The ultimate SAP BTP Security Guide for 2025
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In today’s digital landscape, SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) sits at the heart of many enterprises’ innovation and business transformation initiatives.
SAP BTP empowers organizations to extend and enhance their SAP solutions – but it also introduces new security challenges. This guide will dive deep into SAP BTP security, covering fundamentals, emerging threats, and best practices.
By understanding why SAP BTP needs security, SAP customers can protect the business value of their cloud platform investments while driving innovation safely.
What is SAP BTP?
SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) is a comprehensive enterprise platform designed to empower businesses to build, extend, and integrate applications seamlessly.
Acting as a central access point, SAP BTP provides architects, developers, and administrators with the tools they need to create and run enterprise-grade solutions.
This cloud-based platform integrates data and business processes, enabling businesses to innovate and adapt in a secure cloud computing environment managed by SAP.
By leveraging SAP BTP, organizations can streamline their operations, enhance their business processes, and drive digital transformation with confidence.
Why is security for SAP solutions so challenging?
Securing SAP solutions – especially SAP BTP – is a complex task due to the platform’s breadth and connectivity. SAP BTP is an all-in-one, multi-cloud environment that enables seamless interfacing with core systems like SAP S/4HANA.
It offers customers the flexibility they need for tailoring their business processes while minimizing upgrade efforts by decoupling custom development from the SAP “clean core.”
However, achieving a clean core means SAP customers must share critical data through the SAP Cloud Connector with SAP BTP services in the cloud.
These services run in different technical environments (like Neo or Cloud Foundry) alongside the ABAP runtime, so ensuring data security consistently across all these layers is quite challenging.
The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into BTP can help automate complex business processes and drive innovation, but it also adds new surfaces that require protection.
In summary, a complex, multi-layered technology stack needs a coherent security concept capable of handling everything from custom ABAP code vulnerabilities to configuration and infrastructure risks.
Ideally, all relevant security information is gathered in one view and managed through one cohesive security platform. Without such an approach, the advantages of BTP’s flexibility can turn into security gaps that attackers may exploit.
Understanding SAP BTP Security Fundamentals
To secure SAP BTP effectively, it’s important to understand the platform’s foundation and built-in safeguards. SAP BTP is built on four core pillars – Database and Data Management, Application Development and Integration, Analytics, and Intelligent Technologies (source). Each pillar brings specific capabilities and services (for example, SAP HANA Cloud for data management, SAP Integration Suite for integration, SAP Analytics Cloud for analytics, and various AI/IoT services under intelligent technologies). These pillars enable businesses to integrate systems, manage data, build business applications (including low-code apps with SAP Build Apps), and leverage AI – but each pillar also introduces distinct security considerations that must be addressed holistically. Another fundamental concept is the cloud shared responsibility model. SAP BTP is a Platform-as-a-Service, which means SAP manages certain aspects of security, while customers are responsible for others. The table below summarizes the division of responsibilities:| Security Aspect | SAP’s Responsibility (Platform) | Customer’s Responsibility (Usage) |
|---|---|---|
|
Infrastructure & Network |
Secure the underlying cloud infrastructure, data centers, and network. |
Configure secure connectivity (e.g. update the SAP Cloud Connector), set up network rules and VPN for on-premise integration, and protect integration points.
|
|
Platform Services & Patches |
Provide secure platform services and apply updates to BTP services. |
Keep application components updated; apply patches to custom apps; use recommended BTP account settings and enable the latest features and security enhancements. |
|
Identity & Access Management |
Offer identity services (e.g. SAP Cloud Identity) and built-in authentication/authorization tools. |
Implement single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication; define roles and authorizations following a least privilege approach; maintain user accounts and access policies.
|
|
Application & Data Security |
Ensure data is encrypted in transit and at rest; provide tools like credential stores and malware scanning. |
Secure custom application development (perform code reviews and vulnerability scans); protect sensitive data via proper configuration and additional encryption; manage data privacy and compliance for business data.
