7 SaaS security threats to know in 2023

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is changing the way organizations use and deliver applications; However, this paradigm shift comes with its own inherent threats, leading to many security attacks.

It is imperative to understand the shortcomings of the SaaS model and address the security flaws of SaaS applications. Here are a few commonly known threats that you need to be familiar with.

1. Misconfiguration error

Clouds are often equipped with layers of system complexity that developers add to ensure each application is secure and easy to understand. However, the higher the number of layers, the higher the chance of a misconfiguration problem.

When the security team doesn't pay attention to small issues, there are deep, long-lasting impacts in the cloud's infrastructure. Deviations with security policies create challenges that are difficult to handle and overcome. Furthermore, there is an ongoing security problem because SaaS application owners are unfamiliar with application performance and security standards.

As a precaution, enterprise security teams should focus on implementing the SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) model to gain broad visibility and control over the SaaS application stack.

2. Ransomware

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Ransomware continues to plague users, and SaaS applications are no exception to this threat. According to a survey reported by Sales Force Ben, 48% of businesses fall victim to a ransomware attack; data is stored in different cloud locations, including public clouds, AWS servers, on-premises data centers, and more, specifically targeted.

It should be noted that the platform structure is not held for ransom. However, the data you store on a SaaS platform is a concern for hackers. This concept makes the entire platform a viable target for Ransomware.

The SaaS platform has strict technical controls. In contrast, hackers get in through a variety of methods, including advanced end-user phishing techniques, API key leaks, malware, and more. Attackers use the platform's API to export stored data and overwrite it with encrypted versions.

As you might have guessed, the encrypted data is held for ransom.

3. Identity management problem

Identity management and access control have become important for securing SaaS services. Security professionals must have an overview of all those who hold access and monitor who enters and exits the scope of an enterprise's network. Identity and Access Management (IAM) software helps you scrutinize incoming and outgoing requests, giving you full control over your application accesses.

You should report any security breach immediately to the relevant security teams so that they can take appropriate action to prevent damage.

4. No control over confidential data

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Users often need help managing data loss because SaaS platforms can be down at any time without notice. While this means you don't have to worry about protecting your confidential data, creating provision for data storage, or the source infrastructure to maintain it, there is still a high chance that loss of control, especially during or after a security breach.

When working with an external SaaS platform, you must be prepared for unprecedented losses, causing a massive loss of control. Cloud service providers often offer data backup options, but because these options charge additional fees, many businesses shy away from using them. However, this is a notable threat to SaaS applications, which can be addressed with the right discussions and implementation of the appropriate backup channels.

5. Shadow IT

Shadow IT is not something shady. Simply, Shadow IT refers to the adoption of technology that is outside the scope of the IT team's activities. Some popular examples of Shadow IT include cloud services, messengers, and file sharing apps.

As a security threat, Shadow IT provides many gray areas for hackers to hijack vulnerable devices available on the network. Some of the common threats imposed include:

1. Lack of control over apps in the official sphere.
2. Data loss and breach.
3. Vulnerabilities are not monitored.
4. Software/hardware conflict.

In a simple situation, when the IT team is not familiar with the variety of applications accessing the corporate network, there is a high chance that someone is breaking into the official network. This arrangement creates an unimaginable gap, which needs to be filled by spending a lot of time, effort and money solving the problems.

6. Unauthorized Access

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SaaS applications are available everywhere and for everyone. While they are widely used and easy to use, you need to control access to those services. There are a few cases where unauthorized access has become a potential problem as businesses rely on third-party applications located in the cloud. You won't let anyone see your data, but it's easy to overlook exactly how many people have been granted access at one time or another.

IT and security teams cannot manage their enterprise applications while maintaining security limits for every application over the network. They need to strengthen the defenses of their applications to prevent hackers from entering.

7. Vulnerable software

Application developers release software updates and security patches to address plug-in bugs and vulnerabilities. Despite regular user testing and feedback, not every security hole can be filled because monitoring every single application provided by a SaaS vendor is not possible.

Many ethical testers and hackers perform rigorous pentesting on native applications to check for vulnerabilities. But making such extensive testing available to third parties is difficult, due to security constraints and a small workforce.

For this reason, SaaS applications should be checked for errors first, and an effective feedback channel is necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of cloud-based applications.

Of course, while SaaS brings many benefits, it also poses many threats. As remote working becomes the norm, businesses are focusing on many new tools to empower employees to work remotely. So the future need is to use SaaS tools that are well optimized in the remote working method, to make the work from home model efficient, robust and sustainable.

Samuel Daniel

Update 14 April 2023