How to Manage the Complexities of SaaS Security With SSPM

The growing reliance on software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications to run critical business functions keeps expanding the cloud-based attack surface. Yet, effectively securing cloud-based third-party services and resources is a complex task often relegated to a later time when resources and knowledge will be available.

Why Do You Need SSPM

Recommended best practices by industry standard bearers are largely reliant on manual documentation. The Minimum Elements for a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) report published by the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) in July 2021 also relies on self-reported lists of included materials.

Even the MITRE System of Trust (SoT) relies on non-digital due diligence questions related to the supplier’s reliability from multiple angles, ranging from financial stability to organizational stature, external influence, and maliciousness, including organizational security.

The amount of manual work required to ingest these reports and coordinate their content when integrating a SaaS into a network is considerable and the process is impractical.

In addition, the constant growth in sanctioned, unsanctioned, and forgotten SaaS apps has created sprawl that makes these apps difficult to govern and monitor. Without visibility, these shadow ITs proliferate, expanding the unmonitored, yet exploitable, attack surface.

This is where SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) comes in handy. SSPM tools focus specifically on managing the security configurations and access controls of SaaS apps.

What Is SSPM

SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) tools are specialized to help manage the security settings, configurations, and access controls of a portfolio of SaaS applications. SSPM tools provide visibility into the up-to-date state of SaaS security in areas like user permissions, asset inventory, and regulatory compliance. It then enforces secure baselines and adjusts configurations to remediate issues as they occur. SSPM focuses specifically on the unique requirements of SaaS environments and the growing landscape of cloud-based apps being adopted.

Gartner has recognized SSPM as an emerging market segment fueled by the growth of SaaS adoption. Supplying these dedicated security tools is a rising cluster of vendors such as Zscaler, Obsidian Security, Adaptive Shield, Spin.AI, and many others. These companies integrate with an organization’s existing identity provider and SaaS apps and then layer on analysis, monitoring, and automation capabilities purpose-built to manage ongoing security risks as user permissions rapidly expand across growing app portfolios.

Exploring the Multifaceted Applications of SSPM

SSPMs serve a variety of functions, each contributing to a robust cybersecurity framework:

Discovering shadow IT

The SSPM discovery step detects unmonitored or unauthorized SaaS applications. Aside from informing the risk mitigation process, the discovery also lists underutilized licenses which contributes to cost optimization.

Identifying misconfigurations or overprivileged access

SSPM tools automate the detection of compromised credentials, suspicious login locations or times, and abnormal permissioning activities. Upon detection, it alerts stakeholders to investigate and remediate threats.

Automating continuous security monitoring and response specific to SaaS environments

Going beyond visibility, SSPMs can instantly trigger remediation actions based on policy violations. For example, automatically disabling compromised accounts or revoking an app integration with suspicious scope creep.

Supporting compliance and audit processes

SSPM tools y provide an audit trail for compliance requirements related to SaaS usage and security. When audits demand evidence of controls around access, configurations, and activity, SSPMs generate reports that demonstrate policies are enforced, which reduces the compliance burden.

Techniques Employed by SSPM for Enhanced SaaS Security

SSPM solutions utilize a comprehensive set of techniques:

• User management and IAM administration: Overseeing user accounts and streamlining identity and access controls.
• SaaS application catalog and shadow IT detection: Managing approved SaaS applications and identifying unauthorized usage.
• Connected apps analysis and configuration drift detection: Monitoring third-party app integrations and changes in SaaS configurations.
• SaaS app configuration templates and threat detection: Using best practice templates and advanced threat detection capabilities.
• Data protection and license management: Ensuring data within SaaS applications is protected and licenses are managed efficiently.

Enhancing SSPM Effectiveness with Advanced Integrations

SSPMs integrate with various technologies:

• API integrations: Provide real-time visibility into SaaS applications by extracting detailed configuration and permissioning data.
• Identity provider integration: Align access controls and incorporate MFA status into user risk level assessments.
• Browser extensions and endpoint software: Track SaaS app usage and login attempts, correlating data against access policies.
• Pre-configured security templates: Offer templates aligned with compliance frameworks for automated monitoring and swift remediation of security lapses.

Navigating the Complexities of Implementing SSPM

While beneficial, adopting an SSPM solution for enhanced SaaS security comes with its own set of challenges:

Privacy Concerns

The deep level of monitoring of user activities and application behaviors by SSPM tools can lead to privacy concerns. Establishing transparent policies and engaging in careful change management are essential to address these concerns and maintain trust.

Budgetary Considerations

Adding SSPM tools to the technology stack means an additional financial commitment. Justifying this investment requires quantifying the risk reduction and productivity enhancements SSPM achieves.

Keeping Pace with Evolving Threats and Regulations

The constantly evolving cyber threats and regulatory requirements demand that SSPM vendors rapidly evolve their products. Staying ahead of these changes is crucial for SSPM tools to remain effective and relevant.

Balancing Security with User Experience

Implementing security measures, such as enforced re-authentication, can sometimes disrupt user workflows. Finding the right balance between robust security and a seamless user experience is critical to ensure that security measures do not hinder productivity.

The spectrum of benefits offered by SSPMs is vast, encompassing cost optimization, access governance, threat mitigation, and audit facilitation. However, unlocking the full potential of these tools requires careful selection, aligning them with the specific needs of an organization, and ensuring that the investment matches the scale of ambition. When implemented thoughtfully, SSPMs are not just tools but pivotal allies, scaling security assurance in step with an organization's cloud adoption journey, ensuring that growth and security go hand in hand.