Security at SAP is a fascinating journey that began with the founding of the company and has evolved over decades to meet growing threats. In this article, we trace how SAP’s approach to security has transformed - from the first ERP systems, through the internet era, to today’s cloud solutions, which are tested by ethical hackers under the Bug Bounty programme.
The history of SAP security: from the beginnings to the present day
Security has played a key role at SAP since the company’s founding in 1972. Over the years, SAP, as a global leader in business software, has had to adapt not only to changing technologies but also to an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape. Let us examine how SAP’s security strategies have evolved over the decades.
The 1970s - Modest beginnings, first steps in data management
When SAP was founded in 1972 by five former IBM engineers, the primary goal was to create an ERP system aimed at optimising business processes. At that time, the concept of security was far less developed than it is today, largely due to fewer digital threats and limited access to global networks. In the 1970s, SAP’s main challenge was ensuring data integrity and system reliability to help companies manage their resources.
The introduction of SAP R/2, the first integrated ERP system, laid a solid foundation for future development. System security at the time focused mainly on protection against failures and ensuring the availability of key data.
The 1980s and 1990s - The development of ERP systems and the need for greater protection
In the 1980s and 1990s, SAP introduced the next generation of its ERP system, SAP R/3, which for the first time integrated business operations with databases - a genuine breakthrough. However, this software development also required the introduction of more advanced security features.
During this period, the internet began to develop, opening up new possibilities but also contributing to a rise in cyber threats. SAP had to face new challenges in data protection and system security. More comprehensive user authorisation functions and access management security rules began to be introduced.
In 1996, the SAP Security Guide was published - the first complete guide to security management in SAP systems. This guide was designed to help companies implementing SAP systems protect their data and ensure compliance with internal and external security regulations.
The early 2000s - Globalisation, mobility and new threats
At the start of the 21st century, the world of technology began to develop rapidly. The expansion of global network connectivity, the emergence of mobile devices, and remote access to business systems forced SAP to develop new security standards. During this time, the company committed to development in the direction of cloud computing and systems accessible from anywhere in the world.
The introduction of SAP NetWeaver in 2004 revolutionised the way business processes were managed and enabled greater integration of different systems within a single environment. However, greater integration also brought greater risks. SAP had to introduce more advanced monitoring and access control systems to counter potential attacks and data leaks.
During this period, SAP also introduced advanced data encryption features and two-factor authentication systems designed to increase the security of user data.
The 2010s and beyond - The cloud era and the growth of Bug Bounty
Since 2010, SAP has increasingly focused on cloud computing and online services. With the introduction of SAP HANA, a new real-time data processing platform, SAP had to ensure that its system architecture was resilient to new threats. The emergence of the cloud required the development of more advanced protection methods, such as dynamic security systems capable of detecting and responding to unusual behaviour in real time.
In 2018, SAP launched its Bug Bounty programme, a milestone in its security strategy. This programme enables collaboration with ethical hackers who test SAP products and report potential security vulnerabilities. This allows SAP to respond quickly to threats before they become a serious problem for customers. Bug Bounty has become a key element of SAP’s security strategy, enabling the company to maintain a high level of protection in a rapidly changing cyber threat landscape.
Today - Security as a priority
Today, SAP has one of the most advanced security programmes in the technology industry. The company continually invests in the development of new tools and technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to better monitor and respond to threats. Programmes such as the SAP Secure Operations Map help clients implement advanced defence mechanisms, and continuous testing of products by external experts ensures that SAP systems remain secure.
In 2020, SAP also introduced a dedicated bug bounty for the cloud, enabling even more precise testing of cloud products and adapting security processes to the specific requirements of cloud computing. The company continues to develop its strategies and protection methods, emphasising flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to new threats.
From modest beginnings in the 1970s, through the development of the internet and cloud systems, to today’s advanced technologies, SAP has always placed security first. Contemporary challenges such as the development of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and mobility present the company with new requirements; however, through close collaboration with researchers, Bug Bounty programmes and modern technologies, SAP continues to raise the security level of its products, providing protection for its customers worldwide.
As part of this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month, SAP is organising numerous events aimed at raising awareness of product security and responding to detected vulnerabilities and threats. One of the key elements of these activities is vulnerability management and the Bug Bounty programme, which plays an increasingly important role in ensuring the security of SAP software.
SAP and product security management
Product security management is one of the key challenges facing large technology corporations. SAP, as a global leader in ERP software, must continuously respond to new threats and vulnerabilities. As Andreas Ble, head of the product security team at SAP, has emphasised, the most important aspect of software protection is close collaboration with security researchers, both internal and external, who discover potential problems.
