Businesses of all sizes rely on Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms to streamline their operations, store data, and access critical applications. Companies globally are using an average number of 110 SaaS applications and this has become one of the biggest security challenges as cyber-attacks and data breaches increase. Around 40% of SaaS assets are vulnerable to data leaks due to poor management, so it is vital to boost your SaaS security to protect business continuity.
In this article, we’ll walk you through three simple steps to boost your SaaS security. From securing your infrastructure to implementing strict access controls, these steps are easy to follow and will help you safeguard your platform from potential security breaches.
Understanding SaaS security risks
Before we dive into the three steps you can take to secure your SaaS platform, it’s important to understand the security risks associated with these types of applications. Some of the most common security risks include:
- Data breaches: SaaS platforms store sensitive business and customer data, making them a prime target for hackers. A data breach can result in financial loss, reputational damage, and legal liabilities.
- Downtime: A SaaS platform that experiences downtime due to a security incident can disrupt business operations and cause productivity losses.
- Compliance violations: Depending on the industry, SaaS platforms may need to comply with specific regulations such as HIPAA or GDPR. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in legal action and financial penalties.
Three simple steps to boost your SaaS security
Securing your SaaS platform is essential for protecting your business and customers’ sensitive information. It can also help you comply with regulatory requirements, build trust with your customers, and avoid costly security incidents. By implementing the three simple steps we’ll outline below, you’ll be able to strengthen your SaaS security and reduce the risk of cyber-attacks.
1. Conduct a security audit
The first step to securing your SaaS platform is to conduct a comprehensive security audit. This involves identifying potential vulnerabilities and risks, assessing your current security protocols, and developing a plan to address any weaknesses. Here are some key areas to focus on during your security audit:
- Infrastructure security: Review your network infrastructure and ensure that firewalls, routers, and other security devices are properly configured and up-to-date.
- Application security: Assess the security of your SaaS application and ensure that it’s protected against common attack vectors such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
- Access controls: Review your access controls and ensure that only authorised users have access to sensitive data and applications.
- Data protection: Assess your data protection measures, including encryption, backups, and disaster recovery plans.
By conducting a security audit, you’ll be able to identify potential weaknesses and develop a plan to address them. This will help you strengthen your SaaS security and reduce the risk of cyber-attacks.
2. Implement multi-factor authentication
The next step to securing your SaaS platform is to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all user accounts. MFA requires users to provide two or more forms of identification before they can access sensitive data or applications. This prevents unauthorised access and protects against phishing attacks. Here are some tips for implementing MFA:
- Choose a reliable MFA provider: There are many MFA providers available, so be sure to choose one that is reliable, easy to use, and compatible with your SaaS platform.
- Require MFA for all user accounts: Make sure that all user accounts, including administrators and employees, are required to use MFA to access sensitive data or applications.
- Educate users on MFA best practices: Provide training to your users on how to use MFA effectively and avoid common MFA pitfalls such as sharing login credentials or using weak passwords.
By implementing MFA, Microsoft says you’ll add an extra layer of protection to your SaaS platform and block up to 99.9% of cyber-attacks.
3. Regularly update and patch your software
The final step to securing your SaaS platform is to regularly update and patch your software. Software updates can include security patches that address any vulnerabilities and protect against cyber-attacks. Here are some tips for keeping your software up-to-date:
- Automate software updates: Many SaaS platforms allow you to automate software updates, ensuring that your applications are always running the latest version.
- Regularly check for updates: If your SaaS platform doesn’t offer automated updates, be sure to regularly check for updates and patches and install them as soon as possible.
- Test updates before installing them: Before installing any updates, be sure to test them in a non-production environment to ensure that they don’t cause any issues or conflicts.
By regularly updating and patching your software, you’ll be able to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities and protect your SaaS platform from cyber-attacks.
Additional SaaS security measures to consider
While the three steps outlined above are essential for securing your SaaS platform, there are additional measures you can take to further strengthen your security. These include:
- Data encryption: Encrypting sensitive data can help protect against unauthorised access and data breaches.
- Regular data backups: Regularly backing up your data can help ensure that you can quickly recover from a security incident or data loss.
- Employee training: Providing regular security training to your employees can help them identify potential security threats and avoid common pitfalls such as phishing attacks.
- Incident response plan: Developing an incident response plan can help you quickly respond to a security incident and minimise the impact on your business.
By implementing these additional security measures, you’ll be able to further strengthen your SaaS security and reduce the risk of cyber-attacks.
Boost your SaaS security with expert help
Securing your SaaS platform is essential for protecting your business and customers’ sensitive information. Partner with the cybersecurity experts at Intelliworx to build a strong security foundation for your SaaS platform and protect against potential security threats.
