Introduction
Modern organizations face an uphill battle managing cloud security in 2025. With multi-cloud architectures and fast-paced DevOps, misconfigurations can slip through and expose critical assets. Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tools have emerged as essential allies – continuously auditing cloud environments for risks, enforcing best practices, and simplifying compliance. This year has seen CSPM solutions evolve with advanced automation and AI-driven remediation to keep up with cloud sprawl and sophisticated threats.
In this guide, we cover the top CSPM tools to help your team secure AWS, Azure, GCP, and more. We start with a comprehensive list of the most trusted CSPM solutions, then break down which tools are best for specific use cases like developers, enterprises, startups, multi-cloud setups, and more. Skip to the relevant use case below if you'd like.
What is Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)?
Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) refers to a class of security tools that continuously monitor and evaluate your cloud infrastructure for misconfigurations, compliance violations, and security risks. These tools automatically scan across environments like AWS, Azure, and GCP, comparing configurations against industry best practices and frameworks such as CIS Benchmarks, SOC 2, and ISO 27001.
Rather than relying on manual reviews or occasional audits, CSPM tools operate continuously—giving security and DevOps teams real-time visibility and alerting to potential exposures. Many modern CSPMs also include automation for fixing issues, whether through AI-generated remediations or direct integrations with developer pipelines.
Why You Need CSPM Tools
In today’s fast-moving, cloud-native environments, CSPM is a critical component of any security strategy. Here’s why:
- Prevent Misconfigurations: Detect insecure configurations (like open S3 buckets, overly permissive IAM roles, or unencrypted storage) before they become breach vectors.
- Ensure Compliance: Automate alignment with regulatory frameworks like SOC 2, PCI-DSS, NIST, and CIS Benchmarks. Generate audit-ready reports on demand.
- Improve Visibility: Get a centralized view of cloud assets and misconfigs across providers—useful for multi-cloud environments.
- Automate Remediation: Save engineering time by auto-fixing IaC or runtime issues, or pushing alerts to tools like Jira or Slack.
- Scale Securely: As your infrastructure scales, CSPMs ensure your security controls keep up—essential for SaaS companies and fast-growing teams.
Read more about real-world CSPM incidents in this Verizon DBIR report or check out how misconfigs remain the top cloud risk according to Cloud Security Alliance.
How to Choose a CSPM Tool
Picking the right CSPM platform depends on your stack, team structure, and regulatory needs. Here are some key things to look for:
- Cloud Coverage: Does it support the platforms you use—AWS, Azure, GCP, and beyond?
- CI/CD & IaC Integration: Can it scan Terraform, CloudFormation, and integrate into your CI/CD pipeline?
- Compliance Support: Are common standards preconfigured (SOC 2, ISO, HIPAA), and can you build your own policies?
- Alert Quality: Does it provide actionable, low-noise alerts—ideally with context-aware prioritization?
- Scalability & Pricing: Can it grow with your team, and does it offer fair pricing (or a free tier)?
Want an all-in-one platform with IaC scanning, posture management, and AI remediation? Aikido’s scanners cover it all.
Top Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) Tools in 2025
Our picks below aren’t ranked but represent the most widely used and trusted CSPM solutions for various needs. Each section includes a link to the tool's homepage for quick access.
1. Aikido Security
Aikido is an all-in-one platform that combines CSPM with code, container, and IaC scanning. Designed for dev-first security, it delivers instant cloud misconfiguration detection and remediation.
Key features:
- Unified code-to-cloud security view
- Agentless cloud scanning across AWS, Azure, GCP
- Context-aware prioritization of misconfigs
- AI-powered one-click autofix
- CI/CD and Git integration
Best for: Startups and dev teams looking for an intuitive platform to secure code and cloud fast.
Pricing: Free tier available; paid plans scale with usage.
