A Holistic Approach to SAP Security: Introducing t...

Xenia · ‎2025 Apr 23

What Is the Secure Operations Map—and Why Does It Matter?

The Secure Operations Map is a reference model designed to bring clarity and structure to the broad and often fragmented field of SAP security, helping teams categorize discussions, identify security needs, and map solutions to specific areas of responsibility.

It focuses on operational security—the day-to-day tasks, decisions, and ongoing management needed to run SAP systems securely. While it's interpreted in the context of SAP systems, its structure and principles are also applicable to non-SAP environments.

Secure Operations Map (SOM)

Understanding the five Layers of the Secure Operations Map

The Secure Operations Map breaks down security into five interrelated domains: Environment, System, Application, and Process, supported by the overarching Organization layer.

Environment

This domain covers the non-SAP technical infrastructure that supports SAP solutions.

Network Security: Preventing and detecting attacks at the network level using zoning, firewalls, and intrusion detection/prevention.
Operating System & Database Security: Enforcing OS and DB-level controls like permissions and encryption to safeguard applications.
Client Security: Ensuring end-user devices follow best practices to prevent attacks via compromised clients.

System

This layer focuses on securing the SAP platform itself.

Security Hardening: Activating and configuring key security features such as UCON, SAProuter, and frontend hardening.
Secure SAP Code: Managing security patches and updates via SAP Security Notes and maintaining a robust patching process.
Security Monitoring & Forensics: Combining proactive monitoring with reactive forensics to detect and respond to threats in real time.

Application

Application-level controls are vital in controlling user actions and safeguarding data.

User & Identity Management: Handling the full lifecycle of users, including technical and emergency access.
Authentication & Single Sign-On: Verifying user identities and enabling seamless, secure access across systems.
Roles & Authorizations: Designing and managing authorizations and segregation of duties (SoD) for business roles.
Custom Code Security: Managing the entire lifecycle of custom code with secure development and deployment practices.

Process

Security isn’t only technical—it's also about compliance and operational integrity.

Regulatory Process Compliance: Implementing controls aligned with laws such as HIPAA, SoX, or Basel III.
Data Privacy & Protection: Meeting GDPR and similar legislation requirements with strong confidentiality measures.
Audit & Fraud Management: Detecting and preventing fraud while ensuring all controls are auditable and effective.

Organization

This supporting layer provides the strategic and cultural context for everything else.

Awareness: Promoting a security-aware mindset throughout the organization.
Security Governance: Establishing procedures and responsibilities to support security efforts.
Risk Management: Identifying and addressing risks through continuous analysis and mitigation strategies.

Where Should You Start?

With such a broad landscape, one of the first questions is naturally: Where do I begin? The answer isn’t “everywhere”—it’s about security supporting your business, not maximum security possible. Overengineering security can limit functionality and drain resources. Instead, follow this approach:

Begin with Baseline Measures: Every SAP system should implement SAP’s baseline security best practices. SAP Note 2253549 provides a solid starting point for that.
Perform a Risk-Based Analysis: For critical systems or when you are part of a regulated industry, assess security needs based on specific risks and regulations.
Focus on High-Risk Domains First: Identify your most vulnerable or high-impact areas and implement a prioritized improvement plan.
Establish Strong Operational Monitoring: Security isn’t static. Put in place continuous monitoring to validate and improve controls over time.

What’s Next?

This post introduces the structure and purpose of the Secure Operations Map. In my next blog post, we’ll dive deeper into each domain, explore common challenges, and show how SAP Security Consulting can support your journey toward a secure, compliant, and resilient SAP landscape.

References: Secure Operations Map