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Kubescape

kubescape.io

From $30/mo Free plan Open source WindowsmacOSLinuxAPISelf-hosted
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Spec score 9.1 #1 of 28 in Cloud Vulnerability Scanners

What it is

Kubescape is an open-source platform for Kubernetes security across configuration, images, compliance, and activity in running clusters. It analyzes Kubernetes manifests, Helm charts, and live clusters for misconfigurations. Its operator scans deployed container images for vulnerabilities using Grype and public vulnerability databases, and monitors active clusters for suspicious behavior and threats. Kubescape supports CIS, NSA-CISA, MITRE ATT&CK, and SOC 2 frameworks. Its policy engine uses Open Policy Agent to evaluate Kubernetes objects against posture controls written in Rego; the operator runs as microservices that continuously monitor cluster posture. Integrations are available for GitHub, GitLab CI/CD, Lens, and Visual Studio Code. The CLI can download artifacts for local use, including in offline and air-gapped environments. Results can be exported as JSON or JUnit XML or rendered as HTML or PDF. The CLI and Kubernetes operator are self-hosted and free under Apache License 2.0. ARMO Platform is a compatible provider for uploading scan results and downloading custom artifacts; its price depends on vCPUs and other cloud resources.

Spec sheet

What it does
Kubescape is an open-source Kubernetes security platform covering configuration, vulnerability, compliance, policy and runtime security.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Purpose
Kubescape is an open-source Kubernetes security platform for end-to-end security coverage.Read 30 Sep 2026 · kubescape.io
Deployment
The CLI supports offline and air-gapped operation by downloading artifacts for local use.Read 30 Sep 2026 · kubescape.io
Integrations
Documented integrations include GitHub, GitLab CI/CD, Lens and Visual Studio Code.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Compliance
Kubescape supports security frameworks including CIS, NSA-CISA, MITRE ATT&CK, and SOC 2.Read 30 Sep 2026 · kubescape.io
Support
The project says it aims to respond to issues within 48 hours and provides CNCF Slack users and developers channels.Read 30 Sep 2026 · kubescape.io
License
Kubescape is released under the Apache 2.0 license.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Founded
2021Read 28 Sep 2026 · kubescape.io
Maker
ARMO is the creator and maintainer of Kubescape.Read 30 Sep 2026 · armosec.io
Air-gapped operation
Artifacts can be downloaded manually and reused with local paths for offline or air-gapped scans.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Cloud provider integration
The provider interface can download controls and upload scan results; ARMO Platform is the documented compatible provider.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
CNCF project metrics
The CNCF page reports a health score of 77, 1,573 contributors, 391 contributing organizations, 954 GitHub stars and $85.8 million software value.Read 20 Oct 2026 · cncf.io
CNCF status
CNCF lists Kubescape as open source, accepted on December 13, 2022 and moved to Incubating maturity on January 13, 2025.Read 20 Oct 2026 · cncf.io
Company launch funding
ARMO announced its January 27, 2021 launch from stealth with $4.5 million in seed funding from Pitango First.Read 20 Oct 2026 · prnewswire.com
Compliance frameworks
Built-in frameworks include CIS Benchmarks, NSA-CISA, MITRE ATT&CK and SOC 2, with support for custom policies.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Configuration scanning
It scans Kubernetes manifests, Helm charts and live clusters for misconfigurations.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Documentation
The documentation covers installation, scanning, frameworks, controls, operator services, integrations, runtime detection, telemetry and troubleshooting.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Funding
Startup Nation Central reports ARMO raised $31.5 million across two rounds, including a $27 million March 2022 round and a $4.5 million January 2021 seed round.Read 20 Oct 2026 · finder.startupnationcentral.org
In-cluster API
The operator exposes scan data through a Kubernetes aggregated API server and custom resources.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
In-cluster retention
In-cluster scan results are considered ephemeral and are regularly updated and fully regenerable.Read 30 Sep 2026 · kubescape.io
Install platforms
The installer supports Linux x86_64 and arm64, macOS Intel and Apple Silicon, Windows x64, and kubectl Krew.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Limit: documentation gaps
G2 reviewers report that uncommon configuration paths, custom control tuning and some integrations require trial and error.Read 20 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Limit: learning curve
A G2 reviewer says the breadth of features creates an initial learning curve and advanced functions need extra configuration.Read 20 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Limit: pricing model
A G2 reviewer objects to per-worker-node billing because many small nodes can make the commercial platform expensive.Read 20 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Limit: reporting and alerts
G2 feedback requests stronger multi-cluster rollups, more customizable alerts and broader report export options.Read 20 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Maker company
LinkedIn lists ARMO as a privately held computer and network security company founded in 2019 with 11–50 employees and headquarters in Palo Alto, California.Read 20 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
MCP server
The CLI bundles an MCP server usable from Cursor or Claude Desktop to query vulnerability and configuration resources in a cluster.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Network and seccomp checks
Kubescape validates network-policy presence and correctness and checks seccomp profiles.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Notable news: CNCF incubation
CNCF announced Kubescape entered incubation on February 26, 2025.Read 20 Oct 2026 · cncf.io
Notable news: Kubescape 4.0
CNCF reported on March 26, 2026 that Kubescape 4.0 made runtime threat detection and storage generally available and added KAgent-focused AI security capabilities.Read 20 Oct 2026 · cncf.io
Operator
The Kubescape operator runs as microservices that continually monitor a cluster’s security posture.Read 30 Sep 2026 · kubescape.io
Policy engine
Controls are written in Rego and evaluated with Open Policy Agent; controls are maintained in a public regolibrary repository.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Praise: coverage
Reviewers value combining posture, vulnerability, runtime and compliance information in one platform across clusters and registries.Read 20 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Praise: remediation
Reviewers praise practical remediation guidance, attack-path views and fixes that can be copied into Kubernetes configuration.Read 20 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Praise: usability and onboarding
G2 reviewers repeatedly describe ARMO/Kubescape as easy to start, with clear dashboards and fast Helm onboarding.Read 20 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Provider
ARMO Platform is the documented compatible provider for uploading scan results and downloading custom artifacts.Read 30 Sep 2026 · kubescape.io
Rating on G2
4.5 out of 5 from 44 reviewsRead 20 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Report formats
CLI results can be exported as JSON or JUnit XML and rendered as HTML or PDF.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Reports
Scan results can be exported as JSON or JUnit XML and rendered as HTML or PDF.Read 30 Sep 2026 · kubescape.io
Runtime detection
Runtime threat detection uses eBPF event monitoring and rules for processes, files, network activity, system calls and Linux capabilities.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Runtime learning profiles
ApplicationProfiles record normal workload behavior during a learning phase and are used to detect deviations.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Runtime security
Kubescape provides runtime monitoring and detection for suspicious activity and threats in active clusters.Read 30 Sep 2026 · kubescape.io
Runtime system requirement
eBPF runtime detection works only on Linux nodes with kernel version 4.14 or newer and does not work on Windows.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Self-hosting
The operator is installed with Helm and runs as Kubernetes microservices inside the customer cluster.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Telemetry
Optional OpenTelemetry support can send component metrics to a collector and user-selected tracing backend.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
Vulnerability scanning
The operator scans deployed container images for CVEs through a dedicated kubevuln service.Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io

