There was a time, not long ago, when SaaS security meant managing application configurations. Cutting-edge solutions might have included some type of third-party connected app monitoring tool, or user governance.
In today’s SaaS security ecosystem, those capabilities are table stakes. Most security teams have recognized that they cannot consider their SaaS stack secure without 24/7 automated configuration monitoring, full visibility into connected apps and their scopes, and identity governance. It should surprise no one that Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) is finding its way into an increasing number of SaaS security tools.
While those capabilities cover the basic use cases of SaaS security, there are other tools built into enterprise-ready SaaS security platforms. Deploying SSPMs with these capabilities improves SaaS stack security, as they go beyond issuing alerts and detecting issues.
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Right Sizing Security
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) applies to your SaaS security tools in addition to your SaaS applications. While security team members need visibility into each application, app owners only require visibility into the apps for which they are responsible. SaaS security tools should enable users to be scoped for just the tools they need.
Furthermore, some users might need read-write access, while others can get by with just read access. Limiting actions based on role allows more users to participate in the security process without weakening security practices to the point of ineffectiveness. Other users, including the GRC team or IT members involved in security, should have an appropriate level of access that enables them to review compliance.
Right-sizing security also refers to onboarding an SSPM whose pricing plan encourages monitoring more apps and users. When SaaS security vendors price based on the number of applications being monitored, it discourages users from monitoring multiple instances of the same application or testing environments. As a result, some applications may be exposed, and data may be at risk.
Accessible Over API
All data monitored and processed by an SSPM should be accessible over API. APIs make it easy to integrate your SSPM into your overall security infrastructure. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Orchestration and Automation (SOAR) platforms use API data to generate a holistic view of security events and enhance overall cybersecurity effectiveness.
APIs enable automation, allowing organizations to develop custom scripts, workflows, and applications to leverage data from the SSPM. This can be used to streamline repetitive tasks, accelerate incident response, and improve operational efficiency. Companies can use data served over API to develop their own dashboards, monitor events, and make data available to third-party vendors.
Sending Out Tickets
Most enterprises today have existing ticketing systems to manage their cybersecurity operations. An effective SaaS security tool should integrate with that workflow and fit within a centralized incident tracking platform.
Organizations use ticketing systems to systematically prioritize issues, streamline their incident response, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Furthermore, ticketing systems document events and create an audit trail. The metrics emanating from the ticketing data can be used to measure KPIs, compare response times against SLAs, and offer valuable insight into the effectiveness of SaaS security operations.
Connect to the SIEM
Leading SaaS security tools include built-in integrations with SIEM solutions, to enable security coverage without forcing organizations to add additional security tools into their toolset.
SIEMs offer a centralized view of events across the organization. By including SaaS data in the aggregated data captured by SIEMs, security teams have more context into their security landscape and are better able to detect patterns, identify threats, and respond to incidents.
SIEMs provide contextual insights into events that might otherwise go unnoticed if viewed on their own. Through a holistic picture, an innocent-seeming activity on a SaaS application might take on a more sinister meaning when looked at from a wide-angled view.
SOAR Integration
SOARs play a critical role in securing SaaS apps. It functions as a central hub to coordinate and orchestrate security operations. SaaS security platforms designed for enterprise-sized organizations include pre-designed playbooks to speed up and automate remediation.
SOARs provide enhanced incident management capabilities, provide context to security events, and allow for complex workflow orchestration involving multiple security tools, systems, and teams. Perhaps most importantly, SOARs are already connected to organizational assets, limiting the number of new tools that need to be connected with the “Write” permissions needed to change existing settings.
Guidelines for Remediation
It’s surprising, but many SaaS security tools issue misconfiguration alerts but don’t offer remediation guidance. Enterprise-ready SaaS security tools should include snippets of code that can make configuration changes in bulk, rather than demanding manual remediation efforts.
Enterprise-ready Capabilities
Large enterprises often have an Identity Provider (IdP) with over 100,000 users. These organizations generate a tremendous volume of event-generated data through their SaaS applications that must be captured, processed, analyzed, and stored.
The high volume associated with large enterprises can lead to integration errors and other issues while securing the SaaS stack. Truly enterprise-ready solutions should be backed by a customer success team, which includes a robust knowledge base and provides support as needed.
Integrated Solutions for Enhanced SaaS Security
In today’s SaaS security landscape, organizations require integrated solutions to effectively protect their applications. By connecting SaaS security tools to SIEM platforms, organizations gain a centralized view of security events and holistic insights into their security landscape. This integration enhances threat detection, enables prompt incident response, and provides valuable context for identifying potential risks.
Furthermore, integrating SaaS security tools with SOAR platforms brings automation, orchestration, and enhanced incident management capabilities. Organizations can streamline their security operations by leveraging predefined playbooks and automated workflows, as they coordinate multiple security tools, systems, and teams. This integration ensures efficient collaboration, accelerated incident response, and a comprehensive security posture.
By embracing these integrated solutions, organizations can stay ahead of emerging threats, respond effectively to security incidents, and ensure robust security for their SaaS environments.
With extensive industry expertise and comprehensive app coverage, Adaptive Shield stands out as the preferred choice for organizations seeking to enhance their SaaS security. Whether working with small to medium-sized businesses or large enterprises encompassing vast user bases, our SSPM solution excels in catering to diverse company needs. With a strong track record and a commitment to excellence, we offer a compelling option for organizations striving to bolster their overall SaaS security measures.
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