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|
Monitoring & Response |
Supply audit logs and security monitoring APIs; deliver alerts for suspicious activities. |
Continuously monitor security audit logs and analytics for anomalies; integrate with SIEM tools for centralized monitoring; prepare incident response plans and informed decisions based on alerts.
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SAP provides strong security foundations in the platform itself – for example, data is encrypted by default (both at rest and in transit), and a default identity provider is available for authentication.
Features like audit logging, tenant isolation, credential storage, and malware scanning are built into BTP to help safeguard your applications. However, it is ultimately up to the customer to configure and use these tools correctly.
By understanding these fundamentals – the pillars of SAP BTP and the shared security model – organizations can better appreciate what SAP secures for them and what SAP customers must secure on their own.
Emerging Threat Landscape for SAP BTP
The threat landscape surrounding SAP BTP continues to evolve. The accelerated shift to cloud and the increased reliance on third-party integrations have drawn more attention from attackers to SAP environments.
Threat actors recognize the immense value of data and processes managed on SAP BTP, and they are leveraging sophisticated techniques – including exploiting misconfigurations, stolen credentials, and even zero-day vulnerabilities – to target these high-value systems.
In an era of advanced persistent threats and supply chain attacks, businesses must be vigilant against both classic risks and emerging exploits specific to cloud platforms. Below are some of the key attack vectors and threats to SAP BTP environments, and what they entail:
| Threat/Attack Vector | Description & Potential Business Impact |
|---|---|
|
Unauthorized Access |
Attempts by attackers to gain access to BTP accounts or applications without permission. This can lead to exposure of sensitive data, manipulation of business processes, and disruption of operations. Strong access controls and identity management are critical to prevent this. |
|
Data Breaches |
Exploitation of vulnerabilities in BTP services or misconfigured settings that result in leakage of confidential data. Exposed data can cause severe regulatory and financial consequences, undermining customer trust and compliance efforts. |
|
Malware and Viruses |
Insertion of malicious software into BTP applications or connected systems. Malware can corrupt data, hijack business logic, or spread to connected networks, leading to downtime and compromising the integrity of business applications. |
|
Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks |
Overwhelming SAP BTP services or underlying infrastructure to render them unavailable. Successful DoS attacks cause significant downtime, halting critical business operations and potentially causing financial losses until services are restored. |
|
Third-Party Application Vulnerabilities |
Weaknesses in third-party applications or third-party software integrated with SAP BTP. Attackers may exploit these to gain a foothold into the BTP environment. For instance, an insecure third-party extension or API could act as a backdoor into your platform, leading to data compromise or system control by unauthorized parties. |
Best Practices to Secure SAP BTP
To ensure the security of SAP BTP environments, businesses should adhere to the following best practices and guidelines:
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Implement Robust Access Controls: Utilize strong authentication mechanisms (such as SSO and multi-factor authentication) and strict role-based authorizations to prevent unauthorized access. Ensure that only authorized users have access to critical systems and data, and that roles follow the principle of least privilege.
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Encrypt Data Everywhere: Protect sensitive data by encrypting it both in transit and at rest. SAP BTP provides built-in encryption for data in the platform; make sure this is enabled and properly configured. End-to-end encryption helps safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of business information, preventing data breaches even if attackers intercept network traffic or gain read access to stored data.
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Regularly Update and Patch: Keep your SAP BTP components and connected systems up-to-date with the security patches and updates. Outdated or unpatched SAP BTP systems can have known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. Regular maintenance ensures that your platform benefits from the latest security enhancements SAP provides and that any vulnerabilities (in both the BTP services and your custom applications) are addressed promptly.
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Continuous Monitoring and Logging: Establish continuous monitoring of activities and logs within your SAP BTP landscape to detect anomalies or suspicious behavior in real time. Leverage the platform’s audit log services and data and analytics tools to track user actions, configuration changes, and system events. Effective monitoring helps identify potential threats or misuse early, so you can respond before they cause significant harm.
