Charting a Path to SAP Cloud Security
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Key Takeaways
⇨ Companies migrating to the cloud must adopt a 'security by design' approach to seamlessly integrate security into every phase of transformation, preventing delays and enhancing project outcomes.
⇨ A shared security responsibility model necessitates clear communication regarding who is accountable for different aspects of security during the transition to the cloud, emphasizing the importance of utilizing tools like the Cloud Control Matrix and SAP Trust Center.
⇨ Leveraging technologies like AI can both pose new security challenges and provide solutions for improved security processes, making it essential for organizations to understand and plan for these dynamics before cloud migration.
As companies migrate into the cloud, they are faced with new and unique security challenges. SAPinsider research has found that data security and privacy issues have even prevented some businesses from taking advantage of the full potential of their cloud environments and leveraging important capabilities like AI and real-time analytics.
Yet, addressing these issues is easier said than done. SAP organizations are searching for guidance on how to ensure that their critical SAP security systems are running properly once they make it to the cloud.
Understanding Cloud Security
To help businesses understand cloud security, Onapsis and Capgemini held a webinar on the increasing migration of critical SAP systems to the cloud. In it, experts shared best practices to help businesses ensure the integrity of critical business data.
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SAP security is transitioning significantly as systems move to the cloud while many also remain on-prem. This requires looking across the whole spectrum to define the right security posture for SAP clients.
The experts stressed the need for continuity throughout the transition process as applications interact in different environments. While SAP manages infrastructure security elements like the network and operating system in the RISE with SAP model, companies retain ownership of application security, vulnerability management, data security, and user access.
This highlights a shared security responsibility model that requires clear understanding of who is responsible for what. Using tools like Cloud Control Matrix and the SAP Trust Center can help define these responsibilities in detail.
Security by Design
The experts advocated for a core concept known as “security by design.” This means being thoughtful about security from the beginning of transformation projects, rather than applying it as an afterthought. Security by design can help prevent project delays and scope creep.
Onapsis supports this with a comprehensive suite for application security, covering phases from development to production. Scanning code during migration helps ensure quality and security before deployment. Having security professionals involved early provides value beyond compliance, acting as a business enabler that can help accelerate and de-risk projects.
For clients starting their cloud security journey, the process often involves phases like discovery, define, monitor, improve, and repeat. Security needs to be integrated into every phase of the transformation, including architecture design, roles, and responsibilities.
Understanding existing vulnerabilities is critical before migration. Collaboration between the client, Capgemini, and Onapsis often begins in the discovery phase to assess the current state and plan the migration. Onapsis, being part of SAP’s endorsed apps program, brings credibility and helps clarify roles in the shared responsibility model. Onapsis offers a secure RISE accelerator, combining technology and expert services to assist clients in this process.
Looking to the Future with AI
Looking ahead, AI is a significant transformation factor. AI introduces new security risks but can also be leveraged to improve security for SAP environments. On the one hand, AI can help enable business development and optimize security processes like vulnerability management by helping organizations prioritize actions and benchmark their posture.
On the other hand, AI is making it easier for adversaries to design new attacks and find exploits. Securing data in the cloud, employing access control, and encrypting data are vital defenses.
What This Means for SAPinsiders
Failing to plan is planning to fail. All too often, companies do not consider their security posture for the cloud before embarking on their cloud journey. Leading businesses adopt a “security by design” mindset, ensuring that security is an essential piece of their move to the cloud.
Trust, experience, and collaboration lead the way. Organizations moving to the cloud have their hands full with all aspects of the digital transformation. Often, they lack the expertise or knowledge to fully understand how they need to operate. Partnering with experienced solutions providers like Onapsis and Capgemini can help fill these knowledge gaps and lay out a path to success.
New problems require new solutions. Meeting the demands of continuous compliance often requires automation and leveraging technologies like AI. Security practitioners face the challenge of balancing the risks and rewards of new technologies like AI. Understanding these challenges ahead of a move is a critical step to save time and reduce risk later.
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