Best Practices for SaaS Data Protection

Whether it’s for better security, compliance, or security protecting your data needs to be a main focus in any SaaS business.

With sensitive information stored and accessed across cloud platforms, reliable security measures are essential to safeguard against breaches and unauthorized access. That’s why in this article, we’ll cover the best practices for SaaS data protection.

7 Essential Practices for SaaS Data Security

1. Monitor Your Entire SaaS Platform for Inconsistencies

Regularly reviewing your SaaS platform for inconsistencies helps you detect unauthorized changes, unusual activity, or security gaps early. 

By tracking data flows and access patterns, you gain insights into your platform’s health. By doing things this way, you can reduce risks, especially in systems handling sensitive data.

How Do Monitor Your SaaS Platform for Better Data Protection?

• Use automated tools to flag unusual access or changes.
• Track user behavior for deviations from normal activity.
• Analyze log files for potential breaches or anomalies.
• Set alerts for changes to critical system settings.

2. Make Sure There Is an SSO Framework With Adaptable MFA

Single Sign-On (SSO) with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) simplifies access while strengthening security. What this does is lower password fatigue, reducing the chances of weak or reused passwords. 

Adaptable MFA takes this a step further by looking at risk levels and adjusting requirements, like adding biometric checks for high-risk scenarios. By doing things, this way, you make sure that only authorized users gain access, even under new and more complex threat conditions.

• Choose an SSO solution compatible with your SaaS tools.
• Use adaptive MFA to handle varying threat levels.
• Train employees on secure password practices and MFA use.
• Audit SSO and MFA systems for gaps or misconfigurations.

3. Make Use of a Zero Trust Authentication System

Zero Trust Authentication operates under the principle that no user or device is inherently trusted. What this means is that every single  access attempt is verified, which in turn, lowers the risk of internal threats or compromised accounts.

To do this, you need to rely on reliable identity verification, granular permissions, and continuous monitoring. But on the whole,  moving towards zero-trust makes sure that sensitive data and systems are protected, even if attackers breach initial defenses.

• Require verification for every access request.
• Set permissions based on user roles and needs.
• Continuously monitor access for unauthorized attempts.
• Use identity-based segmentation for better security control.

4. Put a Disaster Recovery or Data Loss Prevention System in Place

Disaster recovery and data loss prevention (DLP) systems prepare you for worst-case scenarios like accidental deletions or cyberattacks. What these systems do is help safeguard data through automated backups and protective measures. 

While it seem hard for some companies to put in place, having a solid recovery plan lowers downtime and allows business continuity. By identifying vulnerabilities and acting proactively, you can remove the impact of potential disruptions.

• Schedule regular backups of critical data.
• Test recovery plans to guarantee effectiveness.
• Use DLP tools to block unauthorized data sharing.
• Identify key assets and prioritize their protection.

5. Threat Intelligence and Behavior Analytics

Threat intelligence involves gathering information about emerging threats, while behavior analytics identifies unusual patterns. Together, they help you stay ahead of cyber risks. By understanding how threats work or attack your system, you can take preventative measures.

Behavior analytics helps give you immediate insight, flagging potential breaches or malicious activity before damage occurs.

• Subscribe to threat intelligence feeds or services.
• Analyze user behavior for signs of compromise.
• Use analytical tools with your SaaS platform.
• Keep security teams updated on current threats.

6. Check Third-Party Integration Plugins and Monitor for Shadow SaaS Exposure

Third-party plugins often improve functionality but can introduce vulnerabilities if not properly vetted. Shadow SaaS refers to unsanctioned apps that employees use, which can bypass security measures. Regular audits of tools used and shadow SaaS activity help guarantee your platform remains secure. These steps protect against data leaks and unauthorized access.

• Review plugin permissions and data access regularly.
• Limit tools to approved and verified ones.
• Educate employees about the risks of unauthorized apps.
• Use tools to detect and manage shadow SaaS usage.

7. Schedule Frequent Security Checks

Frequent security assessments help uncover weaknesses before attackers exploit them. Regular checks keep your defenses up-to-date with the latest threat landscape. These security checks should include penetration testing, vulnerability scans, and compliance audits. This helps in keeping a strong security posture and makes sure that your SaaS environment stays resilient against threats.

• Have vulnerability scans on a set schedule.
• Hire experts for penetration testing periodically.
• Verify compliance with data protection regulations.
• Document findings and address issues promptly.

Vulnerabilities to Protect Against in SaaS

Issues in a Multi-Tenant Architecture and Public Cloud Service Providers

Multi-tenant architectures, where multiple customers share the same resources, can be risky if one tenant’s data becomes accessible to others. Public cloud providers introduce additional risks, including a lack of direct control over infrastructure. These environments require strong isolation measures to prevent cross-tenant data exposure and breaches.

• Implement strict data isolation policies.
• Use encryption for data at rest and in transit.
• Monitor shared resources for signs of misuse.
• Review service-level agreements for security guarantees.

Vulnerabilities When Integrated With Other Applications

Data sharing between SaaS platforms and third-party applications often creates entry points for attackers. Improperly configured APIs or excessive permissions can lead to data breaches. Regularly checking tools and making sure they do not compromise the security of your SaaS environment. Proactive measures help secure these connections.

• Auditing APIs for proper configurations and permissions.
• Limiting third-party access to essential data only.
• Monitoring data flow between integrated systems.
• Reviewing integration contracts for security clauses.

Dependency on Vendor's Security for Customer Security

Relying on your SaaS vendor’s security measures can leave you vulnerable if they fail to uphold standards. It’s essential to evaluate vendors’ security practices and hold them accountable. This includes understanding their incident response procedures, compliance certifications, and overall reliability. Being proactive reduces risks associated with vendor dependencies.

• Review vendor security certifications and audits.
• Ask vendors about their incident response plans.
• Make sure contracts include data protection agreements.
• Conduct regular security reviews with your vendors.

Tools Used by Employees to Perform Tasks

Employees often rely on various tools, including personal devices and apps, to complete tasks. These tools can often bypass corporate security controls, exposing sensitive data. This is why, educating employees on secure practices and using controls for device and app usage can reduce these risks. In the process of dealing with this issue, you protect your company from accidental or intentional breaches.

• Create policies for using personal devices and apps.
• Provide employees with secure alternatives for tasks.
• Monitor access from unapproved devices or apps.
• Train staff on identifying and avoiding risky tools.
  
  

Infisign Helps With Data Protection SaaS-Centric Businesses

Infisign empowers SaaS-centric businesses to tackle data protection challenges with advanced security solutions for modern cloud environments. 

By combining cutting-edge encryption, adaptive access controls, and real-time monitoring, Infisign makes sure that sensitive data is safeguarded without disrupting user experience.

With both IAM and CIAM solutions, Infisign offers automatic user lifecycle management and makes compliance a lot easier with access control and a zero-trust framework. Not to mention there are adaptive MFA and SSO that make your security watertight and easy to use. Reach out to the team for a free trial!