t cht lk configuring firewalls , installing security updates , implementing access controls , and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations .
t cht lk configuring firewalls , installing security updates , implementing access controls , and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations .
The shared responsibility model is further divided between the customer and their system integrator ( SI ) partner . The SI may be responsible for managing certain aspects of the Cloud environment , such as application deployment and configuration , while the customer retains overall responsibility for the security and compliance of their SAP systems .
Risks Associated with the Shared Responsibility Model
While the shared responsibility model offers benefits , it also introduces several risks that organizations must address :
1 . Misunderstanding or Overlooking Responsibilities : A lack of clear understanding of the responsibilities by either party can lead to security gaps and potential vulnerabilities .
2 . Misconfiguration and Security Gaps : Improperly configured security settings , access controls or network configurations can expose sensitive data and systems to unauthorized access or attacks .
3 . Compliance and Regulatory Challenges : Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and data protection laws can be challenging when data and workloads are hosted on public Cloud infrastructure .
4 . Lack of Visibility and Control : Customers may have limited visibility and control over the underlying infrastructure , making it difficult to monitor and respond to security incidents effectively .
5 . Human Error and Social Engineering : Inadvertent misconfigurations , inadequate access controls , and susceptibility to social engineering attacks can expose Cloud environments to significant risks .
Real-World Examples
Several organizations have faced security challenges when migrating their SAP systems to the public Cloud , highlighting the importance of proactively addressing the risks associated with the shared responsibility model :
• Organization A , a large manufacturing company , migrated its SAP ERP system to a public Cloud platform without clearly defining security responsibilities and implementing robust access controls . This led to a security breach where an unauthorized user gained access to sensitive financial data , resulting in significant financial losses and regulatory fines .
• Organization B , a healthcare provider , successfully secured their SAP systems on a public Cloud by implementing a comprehensive security strategy . They clearly defined roles and responsibilities , encrypted all sensitive data , implemented centralized identity and access management and conducted regular security audits and assessments . This approach helped them maintain compliance with industry regulations and avoid data breaches .
• Organization C was migrating their estate to SAP RISE , when a beady-eyed customer technician spotted that a mistake had been made in a firewall rule , briefly exposing their RISE development environment to the public Internet . Fortunately , this was detected and remediated before production systems were exposed .
Strategies for Minimizing and Mitigating Risks
To effectively mitigate the risks associated with the shared responsibility model for SAP on public Cloud , organizations should implement the following strategies :
1 . Clearly Define Roles and Responsibilities : Establish a clear understanding of the responsibilities of the stakeholders : Cloud provider , the customer and the system integrator ( if applicable )
2 . Implement Robust Access Controls and Identity Management : Implement strong access controls , multi-factor authentication and centralized identity and access management solutions
3 . Encrypt Data at Rest and in Transit : Encrypt sensitive data at rest ( stored data ) and in transit ( data in motion ) using industry-standard encryption protocols
4 . Monitor and Log Security Events : Implement and regularly review robust monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect and respond to security incidents promptly
5 . Automate Security Processes and Configurations : Leverage automation tools not people to apply security configurations , updates and patches consistently across the environment
6 . Implement Cloud Security Posture Management ( CSPM ) Tools : These help organizations maintain visibility and control over their Cloud security posture , identifying misconfigurations , excessive permissions and compliance violations
7 . Foster a Security-Conscious Culture : Prioritize security awareness training , implement stringent
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