Epsagon

Epsagon addresses the complex security and operational challenges inherent in serverless architectures by providing a robust, agentless monitoring and tracing solution. The core challenge in serverless environments is the lack of visibility and control over ephemeral resources, which can lead to increased attack surfaces and difficulty in monitoring performance and security.

Epsagon's technical architecture relies on libraries that act as instrumentation, similar to traditional agents but adapted for the dynamic nature of serverless functions. This approach allows for distributed tracing, observability, and cost monitoring without the need for fixed servers or agents. The platform integrates with cloud providers like AWS Lambda, and plans to expand to other platforms, ensuring comprehensive visibility into serverless architecture.

Key operational considerations include the automatic visualization of services through service maps, granular tracing, and custom dashboards. Epsagon's solution enables developers and security teams to consolidate monitoring and logging, applying perimeter visibility mechanisms at the function level. This is crucial as serverless functions can be triggered by various event sources, expanding the potential attack vectors.

From a technical standpoint, Epsagon's libraries provide real-time performance data and cost insights, helping teams understand and manage the dynamic resource allocation and associated costs in serverless environments. The platform supports various programming languages, including Node.js and Python, and integrates well with frameworks like the Serverless Framework. Configuration options are defined at the service level, allowing for customization of tracing parameters, such as whether to send only metadata or full payloads.

However, there are limitations to consider, such as the potential for increased complexity in managing multiple event sources and the need for careful configuration to ensure optimal performance and cost management. Additionally, while Epsagon offers a free tier and various pricing options, the cost of retaining detailed tracing data over extended periods can be a consideration.