Threat response channels
SAP uses two main channels to identify security vulnerabilities: voluntary submissions from external experts and the Bug Bounty programme, which is gaining increasing importance in modern security testing processes. Voluntary security researchers, often referred to as ethical hackers, work with SAP to detect and report issues before they can be exploited by cybercriminals. For a company the size of SAP, which employs more than 100,000 people, identifying the appropriate development teams responsible for fixing a given issue can be a challenge. Nevertheless, close collaboration with researchers enables effective responses to threats.
The Bug Bounty programme - a key element of SAP’s security strategy
Stuart Short, who is responsible for SAP’s Bug Bounty programme, emphasises that it is an integral part of the company’s global security strategy. Crowdsourced application testing, involving collaboration with ethical hackers, has become one of the fundamental tools in the software development process. The Bug Bounty programme enables long-term application testing by external experts, who can track product development over an extended period. This allows for a more detailed analysis of security as the application evolves.
Between 2018 and 2022, SAP invested in integrating the Bug Bounty programme into its internal security processes. Through collaboration with external platforms such as Bugcrowd, SAP can draw on the expertise of experienced hackers who help identify the most critical security vulnerabilities. Submissions are evaluated by security specialists, and researchers are rewarded for each verified issue. Importantly, SAP avoids engaging hackers from sanctioned countries, as well as those exhibiting unethical behaviour.
The quality assurance process for security patches
One of the most important aspects of product security management is ensuring that the patches introduced do not cause new problems or destabilise customer systems. The patch quality assurance process, as presented by Shrisha Banam Mokal, involves detailed testing of the changes introduced, in relation to both the originally reported vulnerabilities and potential new threats.
Patch management takes place in several stages:
Triaging submissions - assessing the validity of a submission and assigning a priority. Developing patches - development teams work on introducing patches for all product versions. Testing patches - once a patch has been prepared, the security validation team carries out tests to confirm that the vulnerability has been closed. If the patch does not meet the requirements, the process returns to the development stage. Releasing patches - patches are ultimately published in the form of security notes, and customers receive all the necessary information regarding the changes.
An interesting aspect is also the possibility of introducing temporary solutions, so-called workarounds, which allow SAP customers to temporarily secure their systems without having to carry out a full update - particularly important for critical business systems, where downtime can lead to serious financial losses.
The role of communication and relationships with security researchers
SAP places great emphasis on building long-term relationships with security researchers. Andreas Ble emphasises that trust and collaboration play a key role in this field. In many cases, researchers report issues informally, during meetings or conferences, allowing SAP to respond quickly to threats. One example is the collaboration with a researcher named Ian, who at a conference reported an issue that was originally perceived as a feature. Through close collaboration, the problem was resolved and its escalation prevented.
However, not all researchers cooperate peacefully. Andreas also describes cases where communication with researchers has been aggressive, with some threatening to publicly disclose discovered vulnerabilities if they do not receive appropriate compensation. In such situations, the SAP team must act carefully to avoid escalation while protecting customers from potential attacks.
Challenges related to new technologies
As an innovative company, SAP is constantly introducing new features and technologies. As a result, the security team must stay up to date with the latest threats and attack techniques. Andreas Ble emphasises that working in the security department means continuous learning. New threat reports appear every day, requiring analysis and understanding. One example is the BREACH attack, which allows TLS keys to be decrypted under specific conditions. For the SAP team, it is important not only to respond to current threats but also to anticipate future problems and develop defensive strategies.
The importance of Bug Bounty programmes in the modern security landscape
Bug Bounty programmes are becoming increasingly popular in the technology industry. Through them, companies can draw on the expertise of external experts who help identify security vulnerabilities. For SAP, the Bug Bounty programme is not only a way to improve security but also an opportunity to build long-term relationships with researchers, who become part of the company’s ecosystem.
Since the introduction of the Bug Bounty programme in 2018, SAP has significantly improved its security management processes. This programme enables application testing at various stages of development, providing better protection against new threats. Furthermore, through collaboration with external platforms, SAP can draw on the knowledge and experience of experts from around the world, significantly increasing the effectiveness of its security programmes.
SNOK and SecurityBridge: Collaborating to promote SAP security
Security in the SAP environment has become a priority for companies worldwide, including Polish enterprises that rely on SAP software to manage key business operations. In this context, SNOK, a company specialising in SAP security, in collaboration with SecurityBridge, plays a key role in raising awareness of threats and promoting best security practices. Its involvement in educational programmes, collaboration with the largest Polish SAP customers, and active presence on social media make SNOK a leading player in shaping SAP security policy.
SNOK and SecurityBridge collaboration
SNOK has established a strategic partnership with SecurityBridge - a global provider of SAP security solutions - to strengthen its offering and provide Polish clients with advanced security tools. SecurityBridge provides support in the form of monitoring and threat protection tools that are directly integrated with SAP systems. This enables customers to effectively detect and eliminate threats in real time, which is essential for protecting critical business systems.
