Securing Your SAP Systems: Essential Takeaways from the 2023 Cybersecurity Threats Report 

Pathlock is pleased to announce the release of the 2023 edition of The Cybersecurity Threats to SAP Systems Benchmark Report by SAPinsider (Pathlock is the sponsor of the report). SAPinsider recently surveyed its community members to understand the major cybersecurity threats they face, the challenges they encounter when addressing these threats, and their strategies for keeping their SAP systems secure in 2023.

The Cybersecurity Threats to SAP Systems Benchmark Report provides a comprehensive overview of the cybersecurity landscape, focusing on current threats to SAP systems. The report’s findings are based on a survey methodology involving responses from numerous SAPinsider community members. 

Key Takeaways from the Report: 2023 Has Introduced Significant Shifts in Perceived Threats and Investment Priorities

Compared to last year, there have been significant shifts in perceived threats and investment priorities, demonstrating the dynamic nature of SAP cybersecurity.

1. Heightened Concerns for SAP Security 

Ransomware attacks remain a top concern, but it’s important to note the significant rise in concern for Unpatched Systems, Credential Compromise (via phishing attacks), and vulnerabilities within custom code. As revealed by the report, there has been a notable surge in these areas compared to the 2022 edition.

2. The Challenge of Patching SAP Systems 

Scheduling downtime, coordinating with competing business priorities, and prioritizing patches emerged as the top challenges when patching SAP systems. This highlights the value of a systematic and prioritized patch implementation strategy for SAP customers.

3. Investing in the Future of Cybersecurity 

Investing in future technology requires prioritizing certain areas, such as Threat Detection & Response, Data Security/Data Encryption tools, and Vulnerability Management. For SAP users, it’s essential to focus on monitoring user activity, encrypting UI-level data (masking), and automating vulnerability management to holistically enhance their cybersecurity efforts.

Required Actions from SAPinsider

Based on survey responses, SAPinsider has compiled a list of recommendations that organizations can implement to strengthen their cybersecurity strategies. The following three recommendations could be especially beneficial for our customers.

1. Realign Cybersecurity Priorities 

SAP users need to refocus their cybersecurity strategies on vulnerability management as a primary objective and threat detection as a secondary one. This holistic approach should encompass patching, securing custom code and connections to other systems, end-user cybersecurity education, secure software development practices, and configuration management.

2. Patch Management Automation is the Way Forward

The report further recommends automating the patch management process. This can eliminate the manual complexities of patching and make it easier for businesses to maintain their SAP systems’ security and remediate vulnerabilities as they emerge.

3. Preparation Meets Opportunity

It is critical to enable real-time threat detection and response with a clearly outlined plan for prioritizing threat response efforts and applying strategies for continuously monitoring critical systems. Preparedness in the face of threats is an indispensable part of an SAP cybersecurity strategy.

Elevating SAP Security: How Pathlock’s Cybersecurity Platform Responds to Sophisticated Threats

In response to these key findings, Pathlock’s Cybersecurity Platform is well-positioned to support SAP customers. Our solution enables continuous monitoring and automated cybersecurity programs to proactively protect your high-value SAP systems. 

Our platform centralizes all relevant security data across your hybrid IT infrastructure. It integrates seamlessly with third-party SIEM solutions, acting as the cohesive factor necessary to harness data-driven automation and implement cybersecurity best practices. With Pathlock, you can orchestrate critical security initiatives and continuously protect against vulnerabilities and threats specific to your SAP systems.

Pathlock empowers a comprehensive SAP cybersecurity strategy through six robust cybersecurity modules:

• Threat Detection and Response
• Vulnerability Scanning and Management
• Code Scanning
• Transport Control
• Data Masking
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP) & Session Logging

Investing in Pathlock’s SAP Cybersecurity Platform enables an automated and holistic approach to SAP cybersecurity. This investment not only saves time and money but also significantly enhances your cybersecurity posture. To see how Pathlock can help your organization, reach out to set up a demo today.

Download Vulnerability Management Data Sheet: Learn how to Secure Your Most Important Application Platforms With Vulnerability Management from Pathlock.