Ermetic vs Aqua Security -- Cloud Identity Security Compared
Ermetic vs Aqua Security
Aqua Security and Ermetic are both cnapp platform solutions. Aqua Security cloud-native security platform specializing in container, Kubernetes, and serverless protection, while Ermetic cloud identity security platform specializing in CIEM and entitlement management, now part of Tenable. The best choice depends on your organization's size, technical requirements, and budget.
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The Verdict
Choose Aqua Security if industry-leading container and Kubernetes security depth is your priority and organizations running container-heavy and Kubernetes-native environments that need the deepest container security and runtime protection. Choose Ermetic if deepest CIEM capabilities with granular identity risk analysis matters most and organizations where cloud identity and access management risk is the primary security concern, especially those already using Tenable products.
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Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Aqua Security | Ermetic |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Custom enterprise pricing (via Tenable) | Free (Trivy OSS) / Enterprise custom pricing |
| Pricing Model | Resource-based (per cloud identity) | Workload-based (per protected workload) |
| Open Source | No | No |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Self-Hosted |
| Best For | Organizations where cloud identity and access management risk is the primary security concern, especially those already using Tenable products | Organizations running container-heavy and Kubernetes-native environments that need the deepest container security and runtime protection |
| Container image scanning and vulnerab... | Not available | Supported |
| Kubernetes admission control and poli... | Not available | Supported |
| Runtime protection with drift prevention | Not available | Supported |
When to Choose Each Tool
Choose Aqua Security when:
- +You value deepest CIEM capabilities with granular identity risk analysis
- +You value automated least-privilege recommendations reduce manual IAM remediation
- +You value strong cross-cloud identity correlation across AWS, Azure, and GCP
- +You want to avoid cSPM capabilities less mature than dedicated CSPM platforms like Wiz
- +You want to avoid agent-based runtime protection adds deployment and management complexity
Choose Ermetic when:
- +You value industry-leading container and Kubernetes security depth
- +You value open-source Trivy scanner is the most widely adopted cloud-native scanner
- +You value strong runtime protection with drift prevention and behavioral monitoring
- +You want to avoid narrower platform scope focused primarily on identity and posture
- +You want to avoid being absorbed into Tenable Cloud Security may cause product direction uncertainty
Other Ermetic Alternatives
Agentless cloud security platform with full-stack visibility and risk prioritization across multi-cloud environments
Agentless cloud security platform using SideScanning technology for full-stack visibility
Comprehensive CNAPP from Palo Alto Networks securing applications from code to cloud
Data-driven cloud security platform using behavioral analytics for automated threat detection
Cloud and container security platform built on open-source Falco for runtime threat detection
Multi-cloud security platform offering modular workload protection and posture management
Cloud security posture and network security platform backed by Check Point's threat prevention expertise
Pros & Cons Comparison
Aqua Security
Pros
- +Strong container and Kubernetes security depth
- +Open-source Trivy scanner is the most widely adopted cloud-native scanner
- +Strong runtime protection with drift prevention and behavioral monitoring
- +Excellent DevSecOps integration with CI/CD pipelines
- +eBPF-based Tracee provides lightweight runtime detection
Cons
- –CSPM capabilities less mature than dedicated CSPM platforms like Wiz
- –Agent-based runtime protection adds deployment and management complexity
- –Platform can feel fragmented between open-source and commercial components
- –Less effective for VM-centric or non-containerized cloud workloads
- –Enterprise pricing can escalate quickly for large container environments
Ermetic
Pros
- +Deepest CIEM capabilities with granular identity risk analysis
- +Automated least-privilege recommendations reduce manual IAM remediation
- +Strong cross-cloud identity correlation across AWS, Azure, and GCP
- +Now part of Tenable, benefiting from broader vulnerability intelligence
- +Effective at identifying toxic permission combinations
Cons
- –Narrower platform scope focused primarily on identity and posture
- –Being absorbed into Tenable Cloud Security may cause product direction uncertainty
- –Lacks workload protection and container security depth
- –No runtime detection or response capabilities
- –Smaller standalone market presence following acquisition
Sources & References
- Aqua Security — Official Website & Documentation[Vendor]
- Ermetic — Official Website & Documentation[Vendor]
- Aqua Security Reviews on G2[User Reviews]
- Ermetic Reviews on G2[User Reviews]
- Aqua Security Reviews on TrustRadius[User Reviews]
- Ermetic Reviews on TrustRadius[User Reviews]
- Aqua Security Reviews on PeerSpot[User Reviews]
- Ermetic Reviews on PeerSpot[User Reviews]
- Gartner Market Guide for CNAPP 2024[Analyst Report]
- Forrester Wave: Cloud Workload Security 2024[Analyst Report]
- IDC MarketScape: CNAPP 2024[Analyst Report]
- Cloud Security Alliance: Cloud Controls Matrix[Industry Framework]
- Gartner Peer Insights: CNAPP[Peer Reviews]
Ermetic vs Aqua Security FAQ
Common questions about choosing between Ermetic and Aqua Security.
What is the main difference between Ermetic and Aqua Security?
Aqua Security and Ermetic are both cnapp platform solutions. Aqua Security cloud-native security platform specializing in container, Kubernetes, and serverless protection, while Ermetic cloud identity security platform specializing in CIEM and entitlement management, now part of Tenable. The best choice depends on your organization's size, technical requirements, and budget.
Is Aqua Security better than Ermetic?
Choose Aqua Security if industry-leading container and Kubernetes security depth is your priority and organizations running container-heavy and Kubernetes-native environments that need the deepest container security and runtime protection. Choose Ermetic if deepest CIEM capabilities with granular identity risk analysis matters most and organizations where cloud identity and access management risk is the primary security concern, especially those already using Tenable products.
How much does Aqua Security cost compared to Ermetic?
Aqua Security pricing: Free (Trivy OSS) / Enterprise custom pricing. Ermetic pricing: Custom enterprise pricing (via Tenable). Aqua Security's pricing model is workload-based (per protected workload), while Ermetic uses resource-based (per cloud identity) pricing.
Can I migrate from Ermetic to Aqua Security?
Yes, you can migrate from Ermetic to Aqua Security. The migration process depends on your specific setup and the features you use. Both platforms offer APIs that can facilitate automated migration. Consider running both tools in parallel during the transition to ensure zero downtime.
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