There is a SaaS for everything, but at what cost, especially to SMEs?

August 2024 Editor's Choice, Information Security, Security Services & Risk Management

SaaS platforms are convenient and easy to access without installation hassles. With a stable internet connection and a monthly fee, you can eliminate the complexity of managing multiple software and hardware systems, but at what cost, especially in the SME environment where everything fails when trust is damaged in the marketplace?


Ethan Searle.

“This can be catastrophic to SME business owners’ plans to sell their thriving concern and with it secure their pension,” says Ethan Searle, Business Development Director, LanDynamix.

Forbes reports that every year, businesses rely more on software-as-a-service platforms for different tasks—from website analytics to accounting, payroll to email automation and more. Statista reveals Salesforce's annual revenue alone reached US$34 billion in its 2024 fiscal year - a record high. Subscription and support were reported as the business segments that contributed the most to the company’s continued sales boom. The SaaS market is thriving, to put it mildly.

“There’s a reason for this trend. SaaS services allow companies to focus on growing their core business offerings by using this software model to digitise and automate business processes. This, in turn, helps employees to execute their job responsibilities correctly and reliably, delivering a differentiated and consistent customer experience.”

Third-party SaaS poses substantial security risks

“Really, in today’s fast-paced and immensely competitive environment, reliance on SaaS is inevitable, but as with anything, there is a price to be paid, which may be too high for SMEs – in a country where 80% of all start-ups fail. SaaS services are closely integrated into a company’s existing technology – the more SaaS providers in your landscape, the bigger your attack surface. You must ask yourself how strong, or weak, are the SaaS providers in your chain,” says Searle.

Searle cites the CDK attack – a software provider used by thousands of car dealerships - as an example of the risks posed by SaaS-based systems. CDK was forced to shut down most of its systems after ransomware hit it. “CDK is an example of why contingency planning is crucial. The attack left 15 000 automotive dealers in operational limbo as the provider worked to restore its dealer management system.”

Searle says if, as an SME, you think that cyber criminals will not hack your business – it is too small – they will go for the big fish – you are wrong. “Cyber criminals regard SMEs as a prime soft target, knowing many in the sector fail to invest in adequate protection or simply lack resources. Taking an ostrich approach by sticking your head in the sand and hoping the danger will pass will not cut it. If you drop the trust ball with your customers, it is very difficult to get it back.”

Without access to the same skills and technologies as larger enterprises, SMEs remain vulnerable to attack and often lack the appropriate response and resilience capabilities to restore normal operations after a successful hack that has brought business operations to a standstill. These attacks aim to access your network and render your services inaccessible to customers.

These attacks often target SMEs because hackers know operating time is money to these businesses. Smaller organisations do not have the luxury of being too big to fail. Response time to such attacks and the ability to quickly get operations up and running can mean the difference between an SME's capacity to service its customers or close its doors.

The required expertise on hand

Searle highlights how a managed service from a highly skilled managed services provider (MSP) can deliver the highest protection against today’s sophisticated threats to even the smallest firms. “SMEs can look to the in-house expertise and support of an MSP. It is a route to peace of mind in the knowledge that the business you have worked to build over decades is secure in the hands of cyber technology experts who will enable you to get on with the job of running your company. Services from a top MSP routinely include managed security, backup and disaster recovery.”

“With IT operations securely managed and positioned for growth, you can take your business to the next level regardless of its current size or what industry you are operating in,” concludes Searle.

For more information, contact LanDynamix, 0861 225 553, [email protected], www.landynamix.co.za




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

SABRIC Annual Crime Statistics 2024
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management Residential Estate (Industry)
SABRIC has released its Annual Crime Statistics for 2024, reflecting a significant decline in financial crime losses, but also warning of the growing threat posed by artificial intelligence (AI) in fraud schemes.

Read more...
Local-first data security is South Africa's new digital fortress
Infrastructure Information Security
With many global conversations taking place about data security and privacy, a distinct and powerful message is emerging from South Africa: the critical importance of a 'local first' approach to data security.

Read more...
SA’s private security industry receives multi-million USD investment
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
South Africa's private security sector has attracted significant international attention, with the world’s largest tactical flashlight manufacturer, Nextorch, announcing a major investment in its local operations, Nextorch Africa.

Read more...
Making drone security more accessible
Editor's Choice Integrated Solutions Residential Estate (Industry) AI & Data Analytics IoT & Automation
Michael Lever discusses advances in drone technology, focusing on cost reductions and the implementation of automated services, including beyond line of sight capabilities, for residential estates with SMART Security Solutions.

Read more...
Private fire services becoming the norm?
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Editor's Choice
As the infrastructure and service delivery in many of South Africa’s major cities decline, with a few, limited exceptions, more of the work that should be done by the state has fallen to private companies.

Read more...
View from the trenches
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Editor's Choice Integrated Solutions Security Services & Risk Management Residential Estate (Industry)
There are many great options available to estates for effectively managing their security and operations, but those in the trenches are often limited by body corporate/HOA budget restrictions and misunderstandings.

Read more...
IVA AI Pro Visual Gun Detection
Products & Solutions Surveillance Security Services & Risk Management Residential Estate (Industry)
Bosch has announced the launch of the IVA AI Pro Visual Gun Detection analytics based on deep learning. It is designed for automatic detection and classification of people and brandished firearms.

Read more...
IP-based horn loudspeakers
Products & Solutions Surveillance Security Services & Risk Management Residential Estate (Industry)
Bosch has announced the launch of its new IP-based horn loudspeakers and amplifier module: the high-output LHN-UC15L-SIP horn (for long-throw applications), the compact LHN-UC15W-SIP horn (for wide-angle coverage) and the AMN-P15-SIP amplifier module.

Read more...
SMART Estate Security Conference KZN 2025
Arteco Global Africa OneSpace Technologies SMART Security Solutions Technews Publishing Editor's Choice Integrated Solutions Security Services & Risk Management Residential Estate (Industry)
May 2025 saw the SMART Security Solutions team heading off to Durban for our annual Estate Security Conference, once again hosted at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club.

Read more...
SSG Holdings acquired by Fidelity Services Group
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
Fidelity Services Group has successfully acquired a majority shareholding in SSG Holdings. The acquisition builds on Fidelity’s track record of strategic expansion, including previous high-profile acquisitions.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.