An Overview of SaaS Security

With the increasing use of cloud technology, it also becomes increasingly difficult to avoid cyber attacks. Your organization needs to be one step ahead to face unexpected threats. The cyber-world is like an arena, you may not be the one with the sword but you can surely get a shield.  By the end of this article, you’ll know more about how to defend your company with Software as a service or SaaS Security.

SaaS is an on-demand software solution that you can purchase from a cloud service provider. It allows users to access cloud-based apps over the internet and saves organizations from purchasing servers. Customers can conveniently browse services through their web browser. Meanwhile, organizations can rent the apps while the underlying infrastructure lies with the service provider’s data center.

Click here to improve your online security & privacy.

What is SaaS Security and why is it important?

SaaS security refers to the security of user-owner data in a cloud application. It is a shared responsibility between the service provider and their consumer. Thus, the Saas service providers are responsible for the infrastructure and security of the platform but not for customer’s data.

A provider hosts the servers and provides maintenance along with some security. There are also several legal compliances to abide by. If a vendor does not follow through with such requirements your organization may be at risk.

So before making a purchase it is wise to find out what type of security the vendor provides. To start with, you can make a checklist of the security concerns you wish to cover for your organization. This will bring you closer to the goal of having efficient security measures.

Some risks concerning SaaS:

  1. Phishing: This attack intends to lure a user into providing sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. An attacker usually attempts at this through emails, text messages, or calls.
  2. ATOs: Account Takeover attacks compromise the credentials of an employee or owner. Attackers can obtain such sensitive information through phishing, leaks in data, buying information over the dark web, etc.
  3. Data Risk: It refers to the loss of customer data to a third party. For example, a company can lose such information in a data breach. Consequently, this results in dire consequences for the company and a fall in its reputation.
  4. Identity Theft: The attacker uses the identity of another person to impersonate them. They may gain entry to sensitive data or funds. Unmonitored access can be a cause that can enable this risk.
  5. Outdated Security Standards: Not staying up to date with security services gives way to cyber attacks. Outdated services can be exploited to gain access to a network.
  6. Zero-Day Threats: This refers to a vulnerability unknown to the developer and vendor. Attackers can insert malware into the app till the vulnerability is fixed. These are a great threat since they are unknown to both the public and the vendor. 

Click here – Artificial Intelligence Future: How its Shaping our future:

Six Ways to Enhance SaaS Security for Your App

As described above, there are several risks to consider when deciding on a security plan. Safety habits like keeping password information to yourself and not clicking on outside links can save you from a lot of trouble. 

Similarly, teaching these habits to employees can create a safe work experience. It is also good to involve customers in learning security measures. They will be all the more thankful for it.

As for your app, here are some practices your company can implement to enhance Saas security:

  1. Managing Unauthorized Services and Compromised Accounts: Organizations can regularly scan their networks for unauthorized cloud services along with accounts that may have been compromised to remove potential threats.
  2. Managing Permissions: Ensuring that users do not gain access to files they do not need. This can be done by applying for role-based access.
  3. Cloud Data Encryption: Encryption of data makes it harder for it to get hacked. Sensitive data like bank account information, login id, etc, especially needs to be encrypted when being sent from one end to the other.
  4. Data Deletion Policy: If requested, a customer’s data should be systematically deleted. In addition, the details of what happens with a customer’s data should be mentioned in the agreement between customer and vendor.
  5. Real-Time Protection: Using protection logic at the development stage to build real-time monitoring for threats. As a result, it will identify fraudulent behavior and block such addresses.
  6. Safeguarding Infrastructure: Ensuring that your organization’s security systems, like firewalls and antivirus, are up to date. Multiple backups will also prove beneficial in case of an attack that compromises the system.

Additionally, keep in mind to ask about compliances and certifications with your vendor.

SaaS Security Audit – A Necessity

It is not an exaggeration when you hear the word necessity. The methods of cyber-attacks keep increasing as we make technological advances. Since SaaS technology involves a lot of sensitive customer information it is even more important to be wary. An attack can lead to data leaks without proper encryption and policies. Similarly, Identity theft and phishing are some of the common attacks a cloud service faces. 

Nevertheless, a SaaS security audit helps you combat these adversities by identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities and loopholes in your system. And with Astra Security’s all-around SaaS security assessment, this process becomes easier than ever. Astra Security experts follow hacker-style penetration testing to identify security risks in your SaaS application. It goes by all major security standards so that you can rest assured that your website is in safe hands.

Click here – Why Should You Invest in Commodities?