Software as a service
What has been found
Software as a service.
Software as a service is a great way to reduce risk when used with well managed providers. Typically delivering strong baseline security, continuous patching, and built-in protections against common threats such as ransomware, phishing, and unauthorised access.
Why this strengthens security
Using SaaS shifts responsibility for much of the underlying infrastructure, maintenance, and security hardening to the provider, significantly reducing exposure to vulnerabilities associated with self-managed systems.
Established SaaS platforms incorporate enterprise-grade security controls, redundancy, and compliance with standards such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2. Properly configured, these services enhance availability, confidentiality, and integrity of data while reducing administrative overhead and attack surface.
How to verify ongoing effectiveness
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Review provider security posture: Ensure the SaaS provider maintains recognised security certifications and publishes regular compliance attestations.
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Enable strong authentication: Use single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all user accounts.
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Control access: Apply role-based access control (RBAC) to limit privileges according to business needs.
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Monitor usage and logs: Regularly review audit logs and user activity for anomalies or unauthorised access.
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Encrypt data: Confirm that data is encrypted in transit (TLS 1.2/1.3) and at rest, as supported by the provider.
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Backup and retention: Validate backup policies and data retention periods align with organisational requirements.