Introduction

31% of organizations experienced a SaaS (software as a service) data breach in 2024—a number which translates to a shocking five percentage points higher than reported in 2023. 

What’s causing these breaches, and how can SaaS companies remain proactively aware and protected? 

Simple: A strong SaaS cybersecurity policy for all software as a service tools. 

This approach works, because SaaS tools are housed in the cloud—which allows for easy access and easier compromise. This, plus bad authentication practices, API security holes and user access security nightmares leave gaping opportunities for exploitation. (At least, they do if there’s not a proactive cybersecurity policy in place). 

Read on to learn more about the role that Zero Trust architecture plays in a solid SaaS cybersecurity strategy, what sets it apart from the other types of security frameworks, and how to build a Zero Trust SaaS cybersecurity culture that proactively protects your assets. 

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What is Zero Trust for Software As A Service (SaaS) Companies?

“Never trust, always verify” is the simplest way to describe what Zero Trust for SaaS companies actually looks like in practice. This framework encourages administrators to treat all connections as if they were potentially hostile, whether they’re being initiated inside or outside of your network. 

This is pretty different from other security models that build “walls” around the network, which aren’t as effective in a flexible cloud environment. Instead, Zero Trust focuses on individual protections per login attempt, while simultaneously requiring continuous validation of whoever is accessing the program as they use it. 

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Why is Zero Trust Best for SaaS Cybersecurity Support?

As the virtual attack “surface” expands for small businesses, so does a business’s vulnerability to risks. 

Zero Trust addresses this reality by securing each connection independently, validating every access request regardless of source, and limiting exposure when (not if) a breach occurs. It’s both proactive and reactive, making it ideal for the type of situation that small businesses are operating within.  

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Implementing Zero Trust for Your SaaS Environment

Adopting Zero Trust for your SaaS applications doesn't require enterprise-level resources—just a methodical approach that addresses your highest risks first. Start by taking inventory of every SaaS application your business uses. Then, start building continuing education opportunities for your staff for additional proactive protection. 

Building a Zero Trust Culture

Remember: your security tools are only as effective as the people using them. The strongest level of implementation will always fail if it’s viewed as a “given” once it’s placed—especially if some adopt the attitude of “now that that’s in place, we can do whatever they want.’”

On the contrary. 

Implementing a Zero Trust culture after you deploy your framework is critical to proactively protecting Zero Trust concepts across your organization. 

This means that true ownership and execution of your Zero Trust framework requires more than arranging a few classes here and there. Business owners should consider outreach in a range of steps; including: 

1. Jargon-free directives: Instead of discussing concepts alone with employees, leaders should translate expectations into clear “rules of the road.” For example—while a piece on encryption might only go so far in a team member’s head, a directive stating that they’ll need to use the company password manager could be much more effective.
2. A flow of information and presentations across channels and formats: People absorb information differently—and they adopt what they clearly understand. Creating an outreach strategy across mediums and using different formats can boost your chances of success in this area, encouraging wider spread adoption and adherence.
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   • Examples of this in action include holding cybersecurity presentations, presenting flyers to staff members with best practices, and maintaining a visual library of best practices to further enhance implementation instead of only relying on a handbook (or worse, word-of-mouth). Additionally, many seek cybersecurity awareness training using services like KnowBe4—which happens to be a Guardare integration partner. 
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3. Complete, holistic integration: A strong cybersecurity policy is a well-rounded cybersecurity policy. Ideally, you’ll want a policy that seamlessly integrates with your daily workflows, giving you the peace of mind and protection you deserve without the well-intentioned once-a-month reminders that your people may (or may not) follow. (A good example of this concept in action is making a policy that states that all team members turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) on their account. 
4. A fault-free reporting system: “If you see something, say something” only goes so far if there are no protections available for those that do. Maintaining a fault-free reporting system ensures that employees and prospects feel engaged, safe, and integrated into the cybersecurity culture, enforcing widespread adoption and an open rapport. 

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Takeaway

The Zero Trust framework offers a practical and accessible approach to enhance a business’s SaaS (or, software as a service) cybersecurity. Every layer of the framework that’s successfully implemented puts another “wall” of protection between you and bad actors. While it’s complex, you don’t have to be overwhelmed—simply start small and adopt different tenets as they fit your organization’s risk profile. You can always continue the work as you scale. 

We've been where you are; trying to secure dozens of SaaS applications with limited resources and even more limited time. In fact, that’s why we built Guardare. 

It's not another enterprise security tool awkwardly scaled down for the startup and SMB-level; it's purpose-built for businesses like yours that need practical SaaS security without the complexity or cost.

Join our beta program and you'll get early access to features before they launch, use of the tool, and an invite to our customer advocacy panel. We believe that we build stronger together—and we want to ensure that your voices are heard and needs are met as we shape the future of Guardare. 

Connect with us today to learn more and secure your spot in the cohort.