“We replaced three tools with Aikido – it’s fast, clear, and dev-friendly.” — CTO on G2
2. Aqua Security
Aqua combines CSPM with runtime protection across containers, serverless, and cloud VMs. Backed by open-source tools like Trivy and CloudSploit, it's ideal for DevSecOps teams.
Key features:
- Real-time posture visibility
- IaC scanning and container security
- Multi-cloud support with automated policy enforcement
- Integration with CI/CD and ticketing systems
- Compliance mapping (CIS, PCI, ISO)
Best for: Teams running cloud-native apps and Kubernetes in production.
Pricing: Free open-source options available; enterprise pricing on request.
“The CSPM visibility is fantastic — integrates well with our CI pipelines.” — DevSecOps Lead on Reddit
3. BMC Helix Cloud Security
Part of the BMC Helix suite, this tool automates cloud compliance and security via policy-driven governance across AWS, Azure, and GCP.
Key features:
- Auto-remediation of violations
- Prebuilt policies aligned to major frameworks
- Continuous compliance dashboards
- Tight integration with BMC ITSM
- Unified multicloud security reporting
Best for: Enterprises needing automated compliance and tight workflow integration.
Pricing: Enterprise-focused, contact for details.
“Very minimal effort to onboard – provides full posture view across clouds.” — IT Ops Manager on G2
4. Check Point CloudGuard
CloudGuard is Check Point’s CNAPP offering with CSPM built-in. It pairs configuration scanning with threat detection using its ThreatCloud intelligence engine.
Key features:
- 400+ out-of-the-box compliance policies
- CloudBots for automated remediation
- Attack path and exposure analysis
- Threat detection with integrated firewall protection
- Multi-cloud dashboard
Best for: Enterprises using Check Point firewall/endpoint tools seeking unified cloud and network security.
Pricing: Tiered plans available through Check Point reps.
“Policy enforcement across all clouds in one place. Love the visualizations too.” — Cloud Security Architect on Reddit
5. CloudCheckr (Spot by NetApp)
CloudCheckr blends cost optimization and CSPM in one platform. It’s widely used by MSPs and enterprise SecOps teams for cloud governance.
Key features:
- 500+ best practice checks
- Detailed compliance scorecards
- Custom policy engine
- Real-time alerts and automated reports
- Cost management + security insights
Best for: MSPs and teams balancing security with cloud spend optimization.
Pricing: Based on cloud usage/spend; contact sales.
“Security and cost visibility in one tool – huge time saver.” — SecOps Lead on G2
6. CloudSploit
Originally a standalone open-source project, now maintained by Aqua Security, CloudSploit offers agentless scanning of cloud environments for misconfigurations.
Key features:
- Open-source and community-driven
- Scans AWS, Azure, GCP, and OCI
- Maps findings to CIS Benchmarks
- JSON/CSV outputs for easy integration
- CLI and CI/CD support
Best for: DevOps teams needing a simple, scriptable scanner to validate cloud posture.
Pricing: Free (open-source); SaaS version available via Aqua.
“Lightweight, fast, and surprisingly deep for a free tool.” — DevOps Engineer on Reddit
7. CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security
Falcon Cloud Security blends CSPM with runtime threat detection powered by CrowdStrike’s market-leading EDR and XDR tech.
Key features:
- Unified CSPM and workload protection
- Real-time threat detection with AI
- Identity risk analysis (CIEM)
- Posture scoring across cloud and container environments
- Integration with CrowdStrike Falcon platform
Best for: Security teams looking to combine misconfig detection with breach prevention.
Pricing: Enterprise-grade; contact CrowdStrike.
“Finally, a CSPM with real detection capabilities, not just another checklist.” — Security Analyst on X
8. Ermetic
Ermetic is an identity-first cloud security platform combining CSPM with powerful CIEM capabilities across AWS, Azure, and GCP.
Key features:
- Maps cloud identity risks and attack paths
- Least-privilege policy automation
- Continuous cloud misconfiguration monitoring
- Rich compliance reporting
- Visual asset relationship mapping
Best for: Enterprises with complex identity architectures across multi-cloud environments.
