RISE with SAP Security: The Ultimate Guide (2025)
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Migrating to RISE with SAP promises faster innovation, simplified operations, and a cloud-first future. But with these benefits comes a new challenge: ensuring security in a shared responsibility model. Unlike traditional on-premise SAP landscapes, RISE introduces new risks around compliance, data privacy, and integration with other cloud services.
In this guide, we’ll break down what makes RISE with SAP security unique, outline the top threats organizations face, and provide actionable best practices to safeguard your cloud ERP. Whether you’re an SAP Basis expert or a CISO evaluating risk, this guide will help you build a secure foundation for your RISE transformation.
What is RISE with SAP?
RISE with SAP is a “Business Transformation as a Service” (BTaaS) offering that enables organizations to accelerate cloud adoption and foster continuous digital transformation to migrate their on-premise SAP ERP systems to a cloud ERP solution.
The solution bundles:
- Cloud Infrastructure: Powered by hyperscalers like Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud.
- Software: SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition and SAP BTP.
- Managed Services: Migration tools and business process intelligence.
The modular nature of RISE with SAP allows integration into existing business processes, and it provides security features crucial for maintaining data integrity and confidentiality.
One of the most significant advantages of using a cloud-based SAP solution is its high-security level on many infrastructure aspects, allowing customers to focus mainly on application security. With scalable infrastructure and security protocols, RISE with SAP supports business process optimization and enhanced efficiency, ultimately leading to better data management within the SAP business network.
Security Features in RISE with SAP
It’s critical to note that RISE with SAP employs a shared security model where responsibilities are divided between SAP and its customers. SAP manages key components such as network -and database security, while customers are responsible for application-level security.
RISE with SAP integrates several built-in security features to address common risks:
Identity and Access Management
Managing user identities and access is crucial for maintaining a secure SAP environment. SAP Customers must implement robust access control mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to SAP systems in addition to what is included in RISE with SAP. This includes ensuring that users have the minimum necessary privileges to perform their duties, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
SAP Cloud Identity Services is vital in centralizing authorization management across applications. The Authorization Management service within SAP Cloud Identity Services facilitates secure system integration in cloud and hybrid environments, streamlining user access and permissions management.
Network Security
Network security is part of RISE with SAP. It employs micro-segmentation in its network architecture to contain workloads and prevent unauthorized lateral movement. This approach ensures that even if one network segment is compromised, the breach does not spread to other segments.
Mandatory security settings for ABAP systems further strengthen network security, protecting communications from unauthorized access and threats. By enforcing standard builds and utilizing advanced security protocols, RISE with SAP ensures a secure network environment that supports business operations and data management.
The Shared Security Responsibility Model Explained
One of the most misunderstood aspects of RISE with SAP security is the shared responsibility model. SAP ensures the resilience and security of the underlying infrastructure, hyperscaler tenancy, and managed services. However, you, the customer, remain responsible for critical layers above the infrastructure.
Here’s how responsibilities are divided:
SAP covers: data centers, hardware, network, hypervisor, and baseline security of the RISE platform.
Customer covers: SAP application security, patching and configuration, identity governance, user activity monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
Many RISE projects stall or face audit issues because security tasks are wrongly assumed to be “SAP’s job.” The reality: failure to secure your side of the model leaves major blind spots open for attackers.
Figure: Example of shared security responsibilities in RISE with SAP – where SAP’s role ends and the customer’s begins
What SAP Secures vs. what you must secure
SAP’s Responsibilities
In essence, SAP oversees infrastructure-level security:
- Data Centers: Physical security and environmental controls.
- Hypervisor and Network Security: Managing firewalls, encryption, and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection.
- Operating System and Database Security: Patch management, vulnerability management, and securing backup processes.
Customer Responsibilities
Customers must handle application-level and data-level security, which includes:
- Managing user access and roles.
- Implementing custom code security.
- Ensuring data protection and compliance with internal and external regulations.
- Conducting continuous monitoring and auditing.
Customer Responsibilities in RISE with SAP
To maintain a secure environment within the RISE with SAP framework, customers must actively fulfill their responsibilities as part of the shared security model. This involves focusing on several critical areas:
Application Security
Regular updates and proper configuration of SAP applications are crucial to guard against vulnerabilities. Employing secure coding practices for custom developments further bolsters the application’s defenses against potential threats.
