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Safe Tuesday with SNOK: How to Secure Your SAP Systems - Best Practices and Tools

Find out how implementing SecurityBridge improves SAP system security. See how SNOK effectively protects business data against cyberattacks.

Implementing SecurityBridge: a key step in protecting SAP systems

In recent years, the rise in cyberattacks targeting SAP systems has become a serious challenge for companies worldwide. These systems store critical business data and are responsible for executing key processes, which makes securing them a priority. SAP, as a leader in enterprise software, provides numerous tools and practices that help protect systems against threats. However, to defend effectively against attacks, it is worth using advanced solutions such as SecurityBridge and the services of SAP security experts, such as SNOK.

Today’s article, part of the Safe Tuesday with SNOK series, draws on material presented in an article from the SAP Community and expands on this knowledge with the tools offered by SecurityBridge and SNOK’s comprehensive services. You will learn how to effectively implement SAP security best practices, and what steps can be taken to protect systems against the growing threat of cyberattacks.

Attacks on SAP systems: a growing challenge

Today’s organisations must confront new threats, including targeted attacks on SAP systems. Cybercriminals exploit various gaps in system configurations, poorly managed user permissions, or unpatched components to gain unauthorised access to data. Effectively securing SAP requires a multi-stage approach that includes prevention as well as monitoring and rapid incident response.

SAP provides tools that can help protect systems, but the key to full protection lies in their proper implementation, as well as in the use of advanced solutions such as SecurityBridge. In this context, it is worth considering the dedicated services SNOK offers for SAP protection, providing full support at every stage of securing the system.

Best practices for securing SAP systems

1. Regular updates and security patches

SAP systems require regular updates and patches to ensure protection against newly discovered vulnerabilities. Organisations often delay patch installation, which poses a serious risk. The latest security patches offered by SAP are the result of global threat monitoring and should be installed without undue delay.

One of the fundamental steps in securing SAP systems is implementing a Patch Management strategy, which includes:

  • Regular patch reviews and testing: verifying which patches are needed and testing their impact on system operation in a test environment.

  • Automated deployment of updates: SAP tools such as SAP Solution Manager can automatically manage the update process, minimising the risk of delays.

2. Identity and access management (IAM)

Proper management of user permissions is key to ensuring the security of SAP systems. Overly broad permissions can lead to unauthorised access to critical data. For this reason, organisations should implement segregation of duties policies and apply the principle of least privilege, granting only the minimum permissions necessary to perform specific tasks.

Key elements of identity and access management include:

  • Regular permission reviews: checking whether users have the appropriate permissions, and eliminating unnecessary access.

  • Automating IAM processes: tools such as SecurityBridge enable automated access management, increasing the effectiveness and security of systems.

SecurityBridge tools: automation and monitoring

SecurityBridge is one of the most powerful tools for managing SAP system security. It is a comprehensive solution that automates threat monitoring and incident management processes, providing organisations with advanced functions to protect their systems.

Key SecurityBridge features:

  • Real-time threat monitoring: SecurityBridge automatically analyses SAP system activity, identifying suspicious behaviour and potential attacks.

  • Regulatory compliance management: the tool enables monitoring of compliance with internal and external data protection and IT security regulations.

  • Automated incident reporting: SecurityBridge generates reports on potential threats and breaches, enabling an immediate response.

Why SecurityBridge?

  • Real-time security: the tool provides immediate protection against threats, eliminating the need for manual system monitoring.

  • Process automation: automating security processes saves time and resources while minimising the risk of human error.

  • Full SAP integration: SecurityBridge has been designed specifically for SAP systems, meaning its features are perfectly matched to their unique requirements.

SNOK services: comprehensive support in securing SAP

SNOK is a leading expert in SAP system security, offering a wide range of services to help organisations protect their key systems. SNOK stands out not only for its advanced technical knowledge, but also for its practical approach to implementing security best practices. Below we present the services SNOK offers its clients.

1. SAP penetration testing

Penetration testing (pentests) is a key element in securing systems against threats. Through penetration testing, potential security gaps can be detected before they are exploited by cybercriminals.

SNOK offers detailed penetration testing that includes:

  • Simulations of real-world attacks: penetration tests carried out by SNOK simulate real attacks, making it possible to assess how SAP systems cope in crisis situations.

  • Remediation recommendations: after testing is completed, SNOK provides a detailed report with recommendations for fixing the detected security gaps.

2. SAP SOC 24/7 - continuous threat monitoring

Real-time monitoring systems are essential today, as cybercriminals may attempt to attack systems at any time of day or night. SNOK offers a SAP SOC 24/7 service, providing continuous threat monitoring.

  • Rapid incident response: SAP SOC enables immediate identification of, and response to, security incidents.

  • Proactive threat management: through integration with advanced tools such as SecurityBridge, SAP SOC provides proactive protection against threats.

3. Security Baseline - establishing security standards

Establishing clear security standards for SAP systems is a necessary step in protecting data. SNOK supports organisations in defining and implementing a Security Baseline, ensuring that systems comply with industry best practices.

  • Configuring systems in line with best practices: SNOK helps companies configure SAP systems in a way that minimises the risk of security gaps arising.

  • Regular audits: to check whether SAP systems comply with the established security standards, SNOK conducts regular audits and reviews, providing recommendations that help organisations continually adapt their systems to changing threats.

