Software as a service (SaaS) applications are on the rise, and it’s easy to see why they’re so popular with businesses looking to modernize. SaaS applications offer a convenient way to access applications and data from virtually any device, in and out of the office. This makes remote work, collaboration, and integration with other internal tools easier than ever.
However, SaaS applications also introduce new challenges to businesses stepping into more digital realms. For instance, organizations need to understand the shared responsibility model, where SaaS providers shoulder some security responsibilities, but the rest are left to the customer to handle. Safeguarding SaaS apps and data requires businesses to be proactive and implement security tools that go beyond what comes standard from the provider.
We’ll cover why SaaS cloud security is important, common security concerns, and best practices to overcome challenges.
What is SaaS Cloud Security and Why is it Important?
SaaS cloud security is concerned with how data, applications, and infrastructure are protected in a software as a service (SaaS) environment. Keeping SaaS applications secure in the cloud may come from both internal and external measures, but there are clear benefits to having robust external cloud security measures in place, such as:
- Protection of sensitive data from unauthorized access, loss, or theft
- Support for businesses seeking compliance with industry-specific regulations
- Improved trust from users and other key stakeholders as part of a larger commitment to security
- Boosted business continuity by minimizing disruptions or losses in revenue that may otherwise happen from system failures or data breaches ‘
What Are the Main Security Concerns with SaaS Cloud Services?
Introducing third-party tools, such as SaaS software, into your environment means that you are also opening the door to new potential security risks. This can include data breaches and leaks, phishing, and social engineering attacks
SaaS tools can be attractive targets for cybercriminals, due to their large footprint and interaction with many different businesses. In 2024, 12% of attacks happened as part of the software supply chain, and 15% came from business partners.
4 Key SaaS Cloud Security Challenges
SaaS cloud services bring businesses new capabilities and integrations, but they can also present new cloud security challenges.
Data Privacy and Compliance
Tools like cloud-based data storage can greatly improve access to data, but new cloud-based resources also need to abide by regulations specific to your industry and business. If SaaS tools are not compliant with standards such as GDPR or HIPAA, for example, organizations can be subject to fines or other regulatory penalties.
Data Loss and Recovery
Many SaaS providers offer backup and recovery services, but relying on an external system for backup and recovery can be risky if third-party resources go down. You should still protect your business-critical data from accidental deletion, outside cyberattacks, and system failures by creating an internal solution that minimizes data loss.
Access Control and Identity Management
Managing user access levels within a SaaS environment can be tricky if your security team can’t see the inner workings. This is made even more difficult with insider threats, such as malicious actors or accidental data loss or leaks. Businesses should implement robust identity management practices and access controls on top of any established by the SaaS provider.
Integration and API Security Struggles
Sometimes, businesses integrate SaaS applications with other systems through application programming interfaces (APIs). This creates another potential attack vector, which means businesses also need to be mindful of API security best practices.
Best Practices to Overcome SaaS Cloud Security Challenges
Built-in SaaS security measures are only the start of how businesses can protect themselves in the cloud. Organizations can implement new tools and add the following best practices to overcome any challenges that arise from SaaS cloud security shortcomings.
Review the SaaS Provider’s Security Measures
Understand the incident response plans, compliance measures, and security protocols the SaaS provider has in place so you know where their practices end and yours need to start. Depending on what your security requirements are, for example, you may want to confirm whether the SaaS provider is SOC 2, ISO 27001, or HIPAA compliant.
Implement Strong Authentication and Access Controls
When users access SaaS applications, boost security by requiring multi factor authentication (MFA). Encourage strong password policies, such as random characters, letters, and numbers, and unique passwords for each login. You can also enact access controls, only allowing relevant users to access applications. Not all users will need the same level of permissions or access to the same tools.
Ensure End-to-End Data Encryption
Some SaaS applications have end-to-end data encryption, which means that data is encrypted in transit and at rest. Strong encryption algorithms, such as AES-256, can keep data protected when stored in the cloud or while being transmitted to end users. If your SaaS provider doesn’t offer end-to-end data encryption to bolster data continuity and protection, add a tool that does.
