Best SSPM Tools

What are SaaS security posture management (SSPM) solutions? 

How does SSPM software work?

What are the key features of SSPM tools?

What are the benefits of SSPM solutions?

SSPM products strengthen your overall security strategy and supply comprehensive advantages that drive operational efficiency and risk mitigation, such as:

• Prevents sensitive data leakage: SSPM tools help you monitor how people access and use data within your SaaS applications. This feature identifies and prevents unauthorized data exfiltration attempts.
• Prevents unauthorized access: SSPM blocks unauthorized users from accessing SaaS applications and data. This includes user activity monitoring and anomaly detection to pinpoint suspicious behavior.
• Identifies misconfigurations and excessive user permissions: Misconfigurations in your SaaS applications create security vulnerabilities. SSPM tools find these misconfigurations and set user permissions appropriately.
• Detects inactive and redundant user accounts: Inactive and redundant user accounts put your system at risk. SSPM tools look for and remove these accounts from your SaaS applications to protect the system and reduce SaaS spending. 
• Compliance audit and repair: SSPM solutions conduct audits to identify gaps and ensure adherence to relevant regulations and standards. They guide you and provide you with tools to address and rectify compliance issues efficiently upon detection.
• Detects shadow IT: SSPM software is equipped to recognize instances of shadow IT within a SaaS environment. By monitoring unauthorized or unmanaged applications and services, SSPM mitigates security risks associated with unapproved software usage to ensure comprehensive visibility and control.

SSPM vs. CSPM

Though both are crucial for cloud security, Cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools and SSPM tools target different areas. 

CSPM secures the infrastructure as a service (IaaS). It focuses on monitoring vulnerabilities within cloud services, like public storage buckets, and identifying misconfigurations in cloud environments. Additionally, CSPM uses artificial intelligence for real-time threat detection and complies with security standards.

SSPM software ensures the security of your organization's third-party SaaS applications. SSPM discovers and tracks these applications, monitors user activity for suspicious behavior, analyzes configurations for vulnerabilities, and helps improve SaaS security in general. 

SSPM vs. CASB

These two crucial components of cloud security have two different concentrations. 

Cloud access security broker software (CASB) acts as the first line of defense. It enforces protocol and controls access to cloud services, including features like data loss prevention software and compliance with security standards.

SSPM software monitors user activity, configurations, and access permissions to identify vulnerabilities and stop data breaches. While it doesn't directly control access, it provides deep insights for risk assessment.

If access control is paramount, choose CASB. If deep visibility into SaaS applications is crucial, pick SSPM. Ideally, both work together for a comprehensive and secure cloud environment. CASB secures the entry points, while SSPM monitors activity within, creating a layered defense against cloud security threats.

Who uses SaaS security posture management solutions?

SSPM solutions are typically used by organizations that rely heavily on SaaS applications to conduct their business operations. Typical users include:

• Security administrators tasked with overseeing the security of SaaS applications employ SSPM tools to ensure that all configurations are optimized for security while aligning with industry compliance standards.
• IT security analysts focused on evaluating security threats and vulnerabilities in SaaS environments use SSPM solutions to promptly detect and address potential issues, enhancing the overall security posture.
• Compliance officers ensure that SaaS applications adhere to regulatory requirements and industry-specific standards. They utilize the best SSPM solutions to monitor and maintain compliance continually.
• Cloud security engineers specialize in safeguarding cloud-based infrastructures, including SaaS applications, by deploying and managing SSPM tools that fortify security measures.
• Risk management officers conduct thorough assessments of risks associated with SaaS applications, employing SSPM solutions to mitigate potential security threats and enhance organizational resilience effectively.
• Incident responders work on security incidents involving SaaS applications and use SSPM tools to identify and address vulnerabilities quickly.
• System administrators manage and maintain SaaS applications using SSPM solutions to ensure proper security configurations and user access controls.

SSPM security solutions pricing

According to G2 data, the annual cost per license ranges between $21 (minimum) and $108 (maximum). The average annual price per license is around $51.17. This gives you a general idea of what to expect, but remember that actual costs vary depending on factors like features, the number of users, and the vendor.

