SAP security is a key element in protecting a company’s data and systems, both internally and externally. SAP security covers various aspects, such as infrastructure security, network security, operating system security and database security. Another element is secure ABAP code, a topic that is very often overlooked when designing an entire solution from a security perspective.
Secure configuration of SAP servers is essential to protect a company’s confidential information from cyberattacks. This includes secure server configuration, enabling event logging, securing system communication, and data security. Users and authorisations must also be critically monitored and tracked.
SAP security is often isolated from, or represents a blind spot in, a company’s central cybersecurity monitoring. With 66% of business managers believing that cyberattacks worldwide are increasing in frequency, this is a serious concern. That is why, as a countermeasure against these attacks, SNOK helps clients properly design and secure their SAP systems, in order to help protect business-critical data without which it is not possible to run a business effectively. Software such as SecurityBridge helps organisations protect their valuable assets.
An attack on SAP systems can have a devastating impact on a business’s operations, leading to financial losses, supply chain issues and long-term reputational damage. To prevent this, these systems must be protected from internal and external cyber threats. In this way, your organisation can continue to maintain confidentiality, availability and integrity.
Despite this, many organisations leave them outside the reach of security teams or rely solely on the ERP vendor’s own tools. As might be expected, this dramatically increases the risk of attacks and makes ERP systems such as SAP a primary target for adversaries.
What steps should be considered to secure SAP?
As part of SAP security, there are several steps that can be taken to prevent attacks:
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Roles and authorisations: SAP systems provide the necessary authorisations as standard. During software implementation, authorisation concepts specific to the client’s needs are configured, allowing the necessary permissions to be assigned. Assignment of critical authorisation combinations (Segregation of Duties, SOD) is essential. Assignment of critical authorisation combinations should be avoided and used only in exceptional cases, such as so-called “firefighter” accounts (used exceptionally, when something goes wrong with the system). A further complication in SAP security is that authorisations and roles can be manipulated in SAP using standard SAP means. Therefore, reviewing the necessary authorisations and authorisation combinations is essential and presents organisations with significant challenges. In addition, it is necessary to carry out continuous, automated reviews of SAP authorisations.
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Patch management: SAP is increasingly affected by security breaches. Threats that are now dealt with in traditional cybersecurity are also relevant for SAP systems. There are ongoing publications of so-called SAP Security Notes; however, the challenge for organisations is keeping SAP systems up to date and continuously applying patches. This is where SecurityBridge helps, examining the entire environment, recommending which patches need to be applied, or even applying them automatically.
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Transaction monitoring: SAP also offers a large number of critical transactions and functional modules, which are also accessible remotely. This also means that it is possible to create accounts via the SAP system’s API, equip them with authorisations, and then use them remotely. Data from the SAP system can then be easily loaded or manipulated.
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SAP code security: Code security is a key element of SAP security. In SAP systems, this is often left to developers to ensure the security of ABAP code. Code is bundled into a transport and moved from development systems to production systems, but this is often done without sufficient code review. SecurityBridge is able to examine ABAP code for security vulnerabilities and helps manage the complex process of transport oversight, both during implementation and in operational use.
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System settings: System settings are the foundation of SAP security, and there are many configuration options. Settings are made at the database level via SAP transactions, or via so-called SAP profile parameters, which are stored in files. SAP system implementation must comply with a set of rules regarding system settings, which can be found in the SAP Security Guide.
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Network security: SAP systems are often accessible remotely, which means they are exposed to network attacks. It is therefore important to ensure adequate network safeguards, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to protect SAP systems.
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Database security: The database is a key element of every SAP system. It is therefore important to ensure adequate database security, such as permission management, data encryption and monitoring of database activity.
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Operating system security: The operating system on which the SAP system runs also requires adequate safeguards. This includes patch management, permission management and monitoring of operating system activity. It is also worth paying attention to the operating system hardening process, which aims to tighten it up.
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Application security: SAP applications, such as S/4HANA, also require adequate safeguards. This includes permission management, patch management and monitoring of application activity.
SecurityBridge - how to easily and conveniently raise the level of SAP security
SecurityBridge is an advanced tool for managing security in SAP systems. Its main purpose is to identify security vulnerabilities and threats, and then provide remedial measures to help protect an organisation’s key assets.
SecurityBridge offers a range of features that help organisations secure their SAP systems. Here are some of them:
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SAP threat detection: SecurityBridge uses advanced technologies, such as anomaly detection, to identify potential threats to SAP systems. This allows organisations to respond quickly to potential attacks and minimise the risk of a security breach.
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SAP vulnerability management: SecurityBridge helps organisations identify and manage vulnerabilities in their SAP systems. This covers both vulnerabilities related to ABAP code and potential threats to data.
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SIEM integration for SAP: SecurityBridge can be integrated with SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems, enabling organisations to centrally manage event logs and security alerts from various sources, including SAP systems.
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SAP attack detection: SecurityBridge offers advanced attack detection features that help organisations identify and respond to potential attacks on their SAP systems.
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Identity and access management: SecurityBridge helps organisations secure their SAP systems through effective identity and access management. This includes managing user permissions, monitoring user activity and preventing unauthorised access to systems.
SecurityBridge is a comprehensive solution for managing SAP security that helps organisations protect their key assets and maintain regulatory compliance. Thanks to its advanced features and integration capabilities, SecurityBridge is an ideal tool for any organisation wishing to secure its SAP systems and protect its data.
SNOK services
SNOK, as a Gold SAP partner in Poland, is proud to be the official representative of SecurityBridge - a global leader in SAP security. Our partnership with SecurityBridge allows us to provide our clients with state-of-the-art SAP security solutions. We offer comprehensive services, from the implementation of SecurityBridge products, through ongoing security management and monitoring, to technical support. Our goal is to ensure that our solutions are tailored to the individual needs of each client, providing the highest level of protection for their SAP systems.
In summary, in today’s digital world, security is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. As the old saying goes: “those who fail to look after security today may pay twice tomorrow.” Unsecured SAP systems are an open door for cybercriminals, and the consequences of such negligence can be catastrophic - from the loss of valuable data, through breaches of regulatory compliance, to the loss of client trust. Remember, prevention is better than cure.