What is SaaS Shared Responsibility Model? Security Roles Explained

Shifting business processes to Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms brings unparalleled scalability and efficiency benefits. Nevertheless, the belief that the cybersecurity responsibility is totally transferred to cloud vendors still exists. 

In fact, cloud infrastructures follow a specific division of duties. What is SaaS shared responsibility model is important knowledge for every IT manager to avoid major security breaches and preserve the assets of an organization.

The Concept of the SaaS Shared Responsibility Model

The SaaS Shared Responsibility Model is a model that defines the responsibilities related to cybersecurity that are shared between software vendors and subscribers. Imagine that you rent a safe office building; then, the owner provides building security services while the tenant takes care of his/her suite access control and protection of assets kept there.

In case you use cloud-based software:

The Provider manages the cloud security roles, application servers, networks, databases, operating system, and general cloud availability. The Subscriber has total control over user access, identities, configurations, and data security.

Main Cloud Security Responsibilities: Who Does What?

Ensuring effective safety within modern software architectures requires an understanding of how certain responsibilities can be divided between both sides.

Service Provider’s Responsibilities:

• Hardware and Network Protection: Ensuring security of data centers, server hardware, and network infrastructures.
• Software Updates: Keeping application code up-to-date, applying software updates, and fixing any possible platform vulnerabilities.
• Performance and Availability: Providing stable system performance and server backups.

Customers’ Responsibilities:

• Access Management: Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access, and offboarding on time.
• Data Protection and Compliance: Control over distribution of confidential data, use of robust encryption methods, and compliance with all regulations.
• Application Configuration: Monitoring of application configuration for security reasons and prevention of unapproved third-party connections.

Strict internal policies concerning user permissions and file sharing guarantee appropriate customer data protection.

Why This Classification Is Important for Your Business

Proper understanding of security roles in the cloud environment is crucial for minimizing risks and increasing the resilience of your operations:

• Eliminates Blindsight: Specialists in charge of security will not have to waste time on server management but focus only on identity governance and data security.
• Prevents Data Breach: Control over user permissions and application configuration prevents the most popular ways of attack for hackers.
• Favors Compliance: Knowledge about limitations of your business is essential for meeting requirements of regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

The security of SaaS is not an individual responsibility but a joint venture. As vendors develop and secure the software environment, users have to own their operations and assets completely. The knowledge of the SaaS shared responsibility model enables you to be confident in the safety of your digital presence.