SSPM solutions follow different pricing models.

• Subscription-based pricing is the most common model. Users pay a fixed monthly or annual fee for access to the SSPM platform. It suits organizations with predictable usage patterns or those who prefer a fixed budget for their security expenses.
• Usage-based pricing charges are based on the number of users or applications. It offers flexibility and scalability, making it a good fit for businesses experiencing variable workloads or rapid growth.
• Tiered pricing uses different pricing levels for different feature sets and capabilities. It allows businesses to align the software with their own specific requirements so it suits companies of all sizes and diverse needs.

Software and services related to SaaS security posture management software

• Cloud access security broker (CASB) software works alongside SSPM by controlling access to cloud services and enforcing security policies. CASB stands at the gate while SSPM monitors activity within the secured environment.
• Secure access service edge (SASE) platforms offer broader security solutions that include CASB functionalities and additional features like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). SSPM integrates well with SASE for a comprehensive cloud security strategy.
• Cloud security posture management software focuses on securing your cloud infrastructure, while SSPM tackles security within SaaS applications. Both are crucial for overall protection.
• Identity and access management (IAM) tools play a vital role in access control. While IAM handles user identities and access across all systems, SSPM focuses on SaaS application access.
• Secure web gateways (SWG) primarily filter web traffic and protect against malware and phishing attacks. They can offer some security benefits for SaaS applications accessed through the web, but SSPM provides a more comprehensive approach.
• Endpoint management software secures devices like laptops and desktops. However, endpoint security isn’t directly related to SaaS security posture management.

Challenges with SSPM platforms

• False positives and alert fatigue: SSPM platforms often generate a lot of alerts, many of which may be false positives (non-critical security events). This causes alert fatigue, which describes how security teams can become overwhelmed and desensitized to the constant stream of notifications, potentially causing them to overlook genuine threats.
• User experience and productivity: Some SSPM platforms are too restrictive and end up enforcing stringent security policies that may not align with the dynamic needs of all users.
• Limited visibility into certain SaaS applications: Some SSPM platforms might need more visibility into all SaaS applications, particularly niche or custom-built ones. This limitation leaves blind spots in security coverage and potentially exposes the organization to harm from unmonitored applications.

Which companies should buy SSPM solutions?

• Financial institutions use highly sensitive data (financial records and personally identifiable information (PII). SSPM helps them maintain comprehensive security for their SaaS applications so all sensitive data stays safe from breaches and unauthorized access.
• Healthcare organizations handle patient data. SSPM can monitor and secure their SaaS applications for tasks like electronic health records (EHR) management and communication to minimize the risk of data leaks and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) violations.
• Government agencies often manage a vast amount of confidential data and critical infrastructure. SSPM bolsters its security posture by providing visibility and control over SaaS applications to safeguard government data and systems.
• Organizations handling sensitive data, such as customer information, intellectual property, or trade secrets, can benefit from SSPM, which helps them secure their SaaS applications and prevent data breaches.
• Enterprises with remote workforces have increased reliance on SaaS applications for collaboration and communication. Organizations use SSPM to maintain control and visibility over their SaaS security posture, even with a geographically dispersed workforce.

When should a business adopt SSPM software?

A business should consider adopting SSPM software if it:

• Relies heavily on SaaS applications
• Manages sensitive data
• Maintains a remote workforce
• Operates in regulated industries
• Experiences rapid growth
• Faces increasing cybersecurity threat 

SSPM provides a centralized solution for protecting your SaaS applications, freeing up your security teams for more strategic tasks.

