SAP Security Issues: Reinventing Cyber Defence with Proper Licensing

Once business goals are set and the appropriate SAP product suite is selected, the next step is to consider the licensing type.

In today’s computerised environment, safeguarding a dynamic SAP environment is no longer about blocking external threats but also guaranteeing internal controls, especially in the case of licensing models. SAP software, as a homogeneous business management system, is no exception and requires a thorough approach to fight against cyber threats. 

SAP licensing is regarded as a complex security layer within software asset management and licensing professionals. Unlike other vendors, SAP authorisation is inherently challenging, with multiple modules, user roles, and consumption models. So, how does SAP licensing fall under the umbrella of cybersecurity? Here's what you need to know about SAP licenses and how they add to protecting your digital footprint. 

Understanding SAP License Security Issues

Comprising about 3,000 products, 24 user license types, and 100 engine metrics, SAP software licensing turns into a maze of questions. However, numerous factors can affect the scalability level of your chosen SAP Licensing: 

• License type. With a permanent license, the company acquires the right to utilise the software without any limitations. In this case, both management and employees gain full control over data and confidentiality issues while preserving access to support documents. 
  
  
• Number of users involved. The reliability of the license primarily hinges upon the number of customers implementing the software. Licenses may be assigned to individual users, as well as to entire teams or departments. Effective management of user credentials helps guarantee that only authorised users have access to the system, thereby mitigating data breaches and other dramatic security incidents. 
  
  
• Types of modules required. Notably, the modules for managing finances, logistics, production, and human resources have varying levels of security. Controlling departmental roles and complying with licensing requirements is advisable in this case. 
  
  
• Type of implementation. Regarding on-premise licensing, when firms install and manage the software on their servers, extra hardware and maintenance are required. With this license type, customer data remains on the local device or server and can't be transferred to third parties. Alternatively, the cloud deployment license, where software is hosted on SAP servers, reduces the risks of cyber attacks and ensures scalability. 

How to Prevent Missteps When Assigning the Licensing Type 

In terms of digital protection, any smart software solution comes with a bulk of vulnerabilities. Cyber criminals are always on alert, searching for the gaps in data protection within a perilous online landscape.  

The best defence against SAP mishaps is a proactive licensing strategy rooted in compliance, usage rights, and cost optimisation. Your data protection starts off with checking on the SAP environment regularly and eliminating unnecessary bits and pieces. Here are a handful of tips to keep valuable data secure: 

1. Ensure that users are assigned the correct license type tailored to their individual business needs. A correct choice prevents the challenges of over-licensing or under-licensing, both of which could lead to lawsuits. 
   
   
2. Remove inactive users, such as ex-employees, duplicate accounts, or dormant roles. Oversharing in a virtual space poses significant cybersecurity risks and exposes sensitive data to unwanted witnesses. 
   
   
3. Run data protection check-ups several times a year to prevent fraud. This preventative approach identifies suspicious activity before the issue escalates.
   
   
4. Be mindful of third-party systems, like CRMs or commercial platforms, which can utilise data and trigger license obligations. 

Furthermore, ensuring that licenses are correctly assigned reduces the attack surface. Proper SAP license governance can prevent escalation, where a customer gains undesired access to critical functions they shouldn't have.

Shifting Towards Smarter Licensing Models: What's the Catch? 

Unlike outdated SAP licensing models that stop functioning when a cyber attack happens, smarter licensing models deliver long-lasting safeguarding of user data, which leads to improved customer satisfaction. Advanced licensing types add to companies' high-security standards, maximum protection, and automatic updates to stay resilient.

Here are several examples: 

• Consumption-Based Model. In this type, payment activity is based on actual resource usage, such as data volume. 
• Subscription Model. This strategy involves predictable payments that grant access to SAP software, promoting scalability.
• Hybrid Approaches: A shrewd combination of traditional licensing with innovative subscription models to ensure the highest level of protection. 

By implementing these licensing models, greater visibility and security can be achieved. Undoubtedly, cyber attacks may affect even the most progressive software; however, it is better to be armed to the teeth than feel remorse for your failures afterwards. 

Let's Sum It Up 

Ultimately, SAP license optimisation is an integral part of a bigger picture. By staying ahead of the curve, creating data backups, and encrypting valuable data, it is possible to mitigate compliance and cybersecurity risks. 

Integrating complex SAP security solutions is vital for securing your SAP environment. The professionals at LeverX are proficient in configuring and implementing SAP licensing to maintain business stability, while providing reliable support and tailored software solutions.