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Cybersecurity Policies and Regulations

4 Reasons Your SaaS Attack Surface Can No Longer be Ignored

4 Reasons Your SaaS Attack Surface Can No Longer be Ignored

Latest News on SaaS Attack Surface Security Risks

Evolving Attack Surface

The modern attack surface for SaaS applications is continually expanding and evolving, posing significant risks to organizations. The increase in connected technologies, such as third-party SaaS and IaaS providers, VPNs, and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies, has introduced numerous new threat points. The agile development environment of DevOps, with frequent updates and deployments, further complicates the security landscape3.

AI and Software Supply Chain Risks

The integration of AI and machine learning (ML) into SaaS environments has introduced new vulnerabilities. Autonomous or agentic AI is expected to increase the attack surface significantly, making it harder to secure AI code and detect downstream threats originating from second or third-tier software suppliers. Risks include data poisoning attacks, where an attacker manipulates the training data of AI models to produce malicious code or behaviors4.

Compliance with Federal Directives

Recent directives from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) highlight the importance of securing SaaS applications. The Binding Operational Directive 25-01 (BOD 25-01), issued on December 17, 2024, mandates federal civilian agencies to secure their cloud environments, particularly Microsoft 365 (M365) environments, by adhering to the Secure Cloud Business Applications (SCuBA) framework. This directive sets strict deadlines for compliance and emphasizes the adoption of secure configuration baselines to mitigate risks. While this directive is specific to federal agencies, CISA advises all organizations to adopt these security measures to reduce their attack surfaces2.

Regulations on SaaS Security 2025

CISA Binding Operational Directive 25-01

  • This directive requires federal civilian agencies to implement specific security measures for their cloud applications, starting with M365 environments.
  • Agencies must comply with the SCuBA framework’s secure configuration baselines by June 20, 2025.
  • The directive aims to address vulnerabilities in widely used cloud platforms and mandates a standardized approach to securing SaaS applications2.

SEC Rules and Requirements

While not exclusively focused on SaaS, new SEC rules and requirements emphasize the importance of cybersecurity compliance. These regulations can indirectly impact SaaS security by requiring organizations to enhance their overall cybersecurity posture. Tools like Automated Detection and Response (ADR) can help organizations comply with these regulations by providing real-time monitoring and response capabilities5.

SaaS Security Governance Best Practices

Assess and Inventory Data

  • Conduct a thorough assessment of the current data protection landscape, including the types of customer data collected, stored, and processed.
  • Evaluate the existing security measures, such as encryption methods, access controls, and backup procedures.
  • Identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in handling customer data1.

Implement Access Controls and Encryption

  • Use robust access controls to limit who can access sensitive data.
  • Employ encryption methods to protect data both in transit and at rest.
  • Regularly review and update access permissions to ensure they are aligned with the principle of least privilege1.

Employee Training

  • Provide comprehensive training to employees on data protection and security best practices.
  • Ensure employees understand the importance of security and their roles in maintaining it1.

Backups and Disaster Recovery

  • Implement regular backup procedures to ensure data can be recovered in case of a breach or system failure.
  • Have a disaster recovery plan in place to minimize downtime and data loss1.

Continuous Monitoring and Compliance

  • Use tools like AppOmni to conduct compliance assessments and ensure adherence to federal standards such as those outlined in BOD 25-01.
  • Continuously monitor the SaaS environment for security risks and vulnerabilities, and take proactive measures to mitigate them2.

Attack Surface Management

  • Deploy effective attack surface management solutions to gain a comprehensive view of potential threats.
  • Monitor and manage the attack surface by identifying and mitigating risks, confirming changes, and enforcing security policy governance3.

By following these best practices and staying informed about the latest regulations and risks, organizations can significantly enhance their SaaS security posture and protect sensitive data.

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