How to choose the right SSPM vendor and solution

Selecting the right SSPM vendor requires careful consideration. Here's a roadmap to guide your decision:

• Integration capabilities: Look for an SSPM tool that integrates with a wide range of SaaS applications to address potential security risks across your entire SaaS ecosystem, even for non-essential applications. The solution should adapt to new applications as your needs evolve.
• Compatibility with existing infrastructure: Make certain the SSPM solution works smoothly with your existing security infrastructure and applications for a unified security posture. The ideal tool should operate with minimal disruption to your existing software.
• Visibility and control over third-party access: The SSPM tool should provide visibility into the third-party applications you use within your organization and the access permissions granted to them. It should empower you to easily revoke access to third-party applications when they are no longer needed. 
• Comprehensive security inspections: Comprehensive security inspections covering access control, data leakage prevention, anti-virus protection, and compliance with relevant regulations all allow for early detection and mitigation of threats. 
• Streamlined remediation and response: Your SSPM's tools and workflows should simplify your remediation efforts and allow your security team to fix issues before they can be exploited. The system should generate clear, actionable alerts to minimize false positives and perfect threat and incident response.
• Ease of use and configuration: Your platform should require minimal user training. Look for features like self-service wizards for efficient configuration.

Questions to ask the vendor

By asking these key questions upfront, you can clearly see how each vendor's offering addresses the organization's specific security posture and compliance requirements.

• How often are integrations updated to reflect changes in SaaS application configurations?
• Does the solution offer continuous monitoring for security issues, or is it point-in-time scanning?
• How does the solution prioritize identified security issues based on severity and potential impact?
• Does the SSPM solution offer automated remediation for common misconfigurations?
• What level of guidance does the solution provide for manual remediation of more complex issues?
• Can the solution integrate with existing patching tools for automated device posture improvements?
• Can the solution identify specific security risks on outdated software or missing patches?
• Does the solution integrate with mobile device management (MDM) tools for a holistic view?
• How scalable is the platform? Can it grow with the organization's user base and SaaS application usage?
• What level of training or guidance is required to use the platform effectively?
• Does the solution offer automated reports on compliance status with relevant regulations?
• What is the pricing model for the SSPM solution? (subscription, per user, etc.)
• What level of customer support is offered? (24/7 availability, response times)

How to implement SSPM solutions

Implementing database security software effectively requires a strategic approach that covers integration, compliance, training, and continuous improvement. Here’s an overview of each step:

• Integration with SaaS applications: Make sure your SSPM integrates with your current SaaS applications to create a centralized security hub and foster a comprehensive and unified posture. For smooth integration with new SaaS applications as your cloud environment evolves, choose the best SSPM solution with open APIs and extensible architecture.
• Defining a secure and compliant posture: Clearly define what a "secure and compliant" posture entails for your organization. You must also consider industry standards, regulations, and your specific security needs. Use this defined security posture as a benchmark for continuous monitoring with your SSPM platform. This sets a clear baseline for tracking progress and implementing improvement.
• Training and awareness: Equip security teams and relevant personnel with the knowledge to use the features of your SSPM platform effectively. Conduct regular training sessions so everyone understands their role in maintaining a secure SaaS environment. This builds security awareness across the organization.
• Periodic reviews and continuous improvement: Schedule periodic reviews of your security and compliance posture using the insights and analytics provided by your SSPM vendor. Analyze the data to identify potential risks and areas for improvement. Use these insights to refine your security strategies and enhance compliance over time.

SaaS security posture management (SSPM) solutions trends

• Shadow IT discovery and management: SSPM software is evolving to discover and manage shadow IT applications comprehensively. This includes automated SaaS application discovery, risk assessment of unauthorized apps, and seamless integration with user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) tools for a holistic view of potential threats.
• Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence: Advanced threat detection powered by ML and AI is becoming the standard. SSPM platforms use these capabilities to proactively identify and prevent emerging threats before they hurt your organization.
• Integration IAM solutions: The future holds tighter integration between SSPM products and IAM platforms. For unparalleled security control, imagine automated user provisioning and de-provisioning based on SSPM-identified risks and real-time activity monitoring across all SaaS applications.
• Emphasis on compliance automation: Navigating compliance in the cloud is no longer a burden. SSPM solutions are embracing automation to refine the process. This involves automatic report generation, pre-configured settings for specific frameworks such as Service Organization Control Type 2 (SOC 2), HIPAA, and automated remediation of compliance gaps identified by the SSPM tool.

Researched and written by Lauren Worth

Reviewed and edited by Aisha West