Data Protection
Implementing fine-grained access controls ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive information. Utilizing data loss prevention (DLP) tools helps monitor and control sensitive data flow, preventing unauthorized disclosures.
User Access and Role Management
Applying the principle of least privilege ensures that user access rights are limited to what is necessary for their roles, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized actions. Regular review and updates of user roles and authorizations are essential to maintain appropriate access levels as organizational roles evolve.
Compliance and Monitoring
Conducting real-time log analysis facilitates the timely detection of suspicious activities. Maintaining comprehensive audit trails for user activities and system changes supports compliance with regulatory requirements and aids in forensic investigations when necessary.
Cloud Infrastructure Security
Cloud infrastructure security is central in RISE with SAP, ensuring that data confidentiality, integrity, and availability are maintained during the migration to a cloud SAP ERP solution. It is strengthened through partnerships with strategic hyperscalers like IBM and Microsoft. These partnerships leverage their global capabilities to provide secure cloud environments, ensuring that RISE with SAP implementations complies with industry standards. RISE with SAP supports SAP HANA private cloud deployments, providing organizations with flexible options to meet their specific security requirements. Security measures during migration are critical, ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. RISE with SAP employs Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to protect data in transit, while network segmentation using separate VPNs enhances resource isolation.Intelligent Technologies and Security
Intelligent technologies can enhance the security framework of RISE with SAP. Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning provides defense mechanisms to respond swiftly to cyber threats. The subsections will explore the specific contributions of AI, ML, and intelligent robotic process automation (RPA) to the security measures within RISE with SAP.Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
The integration of AI and machine learning significantly enhances business process intelligence by providing real-time insights derived from both transaction and analytical data. It can provide predictive analytics and offer valuable business insights that drive efficiency and strategic planning. Machine learning capabilities enabled by RISE with SAP help automate repetitive tasks, reduce human errors, and improve overall process efficiency. These advanced technologies enable the identification and automation of business processes, contributing to a secure and intelligent enterprise.Intelligent Robotic Process Automation
Robotic process automation (RPA) within RISE with SAP incorporates stringent security measures to ensure that automated tasks are performed reliably and securely. Security protocols in RPA minimize risks associated with automated operations, safeguarding business processes from potential threats. To ensure security in RPA, creating separate user accounts for bot operations and implementing strict authorization controls is crucial. These measures enhance the reliability and security of automated tasks, contributing to the overall security framework of RISE with SAP.Compliance and Governance in RISE with SAP
It’s critical to understand that you are still accountable for compliance as an SAP customer on RISE with SAP. SAP offers support for including compliance data through its managed services, providing customers with the raw input to create audit reports. The platform provides tools and business processes that help businesses comply with various regulatory frameworks. It enables continuous system monitoring and log analysis to detect and respond to security incidents. However, it is recommended that additional capabilities be added, such as application and user activity monitoring. Regularly monitoring user activity and conducting SAP system assessments are crucial for detecting suspicious behavior and identifying potential security gaps, and they are the customer’s responsibility and accountability.5 Pillars of RISE with SAP security
To build a resilient security posture in RISE with SAP, organizations should focus on five foundational pillars:
Identity and Access Control
Cloud ERP access must be tightly governed. Implement SSO, enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA), and regularly review role assignments. Mismanaged identities remain the #1 entry point for SAP breaches (80 % of breaches involve compromised credentials (Source)).
Network and Interface Security
Secure interfaces such as RFC, OData, and IDoc should use TLS 1.2+. Deploy SAP Web Dispatcher or segmented firewalls to isolate traffic. Utilize SecurityBridge’s Interface Traffic Monitoring as an SAP-native control.
Patch & Vulnerability Management
SAP patches are released monthly on Security Patch Day. Use static code scanning and virtual patching for zero-days, and leverage SecurityBridge for automated patch orchestration.
Threat Monitoring and Incident Response
Collect telemetry like change logs, STAD, system events, and network flows. Correlate with SIEM/SOAR via out‑of‑the‑box parsers.
