In today’s digital landscape, maintaining the integrity of data stored in Software as a Service (SaaS) applications is an increasingly pressing concern. A recent survey conducted by Gatepoint Research for Keepit has brought alarming findings to light, revealing that only 28% of senior decision-makers possess high confidence in their organizations’ data protection strategies related to SaaS environments. This survey highlights critical vulnerabilities and persisting challenges that businesses must address to protect themselves against potential data breaches and compliance failures.
The survey, which captured insights from 100 senior decision-makers across various sectors including finance, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing, found that 31% of these respondents admitted to having moderate to severe lapses in their SaaS data protection protocols. With the rapid adoption of SaaS solutions across industries, such a lack of confidence is troubling. Paul Robichaux, Senior Product Director of Keepit, articulated the gravity of the situation, stating that moderate confidence in SaaS data protection is insufficient given today’s complex threat landscape. Organizations need to prioritize robust and regularly tested data recovery processes to avoid severe repercussions when issues arise.
A significant challenge arises from increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks. Half of the respondents cited heightened compliance requirements as their primary concern regarding data protection. Globally recognized regulations such as the NIS2 Directive and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) mandate that businesses implement comprehensive safeguards to ensure data safety. For instance, in the financial sector, DORA stipulates that backup environments should be kept distinct from production environments, adding another layer of complexity to compliance efforts. Robichaux pointed out that many organizations are ill-prepared to meet these requirements, exposing themselves to heightened risks.
The implications of data loss are dire, particularly regarding brand reputation and financial impact. The survey revealed that 57% of participants identified damage to brand integrity as the most significant consequence of data loss, followed closely by financial implications. Customer data, after all, stands as one of an organization’s most critical assets. Losing access to this information—whether through cyberattacks like ransomware or accidental deletions—can lead to devastating fallout. Robichaux remarked, “Organizations need to take a proactive approach to ensure their SaaS data is protected.”
One noteworthy aspect revealed in the survey is a prevalent misunderstanding about data backup responsibility. While 58% of respondents indicated that they rely on Microsoft for backing up their SaaS data, many executives incorrectly assume that this reliance means comprehensive protection from data loss. This highlights the need for a deeper understanding of shared responsibility models that govern data management in the cloud. Robichaux pointed out that merely 15% of respondents consider backing up directory and identity services—such as Entra ID—a critical need, despite the knowledge that losing access to these essential services can threaten business operations.
Financial limitations and a lack of in-house expertise present significant hurdles in enhancing data protection strategies. The survey identified that 56% of respondents cited budgeting constraints as a major obstacle, while 33% felt that insufficient expertise within their organizations was a barrier. Often, managing multiple data backup vendors complicates these efforts further, leading to inefficiencies and gaps in protection.
In response to the urgent need for improved SaaS data protection strategies, Keepit plans to host a webinar titled “Protecting Your SaaS Data – Pitfalls and Challenges to Overcome” on October 17, 2024. This event aims to provide industry professionals with valuable insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of data protection amid evolving regulatory standards.
Organizations must cultivate a comprehensive understanding of their data management responsibilities and invest in robust protection strategies. Otherwise, they expose themselves to risks that can have catastrophic repercussions. As the SaaS landscape continues to flourish, ensuring data protection is not merely a best practice—it is a business imperative.
