SaaS platforms encompass a plethora of confidential information and are pivotal to business functions. Despite this, many organizations rely on insufficient measures and trust that their SaaS stack will endure securely. Unfortunately, this strategy is inadequate and will render security teams unaware of threat prevention and detection, and susceptible to regulatory breaches, data leaks, and major security breaches.
If you grasp the significance of SaaS security and require assistance in elucidating it internally to secure your team’s approval, this article is tailored for you — and encompasses:
- The necessity to secure SaaS data
- Instances of real-world SaaS apps attacks
- The vulnerable points of SaaS apps
- Alternative solutions such as CASB or manual examination
- Benefits of a Software Security and Protection Manager (SSPM)
- Key aspects to consider in the appropriate SSPM
What Comprises Your SaaS Data?
Practically all business activities are facilitated through SaaS. Departments such as HR, sales, marketing, product development, legal, and finance are managed through SaaS applications, which are central to nearly every business operation, and the data underpinning and steering those operations are stored in these cloud-based applications.
This encompasses confidential customer data, staff records, intellectual property, financial plans, legal agreements, P&L statements – and the list is extensive.
While SaaS applications are inherently secure, the shared responsibility framework, which guarantees that SaaS providers integrate the necessary controls to secure an application, places the onus on their customers to fortify their environments and ensure proper configurations. Applications usually entail numerous settings and myriad user authorizations, and when administrators and security teams lack a thorough comprehension of the ramifications of unique application settings, it results in precarious security loopholes.
SaaS Applications ARE Facing Attacks
Recent headlines underscore that SaaS applications have become a target for threat actors. An assault on Snowflake led to one company unveiling over 500 million client records. A phishing endeavor in the Azure Cloud compromised the accounts of numerous senior executives. An incursion at a major telecommunications provider exposed files containing sensitive details for more than 63,000 employees.
Threats are real and on the rise. Cybercriminals employ brute force and password spraying attacks regularly, infiltrating applications that could withstand such attacks with an SSPM to bolster access controls and an Identity Threat Detection & Response (ITDR) capability to pinpoint these threats.
A single breach by threat actors can result in substantial financial and operational downsides. Implementing an SSPM averts many threats by fortifying configurations and ensuring continual operations. When fused with a SaaS-centered ITDR solution, it offers comprehensive protection.
You can delve deeper into each breach via this blog series.
Understanding the SaaS Attack Area
The attack surface encompasses multiple avenues that threat actors exploit for illicit entry into a company’s SaaS applications.
Misconfigurations
Incorrect settings may grant unauthorized users access to applications, siphon data, establish new users, and disrupt business operations.
Identity-First Security
Vulnerable or compromised credentials can leave SaaS apps susceptible to breaches. This encompasses inadequate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) usage, frail password requisites, broad user privileges, and permissive guest settings. Inadequate entitlement management, especially in intricate applications like Salesforce and Workday, can lead to needless access that may be exploited if the account is compromised.
The identity attack area extends beyond human accounts to non-human identities (NHI). NHIs frequently receive expansive authorizations and are commonly unsupervised. Threat actors who seize control of these identities often gain unrestricted access within the application. NHIs encompass shadow applications, OAuth integrations, service accounts, API Keys, and more.
Moreover, additional attack domains within identity security include:
- Identity’s Devices: Users with privileged access and inadequate device hygiene can expose data through device malware
- Data Security: Shared resources susceptible to leaks through public links include documents, repositories, strategic presentations, and other shared documents.
GenAI
Upon infiltrating an application with GenAI activated, threat actors can leverage the tool to swiftly locate a trove of sensitive data pertaining to company IP, strategic vision, sales figures, confidential client information, staff details, and more.
Can CASBs or Manual Audits Safeguard SaaS Applications?
The answer is negative. Manual reviews are insufficient in this context. Changes transpire at a rapid pace, and too much is at stake to depend on periodic audits.
CASBs, once deemed as the quintessential SaaS security tool, also fall short. They mandate extensive customization and fail to encompass the varied attack surfaces of SaaS applications. They induce security obscurity by concentrating on pathways and disregarding user behavior within the application itself.
An SSPM is the sole solution that grasps the intricacies of configurations and the interconnectedness among users, devices, data, permissions, and applications. This depth of coverage is precisely what is necessary to curb sensitive data leakages.
The latest Cloud Security Alliance Annual SaaS Security Survey Report: 2025 CISO Plans & Priorities highlighted that 80% of respondents regarded SaaS security as a priority. Fifty-six percent elevated their SaaS security workforce, and 70% had either a dedicated SaaS security team or role. These statistics indicate a significant advancement in SaaS security readiness and CISO focal points.
What Is the Potential ROI with an SSPM Solution?
Evaluating the ROI on your SaaS application is indeed calculable.
Forrester Research conducted an ROI study earlier this year. They examined the costs,As I analyzed the budget, gains, and operations of a global media and information service company worth $10 billion, it was evident that they achieved a return on investment of 201%. The net present value was estimated at $1.46 million, and the payback period for their investment was under 6 months.
If we dig deeper into evaluating the enhanced SaaS Security Posture, we can start by identifying the actual breaches that have occurred and their associated costs. Not to mention the immeasurable impact on reputation. Additionally, factor in the expenses of manually monitoring and securing SaaS applications, along with the time spent on rectifying configuration discrepancies without a solution. By deducting the overall benefits of an SSPM solution, you can determine the yearly net gains from implementing SSPM.
The calculation of ROI simplifies the process for budget allocators to set aside resources for an SSPM.
Explore a demo to comprehend the essence of SSPM
Opting for the Appropriate SSPM Platform
While all SSPMs aim to safeguard SaaS applications, the range and depth of security measures they provide can vary significantly. Considering that nearly every SaaS application holds some level of sensitive data, opt for an SSPM that:
- Includes a wide array of integrations by default and also supports customized, in-house applications. Ensure it even keeps an eye on your social media platforms.
- Possesses the capability to monitor users and their devices
- Offers insights into connected applications
- Can identify shadow applications and provide protection for GenAI apps, as the rise of GenAI in SaaS applications poses substantial security risks.
- Comprises thorough Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) to avert unauthorized activities while recognizing and addressing threats.
SaaS applications serve as the core of contemporary corporate IT infrastructure. When making a case for prioritizing and investing in SSPM, emphasize the significance of the safeguarded data, the threats surrounding the applications, and the anticipated return on investment.
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