SaaS vs. Traditional Software: Which is More Secure?

In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, businesses are left with the critical task of selecting the right software solution that can take care of their data, operations, and security. Whether to choose a traditional software or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is often determined based on cost, scalability, and performance. However, security remains the main concern for businesses.???

Both the software solutions – traditional software and SaaS software, come with their own security frameworks and there are associated risks too but understanding them can help organizations make informed decisions.??

Traditional And SaaS Software – Understanding The Basics?

Traditional software is installed and run on-premises of a business on their systems. Here software infrastructure and data are completely controlled by the business. On the other hand, Software-as-a-Servic,e or SaaS, works on a cloud-based model. Here software and data are stored on servers located remotely and users can access the software application using a web browser. Here servers are managed by a service provider.?

In short, traditional software provides direct control and a sense of ownership while Saas offers convenience and quick accessibility. The way both software models work shapes its security part.

Now let's explore the different security aspects of both software models in detail-

• Accessibility and data storage?

Where and how data is stored forms the basis of security in the case of both traditional and SaaS software. In the SaaS setup, data is stored on the cloud which means it is distributed over different servers across the globe and managed by service providers. In this setup, the risks associated with data loss due to hardware problems are minimized but if the security measures taken by the provider are compromised, it can lead to potential breaches.??

Data is stored locally in the case of traditional software which lets businesses have strong control over its access and storage. Therefore, businesses are required to implement robust security measures such as backups, firewalls, and regular updates. Now if the business is not well equipped to take care of this need, then it can lead to vulnerabilities.??

• User authentication and control?

Sophisticated user authentication methods are offered with modern SaaS platforms like single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA,) and role-based access controls. This protects data from any unauthorized access by providing an additional protective layer. However, as such software solution is accessed over the internet, it would be wise enough for users to stay vigilant against phishing attacks and make use of strong passwords.??

Traditional software comes with physical access controls and works on internal network security. It reduces the chances of threats but does not nullify the risks completely.??

• Threat detection and response?

To monitor and respond to security threats in real-time, SaaS providers make use of advanced threat detection systems powered by machine learning and AI algorithms. They implement robust security measures and address emerging vulnerabilities by updating their systems frequently. This proves to be beneficial to all the users on the platform.?

In the case of traditional software, it is the sole responsibility of the business to take care of threat detection and response. Businesses may end up at huge risk in the absence of dedicated IT teams to monitor the software. However, traditional software may seem to be more secure for organizations that have strong IT infrastructure and expertise in handling things as it offers them the option to tailor security measures as per their specific needs.??

• Cybersecurity expertise?

SaaS providers employ cybersecurity experts to monitor and improve their systems. By having a centralized system in place, it becomes possible to ensure the security of all users without pushing businesses to invest in in-house experts.?

On the other hand, traditional software users must go for external consultants or build their own security measures. Now this can be custom-built to a larger extent but, businesses will have to continuously invest in technology updates and staff training, which can be expensive.?

• Compliance and regulatory measures?

It is critical for businesses, especially in heavy industry, to select software that is compliant with data protection laws like HIPAA, GDPR, or CCPA. To meet regulatory requirements, SaaS providers certify their platforms and adhere to industry standards. Businesses get to focus on the core operational areas by outsourcing compliance management to a provider and thereby get free from looking into all complex legal things.??

Businesses have to take care of compliance on their own when using traditional software. Now this can lead to errors and can be resource–intensive, especially for small businesses that have no proper compliance or legal teams.??

?

Convenience or Control - What To Choose????

Convenience and control are two of the top factors that let businesses decide whether to choose between traditional or SaaS software. For businesses looking for scalability and efficiency, SaaS can seem to be a better option as it comes with strong baseline security measures, less IT overhead, and seamless updates. However, there is always a potential risk of security breach or downtime when depending on a third-party service provider.??

Traditional software, on the other hand, offers businesses much control over data handling and security even though it demands more effort. Businesses that are handling sensitive data or working on mission-critical apps and have enough internal resources to manage things, may find it safer.??

??

Conclusion?

Both SaaS and traditional software come with their own set of advantages and challenges. Traditional software offers greater control and with the right internal expertise and resources it is possible to keep it secure. SaaS, on the other hand, offers regular updates, advanced threat detection, and reduced maintenance overhead. However, it is important to have a trusted provider to ensure security.???

The resources an organization possesses and what its unique needs are influence the choice. Businesses with limited capabilities can go for SaaS as it takes care of the security aspect while organizations with dedicated IT teams for implementing security can opt for traditional software.??

Whether you choose to go ahead with SaaS or traditional software for your business, Shaligram Infotech is well-equipped to offer you the right solution that can meet your specific business needs. So, if you have a project in mind, get in touch with our team today.?