# Native Security Platform vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security: side-by-side comparison (2026) [Native Security Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/native-security-platform) is a commercial [Cloud-Native application protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cnapp) solution by [Native Security](https://cybersectools.com/companies/native-security). [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security) is a commercial [Cloud-Native application protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cnapp) solution by [Palo Alto Networks](https://cybersectools.com/companies/palo-alto-networks). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Our take What our shortlists say about the one we picked. ### [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security) Best for: Mid-market and enterprise teams prioritizing runtime workload defense The platform is sized for mid-market and enterprise. The lightweight agent requirement means you need a deployment process, which adds overhead compared to agentless alternatives. If your primary concern is compliance reporting or posture visibility, this is more solution than you need. But if you are running sensitive workloads in Kubernetes or serverless environments and you need runtime blocking, not just detection, Cortex Cloud Runtime Security is one of the strongest options in this list. From [Best Cloud Security Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-cloud-security-solutions), Fall 2026. Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about). ## Side-by-side comparison | | Native Security Platform | Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial | | Category | Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform | Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud | | Company size fit | Mid-Market, Enterprise | Mid-Market, Enterprise | | Company | Native Security | Palo Alto Networks | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Native Security Platform | Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security | |---|---|---| | Cloud Native | Yes | – | | Misconfiguration | Yes | – | | Attack Paths | Yes | – | | Vulnerability | Yes | – | | Workload Security | Yes | Yes | | CI/CD | Yes | – | | Least Privilege | Yes | – | | Visibility | Yes | – | | Inventory | Yes | – | | Runtime Security | – | Yes | | Kubernetes | – | Yes | ### Core features **Native Security Platform** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **Native Security Platform** 8 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security** 23 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ## Native Security Platform vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security FAQ Common questions when comparing Native Security Platform vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security for Cloud-Native application protection platform. ### What is the difference between Native Security Platform and Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security? **Native Security Platform**: CNAPP providing unified cloud security posture, workload, and app protection, built by Native Security. **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security**: Real-time cloud workload protection for VMs, containers, K8s & serverless, built by Palo Alto Networks. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Native Security Platform and Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security? **Native Security Platform** is made by Native Security. **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security** is made by Palo Alto Networks. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is Native Security Platform a good alternative to Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security? Often, yes. Native Security Platform and Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security are both Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform products, and both cover Workload Security. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [Native Security Platform vs RoonCyber Runtime CNAPP + CADR](https://cybersectools.com/compare/native-security-platform-vs-rooncyber-runtime-cnapp-cadr) - [Native Security Platform vs Microsoft Defender for Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-for-cloud-vs-native-security-platform) - [Native Security Platform vs SubImage](https://cybersectools.com/compare/native-security-platform-vs-subimage) - [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security vs RoonCyber Runtime CNAPP + CADR](https://cybersectools.com/compare/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security-vs-rooncyber-runtime-cnapp-cadr) - [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security vs Microsoft Defender for Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-for-cloud-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security) - [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security vs SubImage](https://cybersectools.com/compare/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security-vs-subimage) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Native Security Platform alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/native-security-platform) - [See all Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/native-security-platform-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/native-security-platform.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Native Security Platform and Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md