What is SaaS Security?

SaaS security is the practice of defending software as a service (SaaS) applications against cyber threats. While the SaaS provider is responsible for the application itself, its users must also properly configure and secure their data and accounts within the application.

The Importance of SaaS Security

SaaS solutions are:

• Accessible from anywhere
• Offer numerous useful features
• Easily scale and flex to meet demand

However, this also introduces significant security concerns for an organization. Corporate data uploaded into SaaS applications may be vulnerable to security breaches, especially if employees use unapproved and unmanaged SaaS applications.

SaaS security is intended to manage the security risk of an organization’s SaaS footprint. This is accomplished by achieving greater visibility into an organization’s SaaS usage — including shadow IT — and ensuring that those apps are configured securely.

SaaS Security Challenges

Some of the main security challenges associated with SaaS applications include:

• Account Takeover : Account takeover (ATO) attacks are often enabled by the theft of a user’s login credentials. This provides the attacker with unauthorized access to the user’s account and the data and functionality that it contains.
• Data Loss : Data entered into SaaS applications may be exposed to attackers via account takeover, security misconfigurations, and similar security gaps. This is especially true in the case of shadow IT as cloud applications not managed by the IT department are less likely to comply with corporate security policies.
• Phishing : SaaS applications can also be used as a pretext for phishing attacks. Emails or websites pretending to be a SaaS service may trick users into handing over their login credentials, setting up an account takeover attack.
• Malware Delivery: Any service that allows files or a URL to be shared can be a propagation vector for malware. These attacks may be able to bypass email-focused security solutions, which overlook other vectors for phishing attacks.
• Denial of Service: If a SaaS application is a crucial component of an organization’s workflow, it’s a potential target for Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. By rendering the service unavailable, an attacker can prevent employees from doing their jobs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Regulations such as the EU’s GDPR implement restrictions on cross-border data flows. Unauthorized users of SaaS apps could result in regulatory non-compliance if corporate data is stored or processed in an unapproved jurisdiction.

SaaS Security Best Practices

Some security practices for securing your organization’s SaaS applications include:

1. Automated Discovery: SaaS solutions are designed to be easy to use, so an organization’s SaaS footprint may evolve rapidly. Automated discovery methods enable an organization to more quickly identify and secure unauthorized use of SaaS applications.
2. User Education: Many SaaS security risks arise from users’ actions. Training employees on SaaS security issues and best practices reduce an organization’s exposure to these threats.
3. Strong Authentication: Implementing strong authentication practices — such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO) — reduces the threat to an organization.
4. Data Encryption: Data stored in SaaS applications may be vulnerable to unauthorized access. Implementing data encryption in the cloud reduces the risk that sensitive data will be accessed and breached by an attacker.
5. Security Assessments: SaaS applications can contain various security risks, such as misconfigurations and weak access controls. Regular security assessments help to reduce the potential threats that an organization’s SaaS applications are vulnerable to attack.

What to Look for in a SaaS Security Solution

Some of the key features to look for in a SaaS security solution include:

• Discovery: An organization can’t secure applications it doesn’t know exist, making discovery essential for SaaS security. SaaS apps can be discovered in one of four ways, including gateway logs, signup emails, direct integration with SaaS apps (via APIs), and endpoint protection solutions.
• API Security for Sanctioned Apps: By leveraging API access where possible, SaaS security solutions can ensure that these apps are properly configured and secure against attack.
• Inline App Security for the Rest: For unmanaged applications or ones without API integrations available, inline security provides a solution. By inspecting app traffic en route, a SaaS security solution can identify and act on potential security risks.
• SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) : SSPM helps to ensure that SaaS apps are properly configured and secure against attack.
• Automated Threat Prevention: Automated threat prevention is the only way to eliminate the risk that an attack poses to an organization.

SaaS Security Workspace Security SaaS

SaaS applications represent a vast and evolving digital attack surface for organizations. To learn more about SaaS security measures and how to manage them, check out the CISO’s Definitive Guide to SaaS Security.

Check Point Workspace Security SaaS offers the SaaS security capabilities that organizations need to protect their SaaS applications. Learn how Check Point Workspace Security SaaS enhances your cloud security with a free demo.