Should your organisation trust 2026 RASP and CI/CD tool rankings?
Cyber Security News ranks Contrast and GitHub Advanced Security as top defences, urging teams to audit existing platform capabilities before buying new security software.
Key points
- Contrast Security leads runtime application self-protection rankings for deep in-process exploit blocking.
- GitHub Advanced Security tops CI/CD pipeline security lists due to native integration with widespread build environments.
- The report advises checking for unactivated runtime toggles in existing Datadog and Dynatrace estates before purchasing.
The short version
- Runtime application self-protection tools are increasingly absorbed into observability platforms rather than remaining standalone products.
- Supply-chain attackers now target build pipelines with elevated privileges, making pipeline security the primary defence against tampering.
- Editorial research from Cyber Security News ranks nine RASP entries and ten CI/CD options based on deployment burden and protection depth.
The details
Contrast Security holds the top position for runtime application self-protection in 2026, according to Cyber Security News. The vendor provides dedicated protection that blocks exploits from within running applications, offering code-level context. This approach intercepts memory corruption and command injections in real time. The ranking places Datadog and Waratek on the podium. Datadog leverages its acquired Hdiv engine to deliver runtime protection as a toggle on existing tracing agents. Waratek focuses on JVM virtual patching. The report notes that the standalone RASP market has thinned as broader platforms absorb these capabilities.
The context
For continuous integration and delivery pipeline security, GitHub Advanced Security ranks first. Cyber Security News highlights its native floor of push protection, CodeQL scanning, and Actions policies. Most global pipelines already run on GitHub, making these native features a critical baseline.
The report warns that organisations must manage risks associated with GitHub Actions supply chain vulnerabilities and runner token exposures. Cycode and Legit Security complete the podium for pipeline security. Cycode connects code, secrets, and pipeline posture in a single graph. Legit Security focuses on factory integrity. The analysis suggests that dedicated tools must justify their cost against these native capabilities.
Next steps
Organisations should audit their current application performance monitoring estates for hidden security features. Dynatrace and Datadog users may already possess runtime blocking capabilities that are currently unactivated. The report advises checking these toggles before initiating new procurement processes. For pipeline security, teams should ensure GitHub Advanced Security is fully activated before requesting proposals from dedicated vendors. This native baseline resets the business case for additional tools. StepSecurity is noted for hardening the runner layer, which attackers often use for exfiltration.
Background: Virtual patching
Virtual patching uses an inline security device to inspect network traffic in real time. It compares incoming requests against known vulnerability signatures. If a match occurs, the device blocks or modifies the request. This prevents exploitation without requiring changes to the application code or immediate server restarts.
Read the full guide: How Virtual Patching Works: The Mechanics Behind Inline Protection
What to do and how to stay safe: Contrast Security
- Review existing application performance monitoring contracts to identify included runtime protection features that may not be enabled.
- Audit build pipeline configurations to ensure native security scanners and push protections are active for all repositories.
- Evaluate whether dedicated security tools provide unique capabilities that native platform features do not cover.
- Monitor vendor acquisition status to ensure purchased tools remain supported and are not absorbed into defunct product lines.
Step-by-step guide: Password Manager Security Checklist: Hardening Your Vault
General security guidance from the Honeypot Daily newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Which tool is ranked number one for runtime application self-protection?
Contrast Security is ranked first for RASP in 2026, according to Cyber Security News, due to its deep in-process exploit blocking.
Why is GitHub Advanced Security ranked top for pipeline security?
It is ranked first because it provides native push protection and code scanning where most pipelines already operate.
Are there any tools marked as defunct in the report?
Yes, K2 Cyber carries a defunct-status flag, and Argon sells inside Aqua, affecting their market standing.