Regularly Update and Patch Systems
Approximately 5% of data breaches come from known software vulnerabilities that have yet to be patched by the organization. By regularly updating and patching systems, businesses can safeguard against security vulnerabilities. Choose one day per month, at minimum, to perform patching, and assign someone as a point person to push out critical updates.
Perform Vulnerability Testing
Zero-day vulnerabilities are one category of security weakness, but there are many others that can negatively impact your SaaS environment. Conducting regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, such as simulating cyberattacks, can help you proactively find SaaS security issues before bad actors do.
Conduct Monitoring and Logging
While any user may behave unusually without additional malicious activity, anomalous behavior can also be indicative of a security incident. Through regular monitoring and logging, automated systems can flag suspicious activity and limit access before it becomes a more widespread problem. User login attempts, system performance logs, and data access patterns can all be used to pinpoint potential problems.
Implement SSL/TLS Certificates
HTTPS and TLS certificates can protect against potential data interception. Most SaaS providers should have these certificates in place, but check to ensure they are being implemented to encrypt data that’s transmitted over the internet.
Use a Zero Trust Security Model
A zero-trust security model assumes that no user is trustworthy, requiring authentication before allowing users to access application resources. This can mean that when users step away from their machines for too long, they’ll be required again, or there is no option to save credentials for extended periods.
Educate and Train Employees
Employees are an organization’s first line of defense against cybersecurity threats. Train employees on common attack vectors and security best practices, such as password hygiene, spotting potential phishing messages, and keeping up with a patching schedule.
Stay Up-to-Date On Emerging Security Threats
Industry news, webinars, security blogs, and vendor websites are great places to stay informed about emerging security threats. Appointing a cybersecurity professional internally, or working with external experts, can help you stay current and protected.
Tools to Enhance SaaS Cloud Security and Mitigate Risks
Even when SaaS tools have cloud security measures, they may not be enough to mitigate risks at a level that feels comfortable to your organization. Consider adding some or all of the following tools to keep common and critical risks at bay.
Firewalls
Firewalls create a barrier between the internet and the internal network of an organization, safeguarding against unauthorized access through either hardware- or software-based solutions. Businesses can enhance SaaS cloud security by adding intrusion protection, threat intelligence, and application control through a next-gen firewall.
Cloud Security Posture Management
Cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools assess the health of your systems to find compliance gaps, vulnerabilities, or misconfigurations. One tool may do all three, or you may want to use a combination of tools to diagnose issues with your security posture.
Endpoint Detection and Response
All endpoints that are part of your organization can be prone to threats, including laptops, cell phones, and desktop computers. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools monitor these devices to find and respond to suspicious behavior in real-time.
Multi-Factor Authentication
As previously mentioned, multi-factor authentication can be part of strengthening the login process. MFA methods can include fingerprints, authentication codes, or physical external keys. By combining passwords with an additional method, businesses significantly reduce the risks associated with unauthorized access.
Security Information and Event Management
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions gather security data from multiple sources in your environment to identify potential threats. Organizations can see network activity from a consolidated view and make it easier for security teams to respond to incidents more quickly.
Cloud Access Security Brokers
A cloud access security broker (CASB) is a tool designed to protect cloud-based data and services. A CASB operates at the point between cloud service providers and end users, protecting secure information and enforcing security policies.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) can be used in many ways to keep cloud environments secure. Systems powered by AI can use massive datasets to learn what is normal activity and better identify suspicious behavior. AI/ML tools can aid in threat detection, vulnerability assessments, and incident response.
Ready to Enhance Your SaaS Cloud Security?
Your organization’s cloud security doesn’t have to be limited by what a SaaS provider has to offer. With the right tools and approach, your organization can augment SaaS tools and improve your security posture. If you’re looking for techniques that will be the most impactful to your business, TierPoint’s IT security consulting services can help you determine the best plan of action. Interested in learning more about cloud security? Read our whitepaper to explore key defenses you can use to protect your data against top threats.
