Software as a Service (SaaS) has become widely adopted by organizations across industries and even the government as an easy way to streamline workflow and communications and increase productivity.
Also known as “on-demand software,” Software as a Service is a subscription-based software licensing and delivery service offered by third-party vendors.
Companies are using a growing number of SaaS cloud-based applications because they automate tasks, improve business efficiency, simplify communication, and make access to your important files available at the touch of a button on your desktop computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or other internet-connected device.
After reading this article, you will understand some of the key benefits driving the popularity of cloud computing as well as some of its drawbacks. With this information, you’ll be learn why SaaS apps are common targets of cyber attacks and how you can better safeguard your devices, data, and IT network from security threats.
Organizations use SaaS software in many different business applications to handle a wide range of essential tasks, including email, calendars, document editing, spreadsheets, accounting, human resources, enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), collaboration, and cybersecurity.
SaaS applications can manage and automate important internal and customer-facing tasks for your business.
Cloud-based apps can be quickly and easily installed on your devices.
SaaS apps provide multi-functionality within a single platform. This saves businesses from having to choose from dozens of individual solutions to handle each business function.
Businesses also avoid the problem of then having to determine if all of the different resources they chose meet the security standards they need.
SaaS software is designed to work with many different operating systems and can be installed on any number of internet-connected devices.
This ensures that authorized users including your employees, vendors, and partners can quickly and easily access and process documents, spreadsheets, programs, and other data. It also allows for ease of communication for both internal staff and external stakeholders.
The subscription-based pricing of SaaS solutions can provide lower upfront costs when compared to traditional software licenses and renewal costs.
SaaS solutions are developed with integrated security controls that can meet some regulatory requirements. So, just by using the apps, you inherit those security controls by default.
Since they are cloud-based, your business and customer information is stored on the cloud. That means if your laptop breaks, for example, you can usually just log on to another device and access the same data.
SaaS vendors provide their own software updates to ensure you have the latest version with the newest features and bug fixes.
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Despite the long list of conveniences and functionality SaaS software provides, it also comes with its own inherent challenges.
While most SaaS apps have built-in security features, such as encryption, not all of those features offer the same level of protections. Additional security measures may be required, depending on your business and industry.
A SaaS app designed as a specific security tool, for example, allows hackers to infer which security controls the software does not protect against and exploit those potential vulnerabilities.
In the same way, businesses that use those SaaS security tools are simultaneously letting bad actors know that there’s valuable data stored within the software solution that businesses need to access.
This allows them to zero in on a potential opening in your IT infrastructure to access your data or launch a cyber attack such as malware or ransomware.
Internet dependency: Since these applications are accessed through devices that are connected to the internet, areas with spotty internet service can cause problems on the user end.
Since SaaS solutions are being used by many people within an organization, system updates may take longer to complete.
Outside of the app updates, businesses either need an existing internal team of IT professionals or an external managed IT company that can actively monitor and search for security vulnerabilities using “red team/blue team” practices for threat detection and response.
Depending on the app and vendor, businesses may have limited ability to tailor a particular app's features to meet their specific needs.
Given the sheer number and variety of SaaS solutions on the market today, businesses have to remain vigilant when using these apps to prevent a cyber incident or data breach.
In today’s fast-paced economy, technology is in the driver’s seat. Software as a Service apps can provide affordable, scalable solutions for businesses to remain competitive in the marketplace.
After reading this article, you now have a better understanding of the benefits and disadvantages of SaaS applications. You also now know the importance of taking a holistic approach to data and network security when it comes to using cloud-based apps.
As with any technology solutions, it's important that your IT environment is continually monitored and updated to stay a step ahead of potential issues and security threats.
A managed IT service provider (MSP) can provide comprehensive, advanced monitoring, detection and response solutions to ensure that your business continues to run efficiently and securely.
However, we know that managed IT is not the right fit for everyone. If you do choose to partner with an MSP, be sure to do your research to find a provider who can best meet your specific IT needs.
How protected is your IT infrastructure? Not sure? Click the button below for your free cybersecurity checklist to learn where you have gaps and build in extra protections today.