Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, smarter as we speak.
A modern-day business faces the pressing challenges of securing its systems and safeguarding its data from the nefarious elements of the digital world.
According to a study, one-third of businesses store mission-critical information on SAP software solutions and systems. For cybercriminals hovering the online space, such systems—if left unguarded and unprotected—are a sitting duck.
A breach would culminate into adverse consequences like:
- Intellectual property theft.
- Financial loss.
- Reputation damage.
- Operational disruption.
- Compliance consequences.
As someone with SAP software business solutions, it’s pivotal that you familiarize yourself with security measures that would save the day and keep critical business data within defenses.
We’ve outlined the top five below.
Five Ways to Secure Business Data on SAP Software Solutions
1. Update EHP and SPS Regularly
Keeping your core SAP systems up-to-date is the first step towards ensuring unwavering levels of security.
SAP rolls out new features and functionalities throughout the year. Staying abreast of the latest developments and integrating enhancement packs periodically into your existing SAP landscape can go a long way in securing data.
Make sure you aren’t a version behind. A minor lapse on your part can ensue to become the biggest breach ever, leaving your business in a state of jeopardy.
2. Emphasize Improving the Quality of the Code
It’s estimated that over 70% of businesses fail to audit and fine-tune the SAP ABAP code. As a result, they consistently face compliance and risk concerns.
To add more muscle to SAP software solutions, the ideal practice is analyzing the code meticulously to find and fix security loopholes before initiating any level of upgrade and enhancement.
Adopt a security-first mindset and focus on prioritizing the quality of the code to address any risk and compliance issues that may crop up.
Also, you should always keep the custom code you need.
3. Implement SAP Solutions Manager
Any reputable SAP solutions provider would advise businesses to get SAP Solution Manager for building a robust security perimeter around data.
SAP Solution Manager has a Security Optimization Service that focuses on reinforcing security. It performs a host of checks including:
- Basis administration check
- User management check
- Super users check
- Password check
- Spool and printer authorization check
- Background authorization check
- Batch input authorization check
- Transport control authorization check
- Role management authorization check
- Profile parameter check
- SAP GUI Single Sign-On (SSO) check
- Certificate Single Sign-On (SSO) check
- External authentication check
The only prerequisite is to install the most recent version of SAP Solution Manager. Also, ask the following questions before implementing it for your business:
A. Can your organization manually review and act on the recommended actions?
B. Do your teams have bandwidth for review and action?
4. Run an Antivirus Scan
SAP software business solutions has plenty of juice for cyberattackers. Implementing periodic antivirus scan plays a key role in fortifying the security of your SAP data.
Use a virus scanner to check for threats. The market is swamped with anti-virus software packages that aid in security SAP software solutions using deep security. It’s important to install a virus scan adapter on the host before running a deep security scan.
Having said that, we must note that SAP does not recommend, release, or investigate antivirus software as part of its server product validation program.
5. Implement Re-Certification Processes
Businesses must ensure that initiating reviews of inactive user IDs and roles should be the part of their beef-up plan. It’s advisable to routinely assess user IDs, deactivating unnecessary ones, enhancing application security, and cutting down on licensing expenses.
If a business is following a standard operating procedure (SOP) but manually executing these tasks, consider adopting a recertification tool from SAP solutions provider, automating the review of dormant IDs and roles—and keeping compliance in green.
Strengthen SAP Security Solutions: An Unassailable Business Need
Cyberattacks are turning smarter with a snowballing effect. The pervasive and dynamic nature of online threats demands a robust, no-BS approach to safeguarding sensitive data.
By investing in robust SAP security measures, organizations can mitigate risks, ensure compliance, and fortify their defenses against evolving cyber threats. For a business, SAP software solutions form the backbone. Securing these isn’t a matter of whether, but of when.
