How eBPF is changing appsec – Impart Security

What happens when cutting-edge technology meets the reality of securing modern applications? That’s the question our expert panel tackled in this conversation on how eBPF is reshaping application security. Moderated by Katie Norton of IDC, the discussion featured Brian Joe (Impart Security), Francesco Cipollone (Phoenix Security), and Daniel Pacak (cloud-native security consultant), who brought insights from across the security landscape. Starting with eBPF’s roots in network traffic filtering, the panel explored its evolution into a powerful tool for observability and, potentially, security. Along the way, they challenged the hype, highlighted its real-world applications, and didn’t shy away from its limitations. This wasn’t just a tech talk”, it was a deep dive into what eBPF can actually deliver and where the industry still needs to innovate.

Key Takeaways

eBPF in Action: A kernel-level tool that opens up unparalleled visibility into application and system behavior. Not a Silver Bullet: eBPF excels at observability, but it’s not a complete security solution. It needs smart engineering to turn raw data into meaningful insights. The Cost of Data Overload: More visibility doesn’t always mean better security. Without focus, eBPF can drown teams in noise, not actionable intelligence. Bridging the Gap: Legacy applications often remain in the dark. While eBPF thrives in modern cloud-native environments, it offers little for older systems still critical to business operations. Future is Context: The real value lies in tools that filter the firehose of data into actionable, risk-reducing insights.

Memorable Insights

Francesco: “With great power comes great responsibility. eBPF gives you visibility, but it doesn’t solve the problem of too many vulnerabilities.” Brian: “Security teams don’t need more visibility”, they need actionable insights that actually reduce risk.” Daniel: “Innovation with eBPF isn’t about collecting more data”, it’s about collecting the right data intelligently.”

Why It Matters

eBPF is undeniably a breakthrough in technology, offering opportunities for greater insight and control over applications. But as the panel made clear, its value lies not in the hype but in its practical application. Whether it’s pinpointing vulnerabilities in sprawling containerized environments or adding an extra layer of defense in critical systems, the focus should be on solving real problems efficiently. Ready to separate the eBPF hype from reality? Join the conversation and discover where observability ends and actionable security begins. “ / “