Plans and prices

ARMO Platform Free Free Free tier · commercial hosted platform based on Kubescape Read 20 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Kubescape open source Free Apache 2.0 license · CLI and Kubernetes operator · self-hosted Read 30 Sep 2026 · kubescape.io
Kubescape Open Source Free Apache 2.0 · self-hosted CLI and operator Read 20 Oct 2026 · kubescape.io
ARMO Platform Startup $30 a month 1 worker node · per month Read 20 Oct 2026 · g2.com
ARMO Platform Priced on request Pricing depends on vCPUs and other cloud resources Read 30 Sep 2026 · armosec.io
ARMO Platform Enterprise Priced on request Contact Us Read 20 Oct 2026 · g2.com

Every Kubescape plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Scans manifests, Helm charts, and live clusters.
  • Monitors runtime activity and deployed image vulnerabilities.
  • Supports CIS, NSA-CISA, MITRE ATT&CK, and SOC 2.
  • Exports results as JSON, JUnit XML, HTML, or PDF.

Limits

  • In-cluster scan results are ephemeral.
  • ARMO Platform pricing depends on vCPUs and other cloud resources.

Who it suits

Kubescape suits teams managing Kubernetes clusters that want configuration, image, compliance, and runtime security checks. Its offline CLI can also suit air-gapped environments.

Kubescape in depth

Read the full write-up

Overview

Kubescape brings Kubernetes configuration checks, image vulnerability scanning, compliance assessment, and runtime monitoring into a self-hosted toolset. It suits teams that can operate their own security tooling and want checks spanning manifests, deployed workloads, and active clusters. Its breadth is useful, but ephemeral in-cluster results make it a poor fit for teams that need durable scan records held in the cluster.

Created and maintained by ARMO, Kubescape combines a CLI with an operator made up of microservices that continually monitor cluster posture. The CLI can work offline or in air-gapped environments by downloading artifacts for local use. Results can be exported as JSON or JUnit XML, or rendered as HTML or PDF. Kubescape is released under the Apache License, Version 2.0.

