Cybercriminals are evolving, and so are their methods of attacking cloud-based applications. Whether you’re a SaaS provider or a business using third-party SaaS solutions, understanding what puts these applications at risk is crucial to protecting sensitive data and maintaining trust.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common SaaS security concerns and what you can do to mitigate them.
1. Lack of Data Encryption (At Rest & In Transit)
The risk: Without proper encryption protocols, sensitive information is vulnerable to interception or unauthorized access, especially during data transfers between the user and the server or while it’s stored.
How to mitigate:
- Use TLS (Transport Layer Security) to encrypt data in transit.
- Implement AES-256 encryption for data at rest.
- Ensure third-party SaaS vendors follow industry encryption standards and regularly audit their systems.
2. Inadequate Identity and Access Management (IAM)
The risk: Weak passwords, poor permission controls, and lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA) make it easy for bad actors to exploit user accounts.
How to mitigate:
- Implement multi-factor authentication for all users.
- Use role-based access control (RBAC) to ensure users only access what they need.
- Regularly audit user permissions and inactive accounts.
- Integrate with Single Sign-On (SSO) providers to streamline authentication and reduce password-related risks.
3. Shadow IT and Unmonitored SaaS Usage
The risk: Employees often sign up for SaaS tools without IT’s knowledge, increasing the risk of data leaks, compliance violations, and inconsistent security standards.
How to mitigate:
- Educate teams about the risks of unauthorized tools.
- Use cloud access security brokers (CASBs) to monitor and manage all SaaS usage.
- Establish a clear SaaS approval and onboarding policy to keep tools under centralized control.
4. Misconfigured SaaS Settings
The risk: Many SaaS platforms offer customizable settings, but misconfigured access controls, sharing permissions, or integrations can open the door to data exposure.
How to mitigate:
- Conduct regular configuration audits of all SaaS applications.
- Follow secure configuration checklists provided by vendors.
- Use automated tools that detect and flag risky configurations.
5. Third-Party App Integrations and APIs
The risk: SaaS applications often rely on third-party integrations or expose APIs to enable automation, but these can serve as entry points for attackers if not properly secured.
How to mitigate:
- Vet all third-party integrations for security practices.
- Use OAuth 2.0 for secure API authorization.
- Monitor API activity for unusual behavior or access attempts.
- Limit API keys’ scope and permissions.
6. Data Residency and Compliance Challenges
The risk: SaaS applications may store or process data in regions with different privacy regulations, leading to compliance issues or regulatory fines.
How to mitigate:
- Know where your SaaS vendor stores and processes your data.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, or other applicable laws.
- Choose vendors that provide data residency options and transparent compliance policies.
7. Insufficient Logging and Monitoring
The risk: If you’re not actively monitoring your SaaS environment, you may miss early signs of unauthorized access, data leaks, or internal misuse.
How to mitigate:
- Enable audit logs and keep them for an appropriate retention period.
- Use SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools to analyze logs in real-time.
- Set up alerts for suspicious activity such as login anomalies, privilege escalations, or bulk data exports.
8. Lack of Incident Response Plans
The risk: Even the best-prepared SaaS environments can experience breaches. Without a clear plan, your response may be chaotic, slow, and costly.
How to mitigate:
- Create and document a SaaS-specific incident response plan.
- Run regular tabletop exercises to practice breach scenarios.
- Coordinate your response with SaaS vendors, especially in shared responsibility models.
Shared Responsibility in the SaaS Model
While SaaS vendors are responsible for securing their infrastructure, users must secure their usage of the application. This shared responsibility model means businesses can’t assume their data is automatically safe.
Partnering with a trusted IT and software development team—like Delta Systems—can help you secure your SaaS solutions from end to end. Whether you’re developing a custom SaaS app or integrating off-the-shelf tools into your business operations, we’ll help ensure your applications are resilient, compliant, and secure.
Let’s make your SaaS security airtight. Contact Delta Systems today!