SaaS refers to Software as a Service. SaaS security entails the policies and measures in place to ensure that customers’ data logged into the application is private, secure, and free from attack by hackers. When users feels that SaaS security is in place, it makes them feel confident in using that software because they know every piece of information shared there is private and secured.
SaaS Best Practices
With good practices in place, users can have the best use of SaaS through these methods:
1. Encryption of Data
SSL certificates encrypt data and make it impossible for hackers to decrypt the information where they can access it. With cheap SSL certificates companies can choose SSL certs like AlphaSSL certificate, Comodo Positive SSL, and many more. It is possible to encrypt all shared data between those using your SaaS and the server communicating the information.
Users know their data is protected and encrypted, this is especially important when it concerns bank or credit card data. Additionally, users can encrypt their information while inputting it.
Cookies also need to be well protected, including data that is saved internally. To prevent a security breach, this should be done consistently. When using SSL certificates, make sure they are set up correctly to work best.
2. Check for Vulnerabilities
Routine checks should be carried out to ensure that all security measures have been put in place to ensure your users have a great experience. These checks are done both manually and automatically. Most providers bring up hypothetical situations and provide solutions while ticking off all checks.
3. Users Deploying Security Measures
Both developers and users of a SaaS mean that both parties work together for the best experience and security measures. Users shouldn’t allow just anyone to access their information by not giving anyone access to their passwords and other valuable details. On the other side permissions shouldn’t be granted from the developer to anyone so that hackers cannot find that as a entry point.
Additionally, clients using a virtual private network that protects data and access to a particular SaaS can do wonders in ensuring that all the standpoints and infrastructure of the SaaS are well protected for everyone. The machines used to run this SaaS virtually must be regularly updated to ensure that all possible threats are removed.
Encouraging users to use multiple types of authentication is also helpful in wading off any security risk that may occur through the users’ end. When not available, a strong password is required. Still, a one-time password (OTP) in cases where users are logging in from another device, confirmation email, or a question that the user previously set makes it difficult, if not impossible, for a third party to access and thereby enhancing security.
4. Limit Admin Access
If an employee doesn’t need to access a SaaS, it shouldn’t be given to them. If someone previously used it but doesn’t anymore, their account should be deleted. Blocking any medium that a cybercriminal may use to access a SaaS and cause a security breach should be done because most hackers have been able to access a SaaS through abandoned accesses that ate not well protected.
5. Avoid Data Loss
There should be easy detection of data loss and actions to prevent further data loss. This is usually done through Data Loss Prevention (DLP).
With DLP systems, the possibility of any leak occurring is removed because incoming data is scanned and monitored. Then, if any suspicious activity is noticed, the admin of the SaaS is notified to check it out and prevent a breach. There are APIs on SaaS that helps to enforce DLP requirements software. They are readily available for use.
6. Security During Deployment
When considering deployment, you should know that you can do it through a cloud or a SaaS service provider. Assuming you prefer to use a cloud service and deploy it yourself, evaluate the provider and ensure that security measures have been put in place.
When using a cloud service provider, you still must investigate to ensure that they complied with every guideline set by the government to ensure that data from a SaaS is well-protected and secured.
Possible Issues with SaaS
Now that you know the good measures to put in place you also must watch out for some possible issues.
1. It Runs Virtually
SaaS is good because it runs through virtualization technologies that have been put in place. This feature makes it easy for users to access software from anywhere around the globe. While this is good, it has opened the door for cyber criminals to easily access data when it’s not properly secured.
It is true that with a good SSL certificate, you can protect your websites and servers. However, it still bears a risk of your SaaS product being compromised because if, for example, a hacker hacks a particular server. Then they can gain access to multiple servers housed there.
2. Details are Unknown
Certain aspects of the SaaS software practices and back-end procedures are kept from public knowledge, particularly the users. However, details shouldn’t be too unknown because product users need to know of the security measures in place or how the software is supposed to function. In such an cases, too much obscurity is an issue.
3. Cloud Storage of Data
SaaS runs virtually, and data is typically stored in the cloud. This can pose a problem when software owners use a third party to protect the data of their clients or consumers. Therefore, the software developers may not know what will happen if their users information is accessed through the third-party cloud storage system they are using.
4. Lack of Data Control
Data stored and protected by a third-party storage system makes it difficult for clients to control how their data is handled or maintained. Users must depend on third parties for how their data is used, managed, and protected. They are unable to do anything to secure their data. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the vendor is using an SSL certificate to minimizes the risk of hacking.
5. Easy Accessibility
Accessing SaaS from anywhere is convenient to everyone. However, this ease has posed a major problem because users can access it with unsecured connections and public Wi-Fi. This compromises the security of the data and users should use a virtual private network. Unfortunately, users frequently put their data at risk when they use a public network.
Final Thoughts
SaaS is good for business when practices are implemented to ensure it is well protected. If you are a service provider, it is essential that you know the latest trends and issues that arise and how to deal with them. Consistently learning and staying ahead of the hackers is your job. Also, don’t forget to use an SSL cert to protect and encrypt your data or information and that of your clients.