Data Protection and Compliance
Sensitive business data in RISE must comply with regulations like GDPR, SOX, and NIS2. Encrypt data at rest and in transit, implement fine-grained authorization, and audit data access to ensure compliance.
| Security Pillar | Why It Matters in RISE | Example Actions |
|---|---|---|
|
Identity & Access |
Prevent unauthorized access to cloud ERP |
SSO, MFA, RBAC
|
|
Patch Management |
Close vulnerabilities quickly |
Apply SAP Notes monthly
|
|
Data Protection |
Compliance with GDPR, SOX, NIS2 |
Encryption, DLP tools
|
|
Threat Monitoring |
Detect attacks early |
SIEM integration, anomaly detection
|
|
Hardening |
Reduce attack surface |
Disable unused services, config checks
|
Best Practices for SAP RISE Security (Actionable steps)
Security becomes a critical priority as organizations embrace RISE with SAP to modernize their SAP ERP systems and ensure adherence to the shared responsibility model. A well-rounded security strategy not only protects sensitive data but also ensures regulatory compliance and business continuity. Below are best practices for safeguarding your RISE with SAP environment, leveraging tools and collaboration to address vulnerabilities effectively.
Adopt a Comprehensive Security Strategy for RISE with SAP
A solid security framework is the foundation of any SAP implementation. Organizations should prioritize the following:
- Leverage Advanced Security Tools: Platforms like SecurityBridge provide robust coverage at both the application and data levels, ensuring your environment is protected from sophisticated threats.
- Regular Policy Reviews and Updates: As cyber threats evolve, so should your security policies. Regularly audit and update your organization’s policies to align with the latest security standards and industry best practices.
- Proactive Security Audit: Establish continuous monitoring and response mechanisms to detect and mitigate threats before they can cause damage.
By taking these steps, businesses can protect their SAP environment from external and internal threats in adherence to the shared responsibility model.
Strengthen Authentication Controls
Authentication is the first line of defense against unauthorized access. Strengthening authentication controls is essential to reduce vulnerabilities:
- Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding MFA requires users to verify their identities through multiple channels, significantly reducing the risk of credential-based attacks.
- Enforce Strong Password Policies: Require employees to create complex, unique passwords and mandate regular password updates to prevent breaches caused by weak credentials.
These authentication measures are critical for maintaining secure access to your RISE with SAP environment and protecting sensitive business processes and data.
Practical steps to secure your RISE with SAP landscape
Establish an SAP-specific patching process aligned with SAP Note releases.
Integrate SAP logs into your enterprise SIEM (e.g., Microsoft Sentinel).
Run regular security baseline checks against SAP-recommended parameters.
Use automated tools to detect misconfigurations before audits.
Train Basis teams and InfoSec teams jointly on cloud ERP security.
How SecurityBridge Enhances RISE with SAP Security
SecurityBridge is a certified security platform that supports the SAP HANA Cloud Private Edition and seamlessly integrates into the SAP environment. It addresses gaps in application-level security, making it an essential solution for RISE with SAP customers.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Despite best intentions, RISE customers may fall into traps:
Assuming SAP covers all security responsibilities (they don’t).
Delaying patch implementation due to testing backlogs.
Overlooking user-role proliferation during migration.
Focusing only on compliance checklists instead of real-time monitoring.
Underfunding security for SAP compared to other IT systems.
Key Benefits of SecurityBridge
- Native SAP Integration: As a certified SAP extension, SecurityBridge integrates directly into your existing system, requiring no additional hardware or extensive configuration.
- Quick Implementation: Deploy SecurityBridge in less than 48 hours, allowing your team to focus on other critical tasks.
- Seamless Compatibility: SecurityBridge integrates effortlessly with your existing IT ecosystem, including tools like SIEM, SOAR, and ITSM platforms, enhancing your overall security infrastructure.
By utilizing SecurityBridge, organizations can enhance their RISE with SAP security posture with minimal disruption and effort.
Breakdown of SecurityBridge Capabilities
To fully understand the value SecurityBridge brings to RISE with SAP, let’s explore its core features in detail:
User Access and Authorization Monitoring
- Self-Learning: SecurityBridge uses advanced algorithms to identify suspicious user behavior, such as unusual login locations or patterns, and provides real-time notifications.
