What is Runtime Application Self-Protection? How does RASP work?

Experiencing a data breach sends you into a state of panic. The fact that strangers have access to your data is scary, especially when it includes personal customer information.

You should be interested in enhancing your network security with more layers. This is where Runtime Application Self-Protection comes in. Let's find out what Runtime Application Self-Protection is and the benefits of using it through the following article!

What is Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP)?

Introduced by Gartner in 2012, Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP) is a relatively new security system intended to prevent hackers from compromising users' applications and data.

One of the cool aspects of RASP is that it provides additional security to any cybersecurity measures you have in place. And since RASP runs on a server, it kicks in whenever applications start running.

Once the application starts running, RASP monitors the network's attack surface to detect emerging threats and protect it from any negative internal or external behavior.

How does Runtime Application Self-Protection work?

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

In view of this, RASP secures your application by monitoring all inputs and preventing impending attacks. It also protects your data from suspicious changes.

RASP is so effective that it can prevent a series of targeted SQL insert instructions from entering the database. It operates in two main modes - diagnostic and protective.

In 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 protected mode, it tries to stop cyber threats from targeting apps.

There are many different ways that developers can implement RASP, and one of them is through function calls that are usually included in the application's source code. In addition, developers can place the application in a wrapper that protects it with the push of a button.

However, function calls are more efficient because they allow developers to prioritize the most sophisticated parts of a web application. Areas such as logins, database queries, and administrative functions typically need the most protection.

It doesn't matter which method you prefer to use; Using RASP is similar to building a firewall for your applications and data.

Benefits of Runtime Application Self-Protection?

It is important to note that RASP acts more like a piece of software than a network device. As a result, it's easier to implement many security functions - including encryption, framework configuration, backend connectivity, and runtime data flows. All this information is obtained from the running application.

The benefits of RASP include:

1. Provide Visibility

RASP gives you accurate and visible information about the attacker. With this security measure, you know who your attackers are, the techniques they used, and which apps were targeted. In addition, RASP gives you full details about HTTP and backend.

2. Instant activation

Another benefit of RASP is that it works right out of the box and runs automatically. You can perform your daily tasks without worrying about the security of the system.

As long as the web application is enabled, you can rest assured that RASP is running in the background. It is programmed to react to even the least harmful threats.

3. Web Application Tracking

Monitoring a network against cyberattacks with a basic security tool is no small task. You must always be on the system to detect malicious moves. But with RASP, things are a lot easier.

The data generated by RASP helps you to form appropriate policies for further protection and investigation. And these policies can generate event logs showing how protection conditions are met.

4. Enable Cloud Integration and DevOps

A single system is not enough to meet business needs in today's conditions. You will be able to use a variety of tools seamlessly.

RASP works well with great cloud applications, development, and web services. This integration results in smoother operations and enhanced network security.

5. Reduces CapEx and OpEx costs

RASP is effective in detecting vulnerabilities in the network and reducing the amount of false alarms you receive. By scaling, it reduces upfront costs (CapEx) as well as application protection costs (OpEx). Because of these features, RASP is better than manual patching and web application firewalls (WAF).

6. Provide customized solutions

RASP provides solutions to a number of challenges, and these solutions do not require constant adjustment.

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

Common use cases of Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP)

Now, you know what the benefits of RASP are. Let's look at common RASP use cases. These are practical ways that you can take to secure your system.

Some common RASP use cases include:

1. Web Application Protection

Your web application is a store of valuable information. And since it's on the Internet, it's vulnerable to a data breach.

Implement RASP to protect web applications against data breaches and other forms of cyberattacks. The impact of data exposure can be devastating. Besides downtime, your business may face legal lawsuits.

2. Zero-day attack prevention

You may have taken some steps to apply patches to your critical assets, but these patches can only be applied after they have been developed and released.

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

3. Cloud-based application protection

Protecting assets outside of the network, especially in cloud-based applications, can be a challenge. But with RASP, this is more possible because it allows you to access and deploy data related to these assets.

You have more peace of mind knowing that all assets are secure even if they are not directly on your network.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 28 December 2021