CISO Guide to SaaS Security

Reco SaaS Security Checklist for CISOs

Reco created this checklist to help CISOs establish, implement, and continually improve their SaaS security posture while staying informed about updates and emerging threats.

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Starting Point

Asking questions constitutes the foundation of your plan to build out your security strategy. As cloud environments have a complex and constantly-changing threat landscape, a few helpful questions to consider as you start investigating an SSPM solution are:

Where does my SaaS security journey begin?
What is my SaaS security’s end goal?
Has SaaS changed or have security priorities changed?
How do I align my SaaS security strategy with the broader business objectives of my company?
Should I invest in AI as part of my SaaS security strategy?

Middle of the Road

Comparing and contrasting SSPM vendors paves the way to finding an effective solution that will help you create a discover-control-protect security framework for your company. Here are a few must-have characteristics to look for in the selection process:

Effective SaaS application discovery

Sanctioned connected applications
Unsanctioned connected applications
Third-party applications
Shadow applications
Installation dates and end user analytics
Authorized apps
Monitoring of incorrectly configured SaaS-based applications
24/7 continuous monitoring

Configuration management

Baseline configuration settings
Detection of configuration drifts
Automated detection of misconfigurations
Automated continuous configuration checks and corrections
Measure SaaS security posture and risk reporting over time
IT audit readiness

Identity, permission and SaaS application monitoring

Monitor identities
Monitor permission privileges
Discovery of permission access level
Advanced analytics for additional context
Implement least-privilege access
Identify anomalous user behavior patterns

Ready-to-use policies based on TTPs

Extensive library of ready-to-use, dynamic policies created and maintained by experts
Prioritized alerts

Integration with SIEM or SOAR

Aggregated and normalized SaaS activity events
Data-based analysis of risky behavior personas
Automated or semi-automated alerts based on personas
Automated response to security events
Apply set rules according to event
Guided remediation

Adherence to compliance frameworks

Establish An industry-specific SaaS governance or assurance plan
Built-in compliance frameworks, and due diligence best practices that support your industry and territory requirements

Data privacy

Access only to metadata such as:

Location
Implement least-privilege access
Analysis of settings of devices and applications

System functionality

Quick deployment via API
Guided onboarding process
Integrations for secure onboarding
Low false positives
Scalability

Automation capabilities

Real-time monitoring
Adaptive controls
Threat intelligence integration

The Road Ahead

When selecting an SSPM solution, you need to look for a partner not only for today, but for the road ahead. Beyond looking for technical prowess, here are a few other factors to consider and steps to follow:

Start a request for proposal process

Thorough security assessment of needs
Understand limitations of infrastructure and security
Set security goals for tools needed

Evaluate reputation

Customer reviews
Experience
Communications
Frequency of updates and improvements

Rate customer support

Availability of customer service
Open transparency and communication
SLAs for response times and escalation processes
User-friendly training offerings
User-friendly platform

Take advantage of demos and trial periods

In conclusion, a comprehensive SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) solution checklist serves as a vital tool for CISOs in their search to fortify their cybersecurity and optimize service delivery. On this journey, Reco can serve as your advisor and partner.

Download the guide