Mastering SAP Security Patching: Tackling the Top 3 Challenges Facing SAP Teams.
Applying regular SAP security patches has its challenges. SAP systems are complex; one small change can result in a significant production system issue. Resources are limited; there are lots of competing priorities.
The three main challenges
Complexity
There are lots of moving parts around managing SAP systems. SAP is complex and crucial to business operations, making it challenging to apply security updates. While SAP provides security alerts and patches, implementing them can be like solving complex puzzles.
This is especially true for large SAP environments, which can require days or weeks of work for the SAP team. SAP systems are vital to operations, so even small changes, like some security patches, must undergo a controlled change process.
Need for production stability.
SAP systems' criticality and availability are pivotal in the patching equation. The more essential a system is, the less likely it is to undergo patching. Lack of visibility compounds the issue.
While the onus of applying patches rests on SAP administration teams, information security teams might not always be aware of the inherent risks. Applying SAP Security Notes introduces a change to the system; it is tough to ascertain their impact on system stability.
Lack of resources
SAP patching is more than just applying updates; it's a strategic process that demands meticulous planning, testing, and coordination. This often places a significant burden on SAP IT teams already juggling multiple responsibilities. Moreover, the lack of specialised knowledge and resources compounds the problem.
Historically, applying patches to SAP systems has vied for attention alongside other business priorities. The process involves meticulously coordinating between multiple teams and departments to carve out a maintenance window, which can be arduous.
Many companies struggle to allocate sufficient resources to maintain security measures consistently. Budget constraints add another layer of complexity.
The way forward
Acknowledging the complex nature of SAP environments, businesses can invest in automation technologies that can help mitigate the risks and help overcome the challenges faced by SAP teams.
Simplifying the complex
SAP change control automation solutions can automate the end-end note application process enabling SAP teams to accelerate application and better control the outcome.
Learn more here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-three-third-party-sap-change-release-automation-tools-rick-porter/
Minimising risk
Understanding the impact on crucial business processes can increase confidence, but this is almost impossible to comprehend without visibility. Active Discover from Basis Technologies, a relatively new solution, will provide visibility.
Learn more here: https://www.basistechnologies.com/products/activediscover/
Managed services
Keeping SAP systems secure requires on-point observation and monitoring. Knowing which SAP patches are crucial and which can be helped back requires expert knowledge. Many SAP teams don’t have this knowledge in-house, severely curtailing their ability to manage SAP notes effectively. The team from smarterSec can provide best-in-class SAP-specific managed security services built around its security automation solutions.
Learn more here: https://smartersec.com/
Final word
The security of SAP ERP systems remains an ongoing concern. While SAP diligently researches vulnerabilities and offers regular security patches, the complexities of SAP environments present challenges in their timely application.
In an environment where the complexities of managing these systems, the need for production stability, and the scarcity of resources make consistent patching difficult, automation emerges as a solution.
By proactively investing in automation and innovative solutions, SAP teams can effectively navigate these challenges and fortify their SAP security measures.
We can help
Leg Up Software are expert in SAP IT automation.
We know the SAP operations and infrastructure automation solutions landscape and have already done the legwork identifying the best solutions for most repetitive IT tasks.
We have excellent relationships with many software vendors and can negotiate an evaluation process that best suits your circumstance and budget.
Why not set up a time to start the conversation by putting something in our calendar?
Alternatively, to learn more about IT automation for SAP teams, see