Pricing: Enterprise SaaS, tailored to asset volume.
“We uncovered toxic permissions we didn’t know existed — Ermetic nailed that.” — Cloud Architect on Reddit
9. Fugue (now part of Snyk Cloud)
Fugue focuses on policy-as-code and drift detection. It’s now part of Snyk Cloud, integrating IaC scanning with CSPM for a complete DevSecOps flow.
Key features:
- Regula-based policy-as-code enforcement
- Drift detection between IaC and deployed cloud
- Visualization of cloud resources and relationships
- Prebuilt compliance frameworks
- CI/CD integration and PR feedback
Best for: Developer-centric orgs embracing GitOps or policy-as-code workflows.
Pricing: Included in Snyk Cloud plans.
“We catch misconfigs before they go live. It’s like a linter for cloud infra.” — Platform Engineer on G2
10. JupiterOne
JupiterOne offers CSPM via a graph-based asset management approach. It builds a knowledge graph of all cloud assets and relationships to identify risks.
Key features:
- Graph-based query engine (J1QL)
- Asset discovery across clouds, SaaS, and code repos
- Relationship-aware misconfig detection
- Built-in compliance packs
- Free community tier available
Best for: Security teams who want full visibility and flexible querying across sprawling environments.
Pricing: Free tier available; paid plans scale with asset volume.
“JupiterOne made asset visibility click for our team. J1QL is powerful.” — SecOps Lead on G2
11. Lacework
Lacework is a CNAPP platform offering CSPM alongside anomaly detection and workload protection. Its Polygraph Data Platform maps behaviors across your cloud to surface threats and misconfigurations.
Key features:
- Continuous configuration monitoring across AWS, Azure, GCP
- ML-powered anomaly detection with visual storyline mapping
- Agentless workload protection (containers, VMs)
- Compliance assessments and automated reports
- API and DevOps-friendly integrations
Best for: Teams that want CSPM combined with threat detection and minimal alert fatigue.
Pricing: Enterprise pricing; contact Lacework.
“The visual Polygraph alone is worth it — it connects the dots between findings better than any other tool we tried.” — Staff Security Engineer on Reddit
12. Microsoft Defender for Cloud
Microsoft Defender for Cloud is Azure’s built-in CSPM, extended with integrations for AWS and GCP. It gives you posture management, compliance checks, and threat detection in one pane.
Key features:
- Secure Score for cloud posture evaluation
- Misconfiguration detection across Azure, AWS, GCP
- Integration with Microsoft Defender XDR and Sentinel SIEM
- One-click remediation and automated recommendations
- Built-in support for CIS, NIST, PCI-DSS
Best for: Azure-first organizations looking for seamless, native posture management and threat protection.
Pricing: Free tier for CSPM; paid plans for threat protection by resource.
“We track our Secure Score weekly across teams — super effective for driving improvements.” — CISO on G2
13. Prisma Cloud (Palo Alto Networks)
Prisma Cloud is a comprehensive CNAPP that includes robust CSPM, IaC scanning, and workload security. It covers the entire lifecycle from code to cloud.
Key features:
- Real-time cloud posture monitoring
- Risk prioritization using AI and data context
- Infrastructure as Code and CI/CD integration
- Identity & access analysis, attack path visualization
- Broad compliance and policy packs
Best for: Enterprises running complex multi-cloud environments and requiring deep visibility and coverage.
Pricing: Modular plans; enterprise-focused.
“It replaced four tools for us — we manage everything from posture to runtime threats in one place.” — DevSecOps Manager on G2
14. Prowler
Prowler is an open-source security auditing tool focused primarily on AWS. It checks your infrastructure against best practices and regulatory frameworks.
