Cyber Security News ranks Contrast, GitHub Advanced Security top tools for 2026
New editorial rankings place Contrast first for RASP protection and GitHub Advanced Security as the leading native CI/CD pipeline security solution for engineering teams.
Key points
- Contrast Security ranks first for runtime application self-protection, followed by Datadog and Waratek.
- GitHub Advanced Security leads CI/CD pipeline security, with Cycode and Legit Security completing the podium.
- Analysts note that standalone RASP markets are shrinking as observability platforms absorb these capabilities.
Cyber Security News has published its 2026 rankings for runtime application self-protection and CI/CD pipeline security tools. The editorial analysis places Contrast Security at the top of the RASP category and GitHub Advanced Security as the leading solution for securing build pipelines, according to the outlet.
The RASP ranking resolves to nine active entries after excluding defunct or absorbed vendors. Contrast Security earns the number one spot for its deep in-process exploit blocking and code-level context. Datadog and Waratek complete the podium, with Datadog leveraging its acquired Hdiv engine to offer protection through existing application performance monitoring agents, according to Cyber Security News.
Market Consolidation and Tooling Shifts
The report indicates that the standalone RASP market has thinned as observability and edge platforms absorb these capabilities. Cyber Security News notes that Hdiv has sold inside Datadog since 2022, while K2 Cyber carries a defunct status flag. This consolidation means many organizations may already possess runtime blocking capabilities within their Dynatrace or Datadog estates without having activated them, according to the publication.
The analysis weighs in-process protection depth at 30 percent and deployment burden at 25 percent. Contrast is highlighted for providing native interactive application security testing continuity. Datadog is recognized for delivering runtime protection as a toggle on tracing agents already running across fleets, which avoids the need for new agents, according to Cyber Security News.
CI/CD Pipeline Security Landscape
In the CI/CD space, the outlet ranks ten options with a focus on native-first honesty. GitHub Advanced Security takes the top position due to its push protection, CodeQL scanning, and Actions policies where most pipelines operate. Cyber Security News states that this native floor establishes the baseline every dedicated tool must justify displacing, noting that organizations must still manage risks related to runner token exposures.
Cycode and Legit Security complete the CI/CD podium. Cycode is ranked second for connecting code, secrets, and pipeline posture in one graph rooted in version control systems. Legit Security is noted for factory integrity. The analysis assigns 30 percent weight to attack-surface relevance and 25 percent to discovery and integrity detection, according to Cyber Security News.
What should you do?
Security teams should audit existing application performance monitoring and observability platforms to determine if runtime protection features are already licensed but unactivated. Engineers should verify that native CI/CD security features, such as GitHub Advanced Security, are enabled before purchasing dedicated third-party tools. Organizations should also review runner hardening practices, as the report identifies the runner layer as a critical exfiltration vector for attackers, according to Cyber Security News.
What to do and how to stay safe: Contrast Security
- Review current observability and APM tool licenses to identify unused runtime protection toggles.
- Enable native CI/CD security features like push protection and code scanning before evaluating dedicated vendors.
- Assess runner hardening controls to mitigate exfiltration risks in build environments.
- Verify that static application security testing is supplemented with real-time runtime protection.
Step-by-step guide: Social Engineering Warning Signs and How to Respond
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Which tool is ranked first for RASP in 2026?
Contrast Security is ranked first for RASP, followed by Datadog and Waratek.
Why is GitHub Advanced Security ranked first for CI/CD security?
It is ranked first because it provides native push protection, CodeQL scanning, and Actions policies where most pipelines already run.
Are these rankings based on lab testing?
No, the scores are research-based and editorial; Cyber Security News states there was no lab testing or paid placement.
