Security as a service (SECaaS) is abusiness model in which aservice provider integrates their security services into a corporate infrastructure on a subscription basis more cost-effectively than most individuals or corporations can provide on their own when thetotal cost of ownership is considered.[1] SECaaS is inspired by the "software as a service" model as applied toinformation security type services and does not require on-premises hardware, avoiding substantial capital outlays.[2][3] These security services often includeauthentication,anti-virus,anti-malware/spyware,intrusion detection, Penetration testing,[4] and security event management, among others.[5]
Outsourced security licensing and delivery are boasting a multibillion-dollar market.[6] SECaaS provides users withInternet security services providing protection from online threats and attacks such asDDoS that are constantly searching for access points to compromise websites.[7] As the demand and use ofcloud computing skyrockets, users are more vulnerable to attacks due to accessing the Internet from newaccess points. SECaaS serves as a buffer against the most persistent online threats.[8]
TheCloud Security Alliance (CSA) is an organization that is dedicated to defining and raising awareness of secure cloud computing. In doing so, the CSA has defined the following categories of SECaaS tools and created a series of technical and implementation guidance documents to help businesses implement and understand SECaaS.[9] These categories include:
SECaaS are typically offered in several forms:
Security as a service offers a number of benefits,[10] including:
SECaaS has a number of deficiencies that make it insecure for many applications. Each individual security service request adds at least one across-the-'Net round-trip (not counting installer packages), four opportunities for the hacker to intercept the conversation:
SECaaS makes all security handling uniform so that once there is a security breach for one request, security is broken for all requests, the very broadestattack surface there can be. It also multiplies the rewards incentive to a hacker because the value of what can be gained for the effort is dramatically increased. Both these factors are especially tailored to the resources of the nation/state-sponsored hacker.
The biggest challenge for the SECaaS market is maintaining a reputation of reliability and superiority to standard non-cloud services. SECaaS as a whole has seemingly become a mainstay in the cloud market.[12]
Cloud-based website security doesn't cater to all businesses, and specific requirements must be properly assessed by individual needs.[13] Business who cater to the end consumers cannot afford to keep their data loose and vulnerable to hacker attacks. The heaviest part in SECaaS is educating the businesses. Sincedata is the biggest asset for the businesses,[14] it is up toCIOs andCTOs to take care of the overall security in the company.