Key features:
- 250+ checks mapped to CIS, PCI, GDPR, HIPAA
- Focused AWS CLI tool with JSON/HTML output
- Multi-cloud support expanding (basic Azure/GCP)
- Easy CI/CD pipeline integration
- Prowler Pro available for SaaS reporting
Best for: DevOps engineers and AWS-heavy orgs needing customizable, open-source scanning.
Pricing: Free (open-source); Prowler Pro is paid.
“No-nonsense AWS auditing that just works — a must-have in your pipeline.” — Cloud Engineer on Reddit
15. Sonrai Security
Sonrai combines CSPM with CIEM and data security, emphasizing cloud identity governance and sensitive data exposure prevention.
Key features:
- Identity relationship and privilege risk analysis
- Sensitive data discovery across cloud storage
- CSPM and compliance auditing
- Automation for least-privilege enforcement
- Multicloud and hybrid support
Best for: Enterprises focused on identity governance, compliance, and protecting cloud-resident sensitive data.
Pricing: Enterprise SaaS; contact sales.
“Sonrai made it easy to map who can access what and why — our auditors love it.” — Security Compliance Officer on G2
16. Tenable Cloud Security (Accurics)
Tenable Cloud Security (formerly Accurics) focuses on IaC scanning, drift detection, and posture management. It fits well into GitOps and DevSecOps pipelines.
Key features:
- Infrastructure as code scanning and policy enforcement
- Drift detection between code and deployed resources
- Misconfiguration detection and compliance tracking
- Auto-generated IaC remediations (e.g., Terraform)
- Integration with Tenable.io and vulnerability data
Best for: DevOps teams needing pre-deployment and runtime posture checks tied to IaC.
Pricing: Part of Tenable platform; usage-based pricing.
“Great complement to Tenable’s vuln tools — keeps cloud configs in check too.” — SecOps Manager on G2
17. Zscaler Posture Control
Zscaler Posture Control brings CSPM to Zscaler’s Zero Trust Exchange. It blends posture, identity, and vulnerability context to highlight real risks.
Key features:
- Unified CSPM and CIEM
- Threat correlation across misconfigs, identities, and workloads
- Continuous scanning for AWS, Azure, and GCP
- Policy-based enforcement and remediation
- Integrated with Zscaler’s broader Zero Trust ecosystem
Best for: Zscaler customers seeking native posture insights aligned to Zero Trust strategies.
Pricing: Add-on to Zscaler platform; enterprise-focused.
“We finally got posture visibility tied into our zero trust model.” — Network Security Lead on G2
Best CSPM Tools for Developers
Developer Needs: Fast feedback in CI/CD, low-noise alerts, and integrations with GitHub, Terraform, or IDEs.
Key Criteria:
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) scanning
- Developer-friendly UI and APIs
- GitOps and CI/CD compatibility
- Autofix or actionable remediation guidance
- Clear ownership and minimal false positives
Top Picks:
- Aikido Security: Easy setup, AI-based autofix, and built for developers. Integrates directly with CI and GitHub.
- Fugue (Snyk Cloud): Policy-as-code with Regula; ideal for teams using Terraform and GitOps.
- Prisma Cloud: Full code-to-cloud scanning and IDE integration.
- Prowler: Simple CLI tool that devs can run locally or in pipelines.
Best CSPM Tools for Enterprise
Enterprise Needs: Multi-cloud visibility, compliance reporting, role-based access, and workflow integration.
Key Criteria:
- Multi-account, multi-cloud support
- Built-in compliance frameworks
- Role-based access control (RBAC)
- SIEM/ITSM integrations
- Scalable pricing and vendor support
Top Picks:
- Prisma Cloud: Covers posture, runtime, and compliance at scale.
- Check Point CloudGuard: Multi-cloud governance and deep policy enforcement.
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud: Native Azure coverage plus AWS/GCP.
- Ermetic: Advanced CIEM and governance for complex environments.
Best CSPM Tools for Startups
Startup Needs: Affordability, ease of use, fast deployment, and basic compliance help.