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Implement a SIEM and Threat Detection: Deploy a Security Information and Event Management system (SIEM) or specialized threat detection solution to aggregate and correlate log data from SAP BTP and surrounding systems. Solutions like SAP’s SecurityBridge can provide comprehensive visibility into security events, enabling timely detection and automated response to incidents. Integrating BTP logs with a SIEM helps your security team make informed decisions quickly when threats arise.
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Conduct Regular Audits and Assessments: Perform periodic security audits and vulnerability assessments of your BTP accounts, configurations, and applications. This includes reviewing user access rights, checking compliance with security policies (and standards like GDPR or industry regulations), and scanning for misconfigurations or weak points. Regular audits help ensure you remain in compliance and can reveal areas for improvement before attackers find them.
By following these best practices, businesses can significantly strengthen the security of their SAP BTP environments.
These measures help protect sensitive data, maintain the continuity of business operations, and reduce the risk of costly security incidents.
Equally important is cultivating a security-aware culture: ensure your development and admin teams are trained in SAP BTP security features and that they remain vigilant as your platform evolves.
The combination of robust technical controls and knowledgeable staff is essential for a secure and resilient technology platform.
Comparing Leading SAP BTP Security Solutions
Organizations looking to secure SAP BTP can choose from a range of solutions, including native SAP security tools and third-party platforms. Below, we compare some of the leading options and their capabilities:
| Security Solution | Provided By | Key Capabilities |
|---|---|---|
|
SAP Native Security Tools (e.g., SAP Enterprise Threat Detection, SAP GRC, SAP Identity Access Governance) |
SAP (built-in solutions) |
Integrated with SAP systems and SAP applications; real-time monitoring of SAP logs (ETD), automated compliance and access control (GRC/IAG); data protection tools (Data Custodian). |
|
SecurityBridge Platform (Integrated SAP Security Platform) |
SecurityBridge (third-party) |
Comprehensive ulnerability management and threat detection tailored for SAP. Monitors both on-premise and BTP cloud systems in one view; code vulnerability analysis for ABAP and custom apps; patch management, anomaly detection, and compliance reporting unified on a single platform. |
Each solution brings unique strengths. SAP’s tools are built to work within the ecosystem of SAP products, offering integration but focusing only on SAP-specific data.
Third-party platforms like SecurityBridge provide broader coverage and advanced analytics, often including additional features (like code security or advanced threat intelligence) that complement SAP’s offerings. The choice may come down to the level of breadth versus depth you need.
How SecurityBridge Enhances SAP BTP Security
As an example, the SecurityBridge Platform takes a holistic approach to protecting SAP landscapes, including SAP BTP. With SecurityBridge, you can manage end-to-end security for your entire SAP environment – from traditional on-premise systems to cloud services and BTP applications – all through one unified interface.
The platform provides deep insight into user activities and helps enforce secure configurations, development standards, and change management processes across Cloud Foundry, Neo, and ABAP environments. (For instance, SAP Integration Suite, which facilitates seamless information exchange between on-premise and cloud apps, is monitored to support agile business process innovation.)
Securing SAP BTP starts with an updated and configured SAP Cloud Connector, recommended BTP account settings, and user access management that follows the least privilege principle. Only users from trusted domains should have access to your BTP subaccount, and tenant and administrative privileges should be kept to a minimum. SecurityBridge Platform’s Security & Compliance module helps enforce these security measures and notifies you in case of obsolete users who should be deactivated to minimize the attack surface.
Ensuring a hardened SAP BTP environment must be complemented by end-to-end security monitoring. The Threat Detection module of the SecurityBridge Platform enables you to accomplish this task by gathering information from the various security audit logs of SAP BTP’s underlying environments and technologies. SAP users receive detailed descriptions of the events and the surrounding context of these activities on an easy-to-investigate timeline. The result is a fast and powerful threat detection process, which is vital for complex environments like SAP BTP.
