cybersecurity measures you have in place. And since it runs on a server, it kicks in whenever your applications start to run.

Once your application starts to run, RASP keeps track of your network's attack surface to detect emerging threats and protect it from any negative internal or external behaviors.

How Does Runtime Application Self-Protection Work?

RASP validates data requests made on your application and improves the overall security of your application.

Inputs made to your network can either make or mar it. In view of this, RASP secures your application by monitoring all inputs and blocking impending attacks. It also protects your data from suspicious changes.

RASP is so effective that it can stop a series of SQL injection instructions targeted at your database. It works in two major modes—diagnostic and protection.

In the diagnostic mode, RASP sounds an alarm, alerting you to a failed attack or letting you know when something is amiss. And when it's in the protection mode, it tries to stop cyber threats targeted at your applications.

There are different ways through which developers can implement RASP, and one of such ways is through function calls usually included in the application's source code. Alternatively, developers can place your application in a wrapper that secures it with the push of a button.

However, function calls are more effective because they enable developers to prioritize the most delicate parts of your web application. Areas like your login, database query, and admin functions usually need the most protection.

It does not matter which method you prefer to use; using RASP is similar to building a firewall for your applications and data.

And on that note, let's move on to the benefits of RASP.

What Are the Benefits of Runtime Application Self-Protection?

It's important to note that RASP works more like software than a network device. As a result of this, it's easier for it to execute numerous security functions—including coding, framework configuration, backend connections, and runtime data flow. All of this information is obtained from the running application.

The benefits of RASP include the following:

1. Provides Visibility

RASP provides you with accurate and visible information about your attacker. With this security measure, you know who your attacker is, the techniques they used, and which of your applications they have targeted. In addition to that, RASP gives you full HTTP and backend details.

2. Activates Instantly

Another benefit of RASP is that it swings into action immediately and runs automatically. You can go about your daily duties without worrying about the security of your system.

As long as your web application is on, you are rest assured that RASP is running in the background. It's programmed to react to even the least harmful threats.

3. Monitors Web Applications

Monitoring a network against cyber attacks with a basic security tool is no small feat. You have to always be on the system to detect malicious moves. But with RASP, it's a lot easier.

Data generated by RASP helps you to formulate suitable policies for further protection and investigation. And these policies can generate log events that show how the conditions of protection are met.

4. Allows Cloud and DevOps Integrations

A single system is insufficient in meeting your business needs in today's tech-driven terrain. You should be able to use a variety of tools seamlessly.

RASP works well with cloud apps, development, and excellent web services. This integration creates smoother operations and enhanced cybersecurity.

5. Offers Lower CapEx and OpEx

RASP is effective in sensing vulnerabilities in your network and reduces the level of false alarms that you get. By extension, it reduces upfront expenses(CapEx) as well as the cost of protecting your application (OpEx). Due to these features, RASP is better than manual patching and web application firewalls (WAF).

6. Provides Custom Solutions

RASP provides solutions to several challenges, and these solutions don't need constant tuning.

Data generated is based on the nature of the threat or attack. When fully analyzed and implemented, you can strengthen your network against similar threats or attacks.

Common Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP) Use Cases

Now that you know what the benefits of RASP are, let us consider common RASP use cases. These are practical ways that you can implement it in securing your system.

Some of the common RASP use cases include:

1. Web Application Protection

Your web application is a powerhouse that stores valuable information. And since it's on the internet, it's vulnerable to a data breach.

Deploying RASP to protect your web application prevents a data breach and other forms of cyberattacks. The impact of data exposure can be devastating. Besides suffering a downtime, your business can face legal suits and settlements.

2. Zero-Day Prevention

You might have put several measures in place to apply patches to your critical assets, but these patches can only be applied after they have been developed and released.

RASP, on the other hand, can be deployed at any time to protect your most valuable assets against zero-day vulnerabilities.

3. Cloud-Based Application Protection

Protecting assets outside your network perimeter, especially cloud-based applications, can be challenging. But with RASP, this is more feasible as it allows you to access and implement relevant data about these assets.

You are more at ease knowing that all your assets are secured even when they aren't directly in your network.

Creating a More Secure Network With RASP

Absolute cybersecurity might be a myth as vulnerabilities are bound to arise. But the tighter your security is, the more difficult it is for attackers to break in.

Besides putting up defenses against cyberattacks, RASP gives you answers to questions that you might have about a possible attack. This is invaluable as it helps you to prevent those attacks from ever happening. Every cyber threat that comes close to your network is an opportunity to create a more secure network. With this mindset, we can say that threats are a learning experience.