One of the most important elements of this collaboration is the SecurityBridge platform, which monitors traffic in SAP systems, identifies anomalies and responds to potential threats. This tool is fully integrated with the SAP architecture, enabling rapid threat identification without the need to install external applications. Thanks to this, SNOK and SecurityBridge can offer their customers the most advanced security solutions capable of meeting the challenges of modern cyberattacks.
Promoting security among the largest Polish SAP customers
SNOK and SecurityBridge have earned the trust of the largest Polish SAP customers, supporting them in securing their systems. Thanks to the tools and expert support provided, businesses can not only respond more effectively to potential threats but also implement proactive defence strategies. Among the companies using SNOK and SecurityBridge services are major players from sectors such as manufacturing, public transport and telecommunications.
An example of this is SNOK’s collaboration with one of the manufacturing companies in Poland. This client, which uses SAP to manage its operations, faced growing cyber threats, including potential attacks on key IT systems. Through the implementation of SecurityBridge solutions, the company gained the ability to monitor its systems in real time and respond immediately to potential threats. This, in turn, minimised risk and ensured operational continuity in key areas of the business.
Participation in the PWCyber programme
SNOK also actively participates in the PWCyber programme, organised by the Ministry of Digital Affairs, which focuses on promoting best cybersecurity practices in Poland. This programme brings together IT security leaders and experts from various industries to work together on raising security standards in Polish public-sector companies.
As part of PWCyber, SNOK conducts training sessions and workshops for clients, presenting the latest SAP security threats and discussing effective ways to combat them. These training sessions are aimed not only at IT specialists but also at management, with the goal of increasing awareness of cyber threats at all levels of the organisation.
Collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Affairs under PWCyber allows SNOK to share knowledge and experience with other industry leaders, contributing to raising the overall level of security in Polish companies using SAP. Through its participation in PWCyber, SNOK also has access to the latest reports and research on threats, enabling it to continuously update its security strategies and adapt its offering to the changing cyber environment.
Active presence on social media
SNOK and SecurityBridge understand that the key to effectively promoting SAP security is education and the spread of knowledge about threats and best practices. To this end, both companies are actively engaged on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, reaching the widest possible audience.
Through regular publications, expert articles and shared case studies, SNOK and SecurityBridge educate their clients and partners about the latest threats and how to combat them. Social media also enable the building of a community of security experts who share their experiences and best practices for protecting SAP systems.
SNOK also organises regular webinars discussing the latest threats, such as ransomware attacks, and presenting solutions that can help protect SAP systems against such incidents. In doing so, the company not only builds its position as a leader in SAP security but also contributes to raising awareness of cyber threats among Polish companies.
SNOK and SecurityBridge are dynamic and innovative companies that play a key role in promoting SAP security in Poland. Through their strategic partnership, both companies have managed to build a comprehensive security offering that protects Polish enterprises against growing cyber threats. Their involvement in educational programmes, collaboration with the largest SAP customers in Poland, and active presence on social media make SNOK and SecurityBridge leaders in the field of SAP security.
Summary
The history of SAP is a fascinating journey from modest beginnings in the 1970s, when software security was not a priority, to the present day, where data and IT system protection form the foundation of every modern enterprise’s operations. Since the introduction of the first ERP solutions, SAP has evolved alongside technological progress and changes in the cyber threat landscape. In the 1990s, the company developed its systems in line with the growing importance of the internet, forcing a more advanced approach to security. In subsequent decades, with the introduction of SAP HANA and cloud solutions, SAP took on enormous challenges related to protecting its products against increasingly sophisticated threats.
However, even the best technological solutions require constant care and monitoring to effectively counter new attacks. Along this path, companies such as SNOK and their partners, such as SecurityBridge, play a key role, not only supporting the implementation and security of SAP systems, but also actively promoting security knowledge.
SNOK’s collaboration with the largest clients in Poland, its participation in the PWCyber programme, and its educational activities on social media are not only evidence of its commitment to ensuring SAP security, but also of its understanding of the challenges of the modern cybersecurity landscape. With advanced monitoring and security management tools, SNOK is able to help companies protect their most valuable data and systems.
Over the years, SNOK and SecurityBridge have proven that they can effectively respond to the latest threats and actively collaborate with clients to implement appropriate defence mechanisms. Their experience and expertise enable them to tailor their services to the individual needs of each client, which is crucial in a rapidly changing business environment.
If your company uses SAP systems and you want to be sure they are secure and adequately protected, it is worth getting in touch with us. With our support, you will be able to manage your systems responsibly and securely, using the best solutions available. In a world where cyber threats are a daily reality, working with SAP security experts is not only an investment in security, but also in the stability and future of your company.