It belongs in Kubernetes Security Software, Container Security Software, Cloud Vulnerability Scanners, Cloud Security Platforms, Infrastructure as Code Security Software, and Security Configuration Management Software.

Key features

Configuration, policy, and compliance

Kubescape analyzes Kubernetes manifests, Helm charts, and live clusters for misconfigurations. Its Open Policy Agent engine checks Kubernetes objects against posture controls written in Rego, while support for CIS, NSA-CISA, MITRE ATT&CK, and SOC 2 gives teams several frameworks for structuring assessments. This combination is useful for teams that want policy checks integrated into Kubernetes workflows; the controls’ Rego basis also means policy customization is oriented toward teams able to work with that language.

Image and runtime security

The operator scans deployed container images for vulnerabilities using Grype and public vulnerability databases. Runtime monitoring detects suspicious activity and threats in active clusters, extending coverage beyond configuration and known image flaws. The breadth is valuable for teams seeking a single Kubernetes-focused toolset, though the material does not establish a persistent in-cluster history: results are ephemeral, regularly updated, and regenerable.

Workflow and reporting

Integrations for GitHub, GitLab CI/CD, Lens, and Visual Studio Code provide several ways to bring Kubescape into development and cluster workflows. JSON and JUnit XML exports suit downstream processing, while HTML and PDF renderings support readable reports. ARMO Platform is the documented compatible provider for uploading scan results and downloading custom artifacts; its pricing depends on vCPUs and other cloud resources.

Pricing

Kubescape open source: free. This self-hosted option includes the CLI and Kubernetes operator under the Apache 2.0 license. It is the natural choice for teams able to run and maintain their own tooling and comfortable with regenerable, rather than retained, in-cluster results.

ARMO Platform: custom pricing, depending on vCPUs and other cloud resources. It is the documented compatible option for teams that need to upload scan results or download custom artifacts, but the resource-based pricing means cost depends on the environment.

Platforms

Kubescape supports API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, and Windows platforms. Its self-hosted deployment and offline or air-gapped CLI operation suit environments where external connectivity is constrained.

Who it's for

Kubescape is best for Kubernetes teams that want open-source security checks across configuration, deployed images, compliance frameworks, and runtime activity, and can own deployment and operations. Its operator’s continuous posture monitoring and CLI’s offline operation also suit teams managing clusters in restricted environments. Teams that need durable in-cluster findings should look elsewhere or plan a separate retention approach.

Pros and cons

Pros

Wide Kubernetes security coverage: configuration, image vulnerabilities, compliance, and runtime monitoring sit in one toolset.

Self-hosted and offline-capable: the CLI can download artifacts for local use, a practical advantage for air-gapped environments.

Useful policy and report formats: Rego-based OPA controls and JSON, JUnit XML, HTML, and PDF outputs support policy-driven workflows and varied reporting needs.

Free under Apache 2.0: teams can use the CLI and operator without a software charge or proprietary license.

Cons

In-cluster scan results are ephemeral: teams needing a persistent record cannot rely on the cluster to retain results.

Self-hosting places operational responsibility on the team: the open-source plan is a CLI and operator, not a hosted service.

ARMO Platform costs vary with resources: teams seeking result uploads or custom artifacts must account for pricing based on vCPUs and other cloud resources.

Alternatives

Kyverno is another free Apache 2.0 open-source choice if you want to compare a Kubernetes security tool with a free plan and broad platform support.

Monokle is worth considering if a free MIT-licensed option from a maker focused on the cloud-native ecosystem better matches your preference.

Red Hat Trusted Artifact Signer is a paid alternative for readers comparing commercial options.

Kubewarden is another free option for readers comparing self-hosted Kubernetes security tools.

Sysdig Secure is a paid alternative whose licensing is based on the number of hosts, or compute instances for CSPM.

KSPM Pro is a freemium, web-based alternative for readers comparing browser-based options.

Nirmata Control Hub is a paid alternative with a free trial for readers who want to assess a commercial offering before committing.

Falco is a free, open-source option for readers comparing Linux and self-hosted alternatives.

Verdict

Choose Kubescape if you need broad, Kubernetes-focused security coverage, want to run the tooling yourself, and value an offline-capable CLI under Apache 2.0. Its mix of posture checks, image scanning, framework support, and runtime monitoring is compelling at no software charge. Look elsewhere if persistent in-cluster scan history is central to your workflow, or if you do not want to operate the security tooling yourself.

Verdict

Kubescape offers a free, self-hosted Kubernetes security toolset under Apache License 2.0, with scanning, policy checks, and runtime monitoring. In-cluster results are regularly updated and regenerable rather than retained as persistent records.

Where Specifiction places it

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