Do you know exactly how many apps your teams use across the organization? More importantly, are all those apps truly secure? As SaaS tools skyrocket, tracking these apps—and their security posture—has become essential. Every new SaaS app added to your stack introduces potential vulnerabilities, but you can’t mitigate these risks without knowing where they lie.
SaaS visibility goes beyond knowing what’s being used—safeguarding your organization’s data, controlling who can access it, and ensuring compliance. A clear view of your SaaS usage optimizes costs and strengthens your defenses against cybersecurity threats. Here’s why SaaS visibility is essential for security and practical strategies to help you improve it.
The Relationship Between SaaS Visibility and Cybersecurity
Unauthorized Access
When IT lacks full visibility into SaaS applications, unauthorized access becomes a significant risk. Employees often use unsanctioned apps or “shadow IT” without IT’s knowledge, creating security gaps. These unauthorized tools bypass regular security checks, making accessing sensitive data without proper controls easier.
Data Leaks
A lack of SaaS visibility can lead to data leaks, as unsecured or unmonitored apps often house sensitive information. Without tracking which apps hold valuable data, organizations face an increased risk of accidental or malicious leaks, putting confidential data at risk.
Compliance Breaches
Unapproved SaaS apps can also lead to compliance breaches, especially if sensitive data is stored outside sanctioned platforms. Many industries have strict regulations on data handling, and using unmonitored apps makes it difficult to meet these standards. Improved SaaS visibility helps organizations maintain compliance by ensuring all tools meet regulatory requirements.
Strategies for Enhancing SaaS Visibility
1. Use SaaS Monitoring Tools
SaaS monitoring tools provide real-time insights into usage, showing active apps, their frequency of use, and the users.
This transparency empowers IT teams to proactively address security risks, like flagging non-compliant apps or identifying accounts with no known owner that attackers might target. SaaS management tools can also help spot compliance issues early, allowing you to address them before any regulatory standards are compromised.
2. Conduct Regular SaaS Audits
Routine SaaS audits are essential to keeping your app usage up-to-date, even with monitoring tools. These audits can reveal underused apps, duplicate tools, and risks associated with “orphaned” licenses left active after employee turnover. By making audits a regular practice, you can maintain a secure and efficient SaaS environment.
3. Track Access and Permissions
Another critical step to reducing security risks is tracking access and permissions. Many organizations overlook this step, potentially leaving sensitive data open to unauthorized access. Reviewing permissions regularly, especially during employee turnover, ensures former employees can no longer access critical apps and data.
Conclusion
Achieving full visibility across your SaaS ecosystem is essential for securing your organization. Without it, IT teams are left guessing about potential risks, which can lead to costly security incidents. Solutions like Josys offer a comprehensive way to manage, monitor, and secure your SaaS applications, enabling you to control access, reduce security risks, and optimize spending—all while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Ready to take control of your SaaS environment? Consider using a SaaS management solution like Josys to integrate security and visibility into your organization’s everyday operations.
