Introducing security measures across an entire organisation can be daunting, especially when teams are juggling tight deadlines and complex workloads. Starting with a smaller, more manageable pilot ensures that early adoption is focused, measured, and free from unnecessary disruption.

By working with pilot teams, you create a controlled environment to test workflows, establish baselines, and build confidence before scaling to the broader organisation. This approach not only minimises risk but also aligns perfectly with NIS 2 and DORA mandates for gradual and structured implementation.

Why Pilot Teams Matter

Pilot teams act as trailblazers. They are the first to experience the workflows, tools, and policies you plan to deploy organisation-wide. By selecting the right pilot teams—ones that are open to experimentation and have the bandwidth to engage with new processes—you increase the chances of successful implementation.

Key characteristics of a good pilot team include:

• Willingness to adopt new tools and methods.
• Manageable workloads without critical business deadlines.
• Clear leadership and communication structures.

Implementing a Pilot with Aqua CNAPP

1. Team Selection: Start by identifying one or two teams responsible for applications with a medium complexity level. Avoid workloads that are mission-critical or have a high risk of disruption.
2. Baseline Configuration: Use Aqua’s Assurance Policies to establish basic compliance baselines. These policies should initially focus on auditing rather than enforcing to minimize interruptions.
3. Training and Education: Provide pilot teams with targeted training on Aqua’s tools, including the use of scanning dashboards and interpreting vulnerability reports. Aqua’s centralised platform makes this process straightforward by aggregating all findings in one place.
4. Iterative Improvement: Once the pilot phase is underway, collect feedback from the team to refine policies and workflows. Aqua’s flexible policy settings allow you to adjust parameters based on the team’s input.

Scaling Lessons Learned

As the pilot concludes, use insights gained to optimize the onboarding process for additional teams. Document successes, challenges, and adjustments, creating a scalable playbook for broader adoption.

Summary

Pilot teams are the unsung heroes of successful CNAPP implementation. By starting small and leveraging Aqua’s tools for baseline scans and compliance, you create a secure, scalable foundation for future growth. A well-executed pilot not only strengthens your security posture but also prepares your organisation to meet regulatory demands with confidence.