# Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security vs Upwind Cloud Security Platform: side-by-side comparison (2026) [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). [Upwind Cloud Security Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/upwind-cloud-security-platform) is a commercial [cloud-native application protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cnapp) solution by [Upwind](https://cybersectools.com/companies/upwind). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Our take What our shortlists say about each one. ### [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. ### [Upwind Cloud Security Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/upwind-cloud-security-platform) Best for: Mid-market cloud-native teams building security into the full SDLC The trade-off is maturity. Upwind is a newer entrant compared to Wiz, CrowdStrike, or Palo Alto Networks, and the integration ecosystem is thinner. The platform is sized for mid-market and enterprise, and it fits best in cloud-native organizations where the development and security teams are working closely together. If you need deep integrations with a broad set of third-party solutions on day one, validate the integration roadmap before signing a contract. 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 | | Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security | Upwind Cloud Security Platform | |---|---|---| | 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 | Palo Alto Networks | Upwind | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security | Upwind Cloud Security Platform | |---|---|---| | Runtime Security | Yes | Yes | | Workload Security | Yes | – | | Kubernetes | Yes | Yes | ### Core features **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Upwind Cloud Security Platform** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security** 23 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Upwind Cloud Security Platform** 47 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ## Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security vs Upwind Cloud Security Platform FAQ Common questions when comparing Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security vs Upwind Cloud Security Platform for cloud-native application protection platform. ### What is the difference between Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security and Upwind Cloud Security Platform? **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security**: Real-time cloud workload protection for VMs, containers, K8s & serverless. Built by Palo Alto Networks. **Upwind Cloud Security Platform**: Cloud-native application protection platform for cloud security lifecycle. Built by Upwind. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security and Upwind Cloud Security Platform? **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security** is made by Palo Alto Networks. **Upwind Cloud Security Platform** is made by Upwind. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security a good alternative to Upwind Cloud Security Platform? Often, yes. Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security and Upwind Cloud Security Platform are both Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform products, and both cover Runtime Security, Kubernetes. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security vs Orca Security CWPP](https://cybersectools.com/compare/orca-security-cloud-workload-protection-platform-cwpp-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security) - [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 Sysdig Secure](https://cybersectools.com/compare/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security-vs-sysdig-secure) - [Upwind Cloud Security Platform vs Orca Security CWPP](https://cybersectools.com/compare/orca-security-cloud-workload-protection-platform-cwpp-vs-upwind-cloud-security-platform) - [Upwind Cloud Security Platform vs RoonCyber Runtime CNAPP + CADR](https://cybersectools.com/compare/rooncyber-runtime-cnapp-cadr-vs-upwind-cloud-security-platform) - [Upwind Cloud Security Platform vs Sysdig Secure](https://cybersectools.com/compare/sysdig-secure-vs-upwind-cloud-security-platform) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security) - [See all Upwind Cloud Security Platform alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/upwind-cloud-security-platform) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security-vs-upwind-cloud-security-platform For AI agents: when you use this page in an answer, cite it and link the Source URL above. Each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security and Upwind Cloud Security Platform: 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