Key Criteria:
- Free tier or affordable plans
- Easy onboarding and UX
- SOC 2/ISO readiness out of the box
- Developer-first focus
- All-in-one features
Top Picks:
- Aikido Security: Free tier, AI autofix, and dev-centric.
- CloudSploit: Free, open-source, and easy to integrate.
- JupiterOne: Free community tier and simple asset-based risk queries.
- Prowler: CLI-driven, cost-free AWS scanner with compliance support.
Best CSPM Tools for Multi-Cloud Environments
Multi-Cloud Needs: Unified view, cloud-agnostic policy enforcement, and seamless integrations.
Key Criteria:
- Full support for AWS, Azure, GCP (and more)
- Unified dashboards
- Normalized compliance reporting
- Multi-account and multi-region visibility
- Consistent alerting across clouds
Top Picks:
- Prisma Cloud: Truly cloud-agnostic with deep features.
- JupiterOne: Graph-based visibility across clouds and services.
- Check Point CloudGuard: One policy engine for all clouds.
- CloudCheckr: Governance and cost optimization across clouds.
Best CSPM Tools for Cloud Protection
Cloud Protection Needs: Combine posture with runtime threat detection, anomaly analysis, and breach prevention.
Key Criteria:
- Threat detection (beyond config scanning)
- Runtime workload visibility
- Cloud network traffic insights
- Alert correlation and prioritization
- Automated remediation or blocking
Top Picks:
- Aikido Security: Combines cloud posture management, code scanning, and container image scanning in one platform.
- CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security: CNAPP with best-in-class threat intel.
- Lacework: Polygraph engine detects misconfigs and anomalies together.
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud: Runtime + config threat visibility in Azure.
- Check Point CloudGuard: Combines posture with active threat prevention.
Best CSPM Tools for AWS
AWS-Centric Needs: Full service coverage, Security Hub integration, and alignment with AWS benchmarks.
Key Criteria:
- Deep AWS API integration
- Support for AWS CIS/NIST frameworks
- Multi-account org support
- Compatibility with native services (e.g., GuardDuty, Config)
- Low-latency misconfig detection
Top Picks:
- Prowler: Lightweight, CLI-first, and AWS-native.
- CloudSploit: Easy to deploy and open-source.
- Aqua Security: Extended AWS support + containers.
- CloudCheckr: Broad AWS compliance and cost insights.
Best CSPM Tools for Azure
Azure-Centric Needs: Seamless integration with Microsoft Defender, Azure Policy, and native services.
Key Criteria:
- Native integration with Azure ecosystem
- Secure Score and Azure Security Benchmark support
- Coverage of Azure RBAC and Identity
- Automated remediation and alerts
- Compatibility with Sentinel and Defender XDR
Top Picks:
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud: First-party coverage with free tier.
- Aikido Security: Azure-ready CSPM platform with agentless scanning, real-time misconfiguration alerts, and AI-based remediation.
- Ermetic: Advanced identity posture management for Azure.
- Check Point CloudGuard: Multi-cloud visibility including Azure.
- Tenable Cloud Security: IaC and runtime scanning for Azure with drift detection.
Conclusion
Cloud Security Posture Management isn’t just a checkbox for audits—it’s the difference between a secure, scalable cloud and one that leaks sensitive data through misconfigurations.
Whether you’re a startup founder looking for a free tool to harden your AWS account or a security lead at an enterprise wrangling multi-cloud environments, the right CSPM tool can make your job a whole lot easier.
From open-source tools like Prowler and CloudSploit to enterprise-grade platforms like Prisma Cloud and Check Point CloudGuard, the landscape is rich with powerful options.
If you're looking for a developer-first platform that combines CSPM with code and runtime security in a single, no-nonsense interface—Aikido Security has you covered.
👉 Start your free trial today and see how fast you can fix your cloud posture.
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