4. SAP security review - regular audits and analyses

SAP system security is an ongoing process. Even the best-secured systems require regular reviews to ensure they remain resilient against new threats. SNOK offers security audit services that include:

  • Analysis of compliance with security policies: verifying whether SAP systems meet internal and external security requirements.

  • Identification of new threats: SNOK continuously monitors global cybersecurity trends, enabling rapid adaptation of security measures to emerging threats.

5. Identity and access management (IAM)

One of the key elements in ensuring SAP system security is controlling access to system data and functions. SNOK helps organisations implement Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions, enabling precise management of user identities and permissions.

  • Role-based access control: SNOK supports companies in creating precise access rules, so that each user has access only to the resources necessary to perform their job.

  • Access audits: regular reviews of user permissions ensure that access to critical data is strictly controlled.

6. SIEM integration - optimising threat monitoring

SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems enable centralised management of organisational security, gathering data from various systems and applications. SNOK offers integration of SAP systems with SIEM solutions, enabling:

  • Centralisation of threat monitoring: SIEM integrates data from SAP systems with other applications, enabling comprehensive, real-time security analysis.

  • Proactive incident management: SIEM enables rapid identification of, and response to, incidents before they cause damage.

7. CyberSec SAP Academy - building IT team competencies

Protecting SAP systems does not rely on technology alone - the competencies of IT teams are equally important. SNOK, as a leader in SAP security, offers the CyberSec SAP Academy, aimed at training IT teams in security best practices.

  • Identity management training: the Academy includes practical workshops on access and identity management in SAP systems.

  • Penetration testing workshops: SNOK offers advanced penetration testing training, enabling IT teams to independently test the security of their systems.

Case study: how SNOK and SecurityBridge helped secure SAP systems at an international manufacturing company

To better illustrate how SNOK, together with the SecurityBridge solution, supports companies in protecting their SAP systems, we present an example of collaboration with an international manufacturing company. The organisation, operating in several European markets, was grappling with growing IT security problems. Its SAP systems, which managed production, logistics and finance, had become the target of numerous unauthorised access attempts. The key risks were potential leaks of sensitive data and disruption to business operations, which could have led to serious financial and operational losses.

The challenge

The manufacturing company noticed a significant increase in activity related to attempts to gain unauthorised access to its SAP systems. The situation was particularly critical, as these systems managed key business processes - from production planning, through resource management, to payment processing. Any disruption could seriously affect the continuity of operations and the company’s reputation. The problems identified included:

  • Excessive user permissions: some accounts had access to data that was not necessary for their function.

  • Lack of regular updates: certain SAP components were not being regularly updated, opening the door to possible attacks.

  • Lack of real-time monitoring: the company did not have a centralised threat monitoring system, which significantly hindered rapid incident response.

The solution: implementing SecurityBridge

The challenge: manufacturing company Y was struggling with a growing number of unauthorised access attempts to data in its SAP system.

The company contacted SNOK to carry out a comprehensive security analysis and implement appropriate solutions. Following penetration testing and a detailed security audit, SNOK proposed the implementation of SecurityBridge - an advanced tool for monitoring and managing threats in SAP systems.

The solution included:

  • Automated real-time threat monitoring: SecurityBridge enabled ongoing analysis of activity within SAP systems, identifying suspicious operations and anomalies that could indicate potential attacks.

  • Access segmentation: using SecurityBridge’s functionality, SNOK introduced segregation-of-duties policies, restricting user permissions and ensuring that each user had access only to the data and functions necessary for their work.

  • Automated updates: SecurityBridge made it easier to automatically deploy security patches and updates, enabling ongoing remediation of potential security gaps and eliminating the risk of attacks targeting outdated components.

  • SIEM integration: SNOK integrated SecurityBridge with the company’s existing SIEM system, enabling centralised threat monitoring and incident management from a single point. This made it possible to rapidly detect and respond to threats in real time.

The result

After implementing SecurityBridge, the company recorded a significant improvement in the security of its SAP systems. The main benefits were:

  • Reduced risk of unauthorised access: thanks to access segmentation and regular permission reviews, no user had access to data beyond the scope of their duties.

  • Better control over SAP systems: automated updates and real-time monitoring allowed the company to respond immediately to new threats and minimise risk.

  • Effective incident management: SIEM integration enabled centralised monitoring and security management, significantly improving response times to potential incidents.

Following the implementation of the SecurityBridge solution, the company saw IT security incidents drop to zero. Thanks to a proactive approach and automated threat-monitoring tools, the company was able to focus on achieving its business goals without concern for the security of its systems.

SecurityBridge is one of the key tools offered by SNOK for securing SAP systems. Its advanced real-time threat monitoring functions, process automation, and integration with existing systems make it an ideal solution for companies seeking comprehensive protection for their SAP systems. The manufacturing company described here is just one of many SNOK clients who have benefited from this advanced solution to strengthen their IT security.

Summary

In the face of a growing number of attacks on SAP systems, effective protection requires not only the application of best practices, but also the use of advanced tools and services. With tools such as SecurityBridge and SNOK’s comprehensive service offering, organisations can not only secure their systems, but also proactively manage threats and respond to them in real time.

Safe Tuesday with SNOK is an excellent opportunity to learn more about how you can protect your SAP systems against the growing threat of cyberattacks. Take advantage of SNOK’s full range of services and ensure the security of your critical business data.

We encourage you to contact SNOK’s experts to discuss the best SAP security solutions tailored to your organisation’s needs.

Would you like to learn more about how SNOK can help secure your SAP systems?

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