- Automated Privileged Access Management: Enforces the least privilege principle, ensuring users access only the assets necessary for their role.
Patch Management, System Hardening and Compliance
- Automated Impact Analysis: Quickly assesses the potential risks of new SAP vulnerabilities, helping you plan patches effectively.
- Virtual Patching: Provides immediate protection against vulnerabilities until official SAP patches are deployed.
- Real-Time Visibility: Gain a clear and continuous overview of your system’s compliance status, helping you address vulnerabilities proactively and harden your SAP systems.
- Compliance Framework Alignment: SecurityBridge provides insights into your configurations to meet industry standards such as SOX, NIST, GDPR, and other regulatory requirements.
Automated Security Auditing
- Real-Time Log Analysis: Automatically reviews logs for suspicious activities and compliance violations, providing actionable insights.
- SOC Integration: Streamlines incident response by feeding insights directly into your organization’s Security Operations Center (SOC) if required.
Custom Code Security
- Automatic Vulnerability Scans: Identifies custom and third-party code weaknesses, ensuring your SAP solutions remain secure.
- SAP BTP Protection: Safeguards custom applications hosted on SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).
Collaborate with SAP and Security Partners
Security is not a solo effort. Working closely with SAP and the SAP business network ensures a robust security posture.
- SAP Enterprise Cloud Services (ECS): Leverage SAP’s expertise to promptly implement critical security notes and updates.
- Engage Expert Partners: Collaborate with leading security providers like Accenture, PwC, or Deloitte to design and implement tailored security enhancements for your organization’s unique needs.
Collaboration enables businesses to use specialized knowledge and proven methodologies to secure their environments effectively.
Summary
RISE with SAP offers a comprehensive solution that integrates infrastructure, software, and managed services into a unified approach, enabling businesses to modernize SAP ERP solutions. With SAP managing infrastructure security and customers responsible for application-level protections, the shared responsibility model requires active measures like role-based access control, secure coding, and continuous monitoring to maintain robust security and compliance.
By leveraging built-in features and platforms like SecurityBridge, organizations can enhance their security posture while driving operational efficiency. This combination ensures businesses can confidently navigate digital transformation within a secure and scalable cloud ERP solution environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RISE with SAP, and how does it help with digital transformation?
RISE with SAP is a Business Transformation as a Service (BTaaS) solution that supports organizations in migrating to SAP’s cloud ERP solution. This promotes continuous digital evolution and improves security. By leveraging this service, businesses can effectively navigate their digital transformation journeys.
How does RISE with SAP ensure data privacy and protection?
RISE with SAP ensures data privacy and protection by implementing encryption for data both during transit and at rest, incorporating privacy-by-design features, and providing customizable controls that adhere to relevant regulations.
What role do SAP partners play in enhancing the security of RISE with SAP implementations?
SAP partners play a crucial role in enhancing the security of RISE with SAP implementations by integrating cybersecurity measures, customizing solutions, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Their expertise is vital for safeguarding the system against potential vulnerabilities.
How do intelligent technologies like AI and machine learning enhance security in RISE with SAP?
Intelligent technologies like AI and machine learning significantly enhance security in RISE with SAP by offering proactive defense mechanisms and real-time insights. These technologies reduce human errors and improve overall security through predictive analytics and process automation.
What are the benefits of using RISE with SAP for compliance and governance?
Using RISE with SAP enhances compliance and governance by supporting adherence to global and local standards, supplying advanced monitoring and auditing tools, and facilitating continuous log analysis for security incident detection and response. This strengthens an organization’s compliance posture significantly.
Can I automate patch management in RISE environments?
Yes—platforms like SecurityBridge orchestrate SAP Note downloads, impact analysis, and transport sequencing, reducing patch latency from weeks to hours.
What are the biggest security challenges in RISE with SAP?
Identity management, patching, and compliance alignment are top challenges, primarily as responsibilities are split between SAP and the customer.
Is RISE with SAP compliant with GDPR and SOX?
Yes, the platform supports compliance, but customers must configure and monitor application-level settings to ensure adherence.
How does RISE security differ from on-premise SAP security?
With on-premise, you own everything. In RISE, SAP secures infrastructure, while you remain accountable for applications, users, and data.