A Quick Guide for Security Administrators. What is Computer Security?

[Jelena_Urukalo]

Computer security is all about protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorised access, cyberattacks, and accidental loss. For SAP system administrators, security isn't just an IT responsibility, it's essential for protecting sensitive business data, maintaining compliance, and keeping critical systems running smoothly.

The Three Pillars of Computer Security

A strong security strategy is built on three core areas:

1. Security Goals

Every organisation aims to protect its systems by ensuring:

• Availability – Systems are accessible when users need them.
• Authentication – Users are who they claim to be.
• Authorisation – Users only have access to what they need.
• Confidentiality – Sensitive information stays private.
• Integrity – Data remains accurate and unchanged.
• Non-repudiation – User actions can be verified and traced.

These principles form the foundation of every secure SAP environment.

2. Security Threats

Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Some of the most common include:

• Malware and ransomware
• Phishing attacks
• Insider threats
• Social engineering
• Denial-of-Service (DoS/DDoS) attacks
• Data breaches
• Zero-day vulnerabilities

SAP systems are attractive targets because they store valuable business data, making proactive security more important than ever.

3. Security Safeguards

Security safeguards help reduce risk and protect your systems. They typically include:

• Technical controls: Firewalls, encryption, digital certificates, regular patching, and Single Sign-On (SSO).
• Organisational controls: Security policies, user awareness training, and the principle of least privilege.
• Physical controls: Secure server rooms and restricted access to hardware.

Using multiple layers of protection creates a much stronger defence than relying on a single security measure.

Security Best Practices for SAP Administrators:

To keep SAP systems secure:

• Apply SAP security patches promptly.
• Review user roles and permissions regularly.
• Enable Single Sign-On (SSO) where appropriate.
• Perform regular security audits.
• Monitor system logs for unusual activity.
• Follow the principle of least privilege by granting only the access users need.

To wrap it up:

Computer security is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. By understanding security goals, recognising common threats, and implementing the right safeguards, SAP administrators can help protect critical business systems and reduce security risks.

Governance, Risk, Compliance (GRC) and Cybersecurity #security# sap SAP Fiori SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition SAP Identity Management Identity and Access Management (IAM) SAP Cloud Identity Services