RISE Security & Compliance
SAP secures the infrastructure. You secure the application, data, and users. Here's where the responsibility line is drawn.
The Fundamental Truth
RISE is NOT a security outsourcing. SAP is responsible for infrastructure security (hyperscaler, network, OS patches). You remain responsible for application security, data protection, user access, and compliance.
Think of it like living in a secure apartment building: the landlord locks the building entrance, but you still need to lock your apartment door and protect your belongings.
Security Responsibility Matrix
| Security Domain | SAP | Customer | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure Security | Hyperscaler security, physical security, network firewalls | ||
| OS & Database Patching | SAP patches; Customer approves timing | ||
| SAP Application Patching | Customer downloads, tests, and applies SAP notes | ||
| User Access Management | Roles, authorizations, SoD, user provisioning | ||
| Data Encryption (at rest) | HANA native encryption enabled by default | ||
| Data Encryption (in transit) | TLS 1.2+ enforced; Customer configures interface encryption | ||
| Data Classification | Customer classifies data and implements controls | ||
| Audit Logging | SAP provides SAL; Customer configures and monitors | ||
| Vulnerability Scanning | SAP scans infra; Customer scans application (Code Vuln Analyzer) | ||
| Incident Response | SAP notifies; Customer investigates and remediates | ||
| Compliance (GDPR, SOX, etc.) | SAP provides certifications; Customer ensures compliance |
Your Critical Security Tasks
1. User Access & Authorization
You design, implement, and maintain all user roles and authorizations.
- • Design role-based access control (RBAC) strategy
- • Build and test authorization objects (PFCG)
- • Implement segregation of duties (SoD) controls
- • User provisioning, de-provisioning, recertification
- • Emergency access (firefighter) procedures
- • Privilege access management for admins
2. Application Security Configuration
SAP doesn't configure security settings - you do.
- • Security Audit Log (SAL) configuration and monitoring
- • Password policies and authentication methods
- • Network security (RFC destinations, trusted systems)
- • Gateway security (secinfo, reginfo)
- • Web Dispatcher configuration
- • Fiori Launchpad authorization
3. Data Protection & Privacy
You own all data in the system - including PII, financial data, and trade secrets.
- • Data classification and labeling
- • Personal data identification (GDPR, CCPA)
- • Data retention and deletion policies
- • Data masking for non-production systems
- • Data subject access requests (DSAR)
- • Cross-border data transfer controls
4. Vulnerability Management
You monitor SAP security notes and apply patches to the application layer.
- • Subscribe to SAP Security Notes
- • Assess criticality of security patches
- • Test and deploy security notes
- • Run Code Vulnerability Analyzer (CVA)
- • Scan custom code for security flaws
- • Address ABAP code injection risks
5. Monitoring & Incident Response
SAP provides tools, but you must configure monitoring and respond to alerts.
- • Monitor Security Audit Log (SM19/SM20)
- • Configure alerts for suspicious activity
- • Integrate with SIEM (Splunk, QRadar, Sentinel)
- • Investigate security incidents
- • Forensic analysis when breaches occur
- • Incident reporting to regulators (if required)
Compliance Frameworks
SAP provides infrastructure certifications, but you remain responsible for application-level compliance.
SAP Provides (Infrastructure Level):
- • ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018 certifications
- • SOC 1 Type II, SOC 2 Type II reports
- • Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) STAR
- • Regional compliance (EU Model Clauses, Privacy Shield successor)
You Must Ensure (Application Level):
- • GDPR compliance (consent, DPIAs, breach notification)
- • SOX controls (financial data integrity, access controls, change management)
- • Industry-specific regulations (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, etc.)
- • Data residency requirements
- • Audit trail completeness and retention
Pro tip: Don't assume RISE "makes you compliant." You still need to configure controls, document processes, and demonstrate compliance to auditors.
Security Tools & Services
Included in RISE
- • SAP Enterprise Threat Detection (ETD) - cloud edition
- • Security Audit Log (SAL)
- • Code Vulnerability Analyzer (CVA)
- • SAP Cloud Connector (for hybrid scenarios)
- • Basic DDoS protection
You May Need to Add
- • GRC Access Control (SoD monitoring)
- • SIEM integration (Splunk, QRadar)
- • Identity governance (SailPoint, Saviynt)
- • Privileged access management (CyberArk)
- • Data loss prevention (DLP)
Common Security Mistakes
Assuming SAP handles security: SAP secures infrastructure. You secure the application.
Not monitoring Security Audit Log: If you're not watching SAL, you won't detect breaches.
Weak authorization design: Overprivileged users = SOX violations and fraud risk.
Ignoring SAP security notes: Unpatched applications are the #1 breach vector.
No incident response plan: When breach happens, panic and chaos will cost you dearly.
Last Updated
January 17, 2025
Recent Changes
- •Added detailed responsibility matrix
- •Expanded compliance framework section
- •Added security tools comparison
Sources
- •SAP RISE Security Guide
- •SAP Trust Center documentation
- •ISO 27001/27017 standards
Information based on publicly available SAP documentation and industry sources. For the latest details, consult SAP official materials or qualified partners.