What is the CADR

May 17, 2025

CADR and Runtime Detection: (Real-Time Visibility in Cloud Security)


In the world of cloud computing, security can no longer be a “set it and forget it” approach.
Threats evolve in real time, and attack vectors change by the hour.
This is where runtime detection — the ability to spot threats while systems are actively running — becomes essential.

And here’s where CADR (Cloud Attack/Anomaly Detection & Response — or Cloud Access Detection & Response, depending on the vendor) steps in.
(Yes, you might see different expansions of the acronym, but the core idea is always the same: detect and respond to security issues in the cloud, in real time.)


What Is Runtime Detection?

In simple terms:
It’s behavioral analysis of an application, container, or service while it is running.

  • Static analysis → Inspect code or configurations before they’re deployed.

  • Runtime detection → Monitor live events, logs, and behaviors as they happen.

💡 The big advantage: Threats, exploits, or misuse are caught the moment they occur.
(No more finding out days later from a log review — instead, you know in seconds.)


How CADR Fits Into Runtime Detection

CADR leverages runtime detection to continuously monitor:

  • API calls

  • Data access patterns

  • In-container activity

  • Abnormal network traffic

This allows CADR to:

  1. Spot Behavioral Anomalies – e.g., a service suddenly pulling far more data than normal.

  2. Detect Unauthorized Access – e.g., a user with no prior permission suddenly accessing sensitive files.

  3. Catch Multi-Stage Attacks – e.g., initial access followed by lateral movement within the environment.


Why Runtime Detection Is a Must-Have

Preventive security controls alone are not enough because:

  • Zero-day vulnerabilities can be exploited before rules are written.

  • Human error (like overly permissive IAM policies) is only visible at runtime.

  • Dynamic cloud environments (Kubernetes, serverless, microservices) change too fast for static scanning to keep up.

(Think about it: a container might spin up, run for 5 minutes, and shut down. Without runtime detection, an attack in that window could happen and disappear without a trace.)


Key Components of Runtime Detection

  1. Agent-Based Monitoring
    (Small agents deployed inside containers, VMs, or applications.)

  2. Network Traffic Analysis
    (Monitoring ingress/egress traffic, unusual port usage, or suspicious IP connections.)

  3. Behavioral Baselines
    (Learning what “normal” activity looks like, and flagging deviations instantly.)

  4. Automated Response
    (Blocking risky operations, terminating sessions, or cutting off suspicious network traffic.)


The Value of CADR + Runtime Detection Together

  • Full Visibility – From code to data, from network to API calls, nothing is hidden.

  • Rapid Response – Threats detected in seconds can be mitigated in seconds.

  • Compliance Made Easier – Generates the necessary audit logs for PCI-DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, etc.

  • Automation – Integrates with SOAR/SIEM for streamlined incident response.

‹ CADR