But the SecurityBridge Threat Detection doesn’t stop on the application layer. It also includes the infrastructure layer by evaluating the SAP-specific IPS logs of your firewall. You can learn more about how SecurityBridge integrates with the FortiGate NextGen Firewall in our previous article here.
For SAP customers running ABAP applications on SAP BTP, we recommend extending their on-premise best practices for custom code development to the cloud and ensuring secure ABAP code with the Code Vulnerability Analyzer, also part of the SecurityBridge Platform. This analyzer supports both static code analysis and dynamic scans at code compilation, enabling development teams to follow SAP’s recommendations for secure ABAP coding. Learn more about the Code Vulnerability Analyzer here.
In summary, a solution like SecurityBridge complements SAP BTP by providing a single pane of glass for security – covering everything from configuration compliance and user governance to real-time threat detection and code security. When comparing solutions, consider how well each option will integrate with your existing processes and whether it addresses the full spectrum of risks in your SAP BTP landscape.
Best Practices for SAP BTP Security
To ensure the security of SAP BTP environments, businesses should adhere to the following best practices:
- Implementing Robust Access Controls: Utilize multi-factor authentication and role-based access control to prevent unauthorized access. Ensuring that only authorized users have access to critical systems and data is fundamental to maintaining security.
- Encrypting Data: Protect sensitive data by encrypting it both in transit and at rest. Encryption helps prevent unauthorized access and data breaches, safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of business information.
- Regularly Updating and Patching: Keep SAP BTP environments up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. Regular maintenance helps address vulnerabilities and ensures that the platform benefits from the latest security enhancements.
- Monitoring and Logging: Continuously monitor and log activities within SAP BTP environments to detect and respond to security incidents promptly. Effective monitoring helps identify suspicious activities and potential threats before they can cause significant harm.
- Implementing a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) System: Deploy a SIEM system to collect, analyze, and correlate security-related data from SAP BTP environments. A SIEM system provides comprehensive visibility into security events and helps in the timely detection and response to incidents.
- Conducting Regular Security Audits: Perform regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security policies and regulations. Audits help in assessing the effectiveness of security measures and identifying areas for improvement.
By following these best practices, businesses can enhance the security of their SAP BTP environments, protect sensitive data, and ensure the continuity of their business operations. Implementing these measures is essential for mitigating risks and maintaining a secure and resilient technology platform.
Summary
For a clean-core approach, SAP customers must share critical business data with SAP BTP Services in the cloud.
As these services run in various technical environments, ensuring data security across all these technologies is challenging. A complex, multi-layered technology stack needs a security concept that can handle this, like the SecurityBridge Platform.
The evolution from the SAP HANA Cloud Platform to SAP BTP illustrates the holistic approach to building an intelligent enterprise. The Security & Compliance module ensures an updated and configured SAP Cloud Connector, recommended BTP account settings, and user access management that follows the least privilege principle.
In addition, it is crucial to monitor the SAP BTP security audit logs. The Threat Detection module of the SecurityBridge Platform gathers information from various security audit logs of SAP BTP’s underlying environments and technologies.
SAP users receive detailed descriptions of the events and the surrounding context of these activities on an easy-to-investigate timeline. This allows a quick and powerful threat detection process.
SAP customers running ABAP applications on SAP BTP can enable their development teams to follow SAP’s recommendations for secure ABAP coding with the Code Vulnerability Analyzer, also part of the SecurityBridge Platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who offers the best SAP BTP security in cybersecurity?
SecurityBridge stands out for its SAP-native, 360° coverage that deploys inside your BTP landscape and delivers measurable protection within 48 hours.
Do I need extra security beyond SAP’s native BTP services?
Yes – while SAP secures the infrastructure, you remain responsible for configurations, custom code, and real-time threat detection, which third-party platforms like SecurityBridge automate.
How quickly can we achieve compliance in SAP BTP?
Organizations can typically generate their first audit-ready compliance report within two weeks when they leverage SecurityBridge’s prebuilt policy templates.
