SaaS security has become an increasingly important discipline as the use of SaaS applications has expanded. Cloud access security brokers (CASBs) emerged over a decade ago to assist organizations in monitoring usage, controlling access, and securing data within these applications. Initially, the focus of SaaS security was driven by compliance, but now, many organizations prioritize security as the primary motivation for protecting their data.
One of the most critical capabilities in SaaS security today is the protection of applications from malware and ransomware attacks. Additionally, identifying and resolving misconfigurations, such as weak or default password usage, excessive user permissions, and outdated authorization, is crucial to prevent attackers from finding an easy path to exploit vulnerabilities.
Despite the significance of these security measures, many security teams are not fully aware of the scope of the issue. Unsanctioned applications contribute to blind spots, and the interconnectedness of SaaS applications with third-party extensions and other applications further complicates an organization’s understanding of their SaaS footprint and potential risk exposure.
In terms of available tools, there is both good news and bad news. On the positive side, there is an abundance of resources designed to address these SaaS security issues. Cloud access security brokers, SaaS security posture management, enterprise browsers, security service edge, and Secure Access Service Edge are all worth considering for organizations looking to enhance their SaaS security.
However, the downside is that the multitude of options can be overwhelming for organizations, making it challenging to determine which tools are best suited for their specific needs.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are certain attributes that organizations should prioritize when adopting SaaS security products. These attributes include:
1. Visibility: This entails having insight into both sanctioned and unsanctioned application usage, understanding the third-party extensions connected via APIs, and being aware of the data being accessed and the actions performed by users. Such visibility allows security teams to develop specific policies to control usage, mitigate insider risk, and protect the applications themselves.
2. Flexible workflows: Effective collaboration between security teams and distributed application owners is essential. Historically, cybersecurity has struggled to facilitate coordination between these two entities, particularly within the SaaS security realm. Therefore, tools that simplify the process of assigning tasks to application owners, and even automate certain actions, can help alleviate this burden.
3. Transparent user experience (UX): Ultimately, security teams must strike a balance between safeguarding the organization and enabling employee productivity. Products that inhibit employees from being productive, rather than securely enabling them, are less likely to be embraced within the modern enterprise.
By prioritizing these attributes, security leaders can gain a head start when creating and implementing a SaaS security strategy, ensuring they choose the appropriate tools to meet their specific needs.
It is worth noting that Enterprise Strategy Group is a division of TechTarget, and its analysts maintain business relationships with technology vendors, including those mentioned in this article.
In conclusion, the expanding SaaS environment necessitates a focus on SaaS security. As security needs evolve, organizations must prioritize protecting applications from malware and identifying and resolving misconfigurations. However, many security teams lack a comprehensive understanding of the issue due to unsanctioned applications and the complex interconnections among SaaS applications and third-party extensions. Despite the plethora of available tools, organizations may struggle to identify which ones are best suited for their needs. Prioritizing attributes such as visibility, flexible workflows, and a transparent user experience can help security leaders navigate the diverse range of options and develop an effective SaaS security strategy.