As Software as a Service (SaaS) applications continue to gain popularity, more businesses are seeking professional evaluations and guidance on SaaS security assessments. With the rapid adoption of new technologies, many organizations are concerned about the security of SaaS apps and are looking for assessments that highlight potential risks. The growing trend of shifting data from on-premises storage to the cloud has made it essential for businesses to scrutinize the security capabilities and risks of every SaaS solution. Although organizations may adopt a comprehensive approach to security, this blog will focus primarily on the steps involved in conducting a SaaS security assessment and what to look for during the process.
What is SaaS Security?
SaaS security is an umbrella term for the various protective and responsive measures implemented by service providers to ensure the security of business applications and products for their users. These measures can include penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, firewalls, and access restrictions, among others. While our main focus in this blog will be on Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), we will also cover the fundamental principles of SaaS security, along with key concepts and guidelines.
Why is Security Assessment Important for SaaS Organizations?
SaaS has become the preferred choice for organizations aiming to improve efficiency, accelerate development, and enhance productivity with minimal overhead. While these benefits are core to the SaaS model, the importance of security cannot be overlooked.
If a SaaS provider is compromised, it can have serious consequences for all the businesses relying on that service.
Given that SaaS applications are typically always on, widely accessible, and often overexposed to users who may misinterpret security reports, they pose continuous security risks not only to the service providers but also to the countless businesses that depend on them.
Top Security Guidelines for SaaS Consumers and Companies
- Protect User Credentials
It’s advisable for businesses to grant users access for a specific time period, with the ability to extend permissions as needed. This ensures that individuals who are no longer associated with the organization don’t retain access. Additionally, regular monitoring of user access is essential. It’s crucial to track the rights assigned to employees and how they interact with the application. Encouraging secure and responsible use is a business’s responsibility, making it easy for users to access services when needed and ensuring they revoke access once it’s no longer required. - Multi-Level Verification
We are all familiar with multi-layered verification, which requires more than just a single identification to log into an account. Google’s adoption of two-step verification popularized this concept. Today, multi-level verification has evolved into various formats, adding an additional layer of protection for users. - Data Security
When using SaaS, users trust the software provider with their data. Should users trust the provider with their information? If the company uses multiple SaaS applications, it’s important for customers to review confidentiality agreements and perform supplier assessments. The typical business employs over 900 SaaS applications, according to Netskope, making it essential to ensure the security of all information shared with the provider. Data confidentiality is usually maintained through three primary methods:
- Customer-side Authentication
- Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE)
- Enterprise Key Management (EKM)
- Discover and Inventory SaaS Use
You cannot secure what you cannot see. This is often the case with SaaS applications. Companies frequently lose track of the various technologies in use at any given time. The key to any SaaS security assessment is identifying all technologies being used and creating an inventory of them. - Frequent Vulnerability Assessments and Penetration Testing
This is equally important for both SaaS providers and consumers. Regular Vulnerability Assessments and Penetration Testing (VAPT) help organizations identify security risks within their SaaS applications. SaaS providers should conduct regular penetration tests as part of their security protocols to ensure their web applications are secure from large-scale attacks.
Hiring a VAPT provider to manage SaaS security is an ideal choice because it reduces the burden on internal teams and provides an expert review of the systems in use.
What Role Does Penetration Testing Play in SaaS Security Assessments?
Penetration testing, or pentesting, involves simulating a hacker-style attack on infrastructure to identify security gaps. Over time, pentesting not only identifies vulnerabilities but also exploits them to understand how they work, how difficult they are to exploit, the potential damage a hacker could cause, and the cost of an intrusion. Regular pentests ensure that SaaS solutions remain secure for their users and provide certifications to reassure customers about the security of the product. Many SaaS customers require a security assessment report before migrating their business to a SaaS service.
- QualySec Technologies—The Best SaaS Security Assessment Company
There’s a lot that a SaaS developer needs to take care of, which is why it’s crucial to choose a company that can fully meet your security needs. This is where QualySec comes in. Our professional team is equipped to implement the highest standards of SaaS security, along with additional security features based on the functions performed by your SaaS, your specific needs, and your industry.
Conclusion
Most modern organizations rely on SaaS applications, which serve as the glue that holds operations together. Since it’s difficult to imagine a workday without relying on some form of SaaS, it’s vital to be aware of the security risks associated with SaaS and the importance of regular security assessments.
We’ve covered a range of SaaS security guidelines, and all of them boil down to a few core principles: grant permissions only when absolutely necessary, monitor usage, and maintain security standards.
A reliable SaaS security assessment solution can help streamline these processes. The real question is whether you’re ready to establish boundaries for your SaaS usage and take the necessary steps to protect your business.