Top 5 Reasons to Implement SAP Application Layer Malware Protection

⇨ Prioritize security when customizing and supporting SAP instances, as the application layer is a primary target for malware attacks.

⇨ Malware attacks can lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage; therefore, organizations should not cut corners on SAP security.

⇨ Basic SAP security features are insufficient for defending against malware; companies should adopt a layered defense strategy and consider specialized solutions like bowbridge for enhanced protection.

SAP organizations are always searching for the best ways to maximize their SAP landscapes. Whether that is finding the right apps or partners, companies should take advantage of every opportunity to make the most of their investments.

When deciding how to customize and support an SAP instance, security should be the top priority. Organizations of all sizes face an onslaught of malware attacks, yet many are lacking in their overall SAP security posture. Companies must ensure that their application layer is protected from malware attacks.

Why Malware Protection Matters

To help companies better understand the threats they are up against, the SAP security experts at bowbridge have highlighted the top five reasons why companies need to implement SAP Application Layer malware protection:

1. SAP strongly recommends it

Ever since SAP published the first Security Guide for SAP S/4HANA in 2016, it has always contained an entire chapter on virus scanning. The guide states:

We recommend installing and running a VSI 2.x-compliant virus scanner in your landscape. The SAP S/4HANA code calls this scanner using a dedicated interface during different stages of processing – during upload, download, and passage through the Gateway, and so on. You can customize the interface with the help of scan profiles.

We recommend running VSI scans for:

• Signature scans: All files should be checked against an up-to-date list of known virus signatures.
• MIME-type detection: Only trusted file types should be allowed.
• Active content detection: Files with active content should be blocked (for example, PDF files containing JavaScript).

Check-out the latest version of the Security Guide for SAP S/4HANA:

2. The Application Layer is a Top Attack Vector

Unfortunately, malicious actors know very well that going after the application layer is one of the most common ways to exploit SAP cybersecurity vulnerabilities. They can introduce malicious files that bypass OS-layer security protection, wreaking havoc on SAP systems.

3. Malware Attacks can be Devastating

While no organization wants to be the victim of a malware attack, some may still cut corners with their SAP security. This is a mistake. The average security breach costs millions of dollars in damages – not to mention the reputational hit companies take if it comes out that they were not careful enough with customers’ data.

4. No Built-in Malware Defense in SAP

Many SAP organizations make the mistake of assuming that the base-level security that comes with SAP is enough to secure their business from malware attacks. Unfortunately, this is not the case. It is worth noting that bowbridge Anti-Virus for SAP Solutions is the  best solution that allows multiple layers of anti-virus scanning. The solution complements OS-level security solutions with no dependency and no functional overlaps with them.

5. Layered Defense Offers the Best Protection

There is no one-size-fits-all SAP cybersecurity solution. Even the most sophisticated option may leave a gap. The best strategy requires a layered defense – treating each layer or potential attack vector as its own entity and protecting it as such. In addition to the application layer, companies should ensure that the system, network, and transmission layers are also insulated from attacks. SAP systems are also changing and companies are moving to the cloud so it is advisable companies choose a solution that accommodates all deployments; on-premise, hybrid and in the cloud. bowbridge Anti-Virus for SAP Solutions gives you these flexibility options.

What This Means for SAPinsiders

The costs of a cyberattack cab be devastating. SAP organizations cannot afford to trust the bare minimum of security, especially with the vulnerability of the application layer. As these companies look for better security options, many are turning to bowbridge.

As the only content-security solution specifically designed for SAP, bowbridge offers uniquely targeted protection from malware and all file-based threats. The SAP-certified solution offers unparalleled protection from malware, helping close crucial gaps in SAP security postures in on-premise, hybrid and cloud.