Do you rely on SAP maintenance contracts to keep vulnerabilities in check? Here’s a question: have you felt the sting of renewal season? Those spiraling costs are hard to ignore—just like the rising threats and security compliance headaches. No wonder so many organizations, maybe even yours, are asking: Do we really need to keep paying for vendor protection, or could we handle SAP security ourselves?
Yes, ditching the maintenance contract can save cash, but it’s about something far more fundamental: reclaiming control, building in-house expertise, and fostering a proactive security mindset. Self-sufficiency in SAP security isn’t without its challenges, but for organizations ready to face them, the rewards—resilience, autonomy, and agility—are worth every bit of effort.
Breaking Away from Vendor Dependency
For decades, SAP security was synonymous with vendor control. The maintenance contract model provides a sense of security, but it also creates a culture of dependence. When security updates and patches are outsourced, companies often overlook their own role in shaping a strong security posture. But, as we all know—and are constantly reminded of — in today’s cybersecurity climate, this passive approach simply isn’t enough.
That’s why many organizations are recognizing the need to take ownership of their SAP security – so that they can adapt to real-time threats and compliance demands with the urgency they demand.
So, what’s required to take SAP security in-house? It starts with building a proactive security culture.
Make Security a Company-Wide Mission
SAP security can’t be siloed within IT—it needs to be a team sport. Everyone, from the finance team to marketing, plays a part in securing data. Moving beyond vendor reliance means encouraging a proactive security culture where every department understands the basics of data protection and recognizes potential threats and vulnerabilities.
Upskilling and Knowledge Sharing
Self-reliant security relies on empowered teams. Staff trained in SAP security fundamentals become assets capable of identifying and handling issues early. By investing in SAP-specific training and fostering a culture of shared knowledge, companies build an internal security force that’s both proactive and prepared.
Adaptability and Continuous Improvement
Cyber threats evolve constantly, and so must security practices. Self-managing SAP security pushes organizations to adopt a cycle of continuous assessment and improvement. Regular audits, updates on emerging threats, and timely adjustments create a security framework that is both agile and resilient.
Naturally, taking SAP security in-house isn’t without its challenges. But with the right attitude and approach —and some creative thinking—your team can thrive:
Resource Constraints
Robust SAP security without vendor support can strain resources, especially for smaller businesses. Creative strategies—like reallocating budgets, leveraging automation, or bringing on security consultants—can help organizations enhance security without overextending their teams.
The Learning Curve
Not every team is ready for SAP security independence. Knowledge gaps can pose real risks, but they’re surmountable. Partnering with SAP-specific consultants or tapping into community-driven resources helps bridge these gaps, offering insights and support at a fraction of the vendor cost.
Resistance to Change
Shifting to greater security ownership can feel overwhelming, especially for employees used to vendor-driven security. Leaders need to communicate the importance of a self-sufficient approach and support teams through this transition, showing how it benefits the business both strategically and financially.
But why make the effort? What is it about managing SAP security independently that’s worth taking on these hurdles?
Key Drivers for Reducing Vendor Dependency
Cost savings may be the obvious answer, but they’re just the beginning.
Faster response times, stronger cybersecurity, and streamlined compliance are all part of the equation. Plus, new tools and technologies—like AI, machine learning, and cloud security—have empowered organizations to secure their SAP systems independently, without the constraints of exclusive vendor ties.
The transition to self-sufficiency involves a few critical changes, but these steps build a strong, responsive framework that truly fits your business.
Set and Monitor Access Limits
Role-based access control (RBAC) ensures that employees have only the permissions they need to do their jobs, reducing the risk of internal breaches. This granular control goes beyond static security by continuously adjusting SAP settings to align with best practices and creating a secure, adaptable structure.
Routine Audits for Real-Time Awareness
With autonomy comes responsibility. Regular SAP security audits—covering access logs, vulnerability scans, and simulated attacks—spot gaps before they turn into problems. By viewing audits as proactive defenses rather than compliance checkboxes, companies gain an acute awareness of their security posture.
Third-Party Support Providers on Your Terms
Going self-sufficient doesn’t mean going solo. A range of third-party support providers specialize in SAP security, offering services from risk assessments to incident response. By choosing engagements selectively, companies strengthen security without the cost of long-term contracts, bringing in expertise only when it’s most valuable.
The Payoff: Agility, Savings, and Resilience
Taking SAP security into your own hands means faster responses, real savings, and a security setup that fits your business like a glove. Moving beyond maintenance contracts doesn’t just strengthen your defenses—it builds a culture where every team member has a stake in keeping systems secure. For companies ready to ditch the dependency, the payoff is clear: more control, more resilience, and a team that’s empowered to tackle today’s cybersecurity challenges head-on.
Embrace the shift, and make SAP security work for you, on your terms.
About the Author
Ken Conz is Director of Technical Operations, Spinnaker Support
Source: www.cyberdefensemagazine.com