Jump to: Download the SaaS Security Questionnaire (PDF)
If you’re evaluating a SaaS vendor or preparing your platform for due diligence, you need more than a generic checklist. You need security questions that reflect how real SaaS ecosystems work today: connected, fast-moving, and full of blind spots.
With network security threats increasing and compliance frameworks evolving (SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR), trust alone isn’t a strategy. This guide mixes expert advice from Glenn Chisholm, founder of Obsidian Security, with a downloadable SaaS security checklist to help you identify vulnerabilities, assess infrastructure security, and align with legal and regulatory requirements.
Why Traditional SaaS Security Reviews Fall Short
| Category | Old-School Audit | Modern SaaS Security |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Hosting and Authentication | Integration Mesh and Posture |
| Tools | Manual Checklists | Real-Time Threat Monitoring |
| Risk Surface | Single App Instance | Multi-App Ecosystem |
| Common Gaps | Encryption, MFA | OAuth abuse, API misuse |
Expert Insights That Shape the Questionnaire
Insight #1 — SaaS Applications Are Not Islands
Timestamp: 0:41 – 1:30
- What third-party integrations are in place?
- Are integration points audited and monitored?
- Is data encryption applied during transfers?
Insight #2 — Posture Management Matters
Timestamp: 1:00 – 1:43
- Is MFA enforced for all users?
- What security controls and security policies are in place?
- Are data access models like RBAC or SSO implemented?
Insight #3 — Threats Target Integrations
Timestamp: 2:42 – 3:30
- What security testing or threat detection tools are used?
- Is integration approval restricted?
- Is threat intelligence updated regularly?
Bonus — Integration Management
Timestamp: 1:50 – 2:36
- Can you map your data flows across third- and fourth-party apps?
- Have those systems completed security assessments?
SaaS Security Assessment Questionnaire
Use this during:
- Vendor onboarding and procurement
- Annual compliance audits
- Internal SaaS reviews
- M&A or integration planning
Section 1 — SaaS Provider Overview
- Company Name
- SaaS Product Description
- Hosting Regions
- Compliance Certifications (SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR)
Section 2 — Security Posture
- Is MFA enforced?
- What encryption protocols are used?
- Describe the authentication model (SSO, RBAC)
- How often is access control reviewed?
Section 3 — Threat Detection and Incident Response
- Are anomaly detection systems in place?
- Is real-time log monitoring used?
- What is your incident response time?
- Do you have a breach notification process?
Section 4 — Integration and Third-Party Risk
- What integrations are used?
- How is access to those tools managed?
- Are connected apps audited regularly?
Section 5 — Data Protection and Compliance
- Is tenant data segregated?
- Are backups encrypted and tested?
- Do you comply with general data protection regulation and other legal and regulatory requirements?
Section 6 — Operational Best Practices
- Do you offer SLAs and uptime guarantees?
- Is employee security training mandatory?
- Do you have a formal vulnerability disclosure process?
Section 7 — Custom and Advanced Questions
- Have you completed the CSA CAIQ?
- Are CASB or DLP tools in use?
- Do you have documented disaster recovery plans?
Download the SaaS Security Questionnaire
Download it now: Click here to get the PDF
Want the editable version (Excel/Google Sheets)? Just email us or submit a request through our contact form.
Legal Reminder
Before implementing any SaaS solution, consult your legal team. Some industries, such as healthcare, education, or finance, may require specific frameworks (HIPAA, FERPA, PCI DSS).
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, Glenn Chisholm’s perspective shows why SaaS security goes far beyond firewalls and login screens. Security is active—not passive. Use this checklist to identify vulnerabilities, evaluate security controls, and build resilient vendor partnerships.
Book a free security strategy call if you’d like help customizing your assessment framework.
FAQ
What is a SaaS security questionnaire?
A structured set of security questions to evaluate a SaaS provider’s risk posture and regulatory alignment.
When should I use one?
During onboarding, vendor selection, compliance audits, or before data-sharing agreements.
Which frameworks does this map to?
SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST 800-53, CSA Cloud Controls Matrix.
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The Most Common Types of SaaS Security Issues
Knowing security issues in SaaS is necessary for protecting customer data, maintaining data integrity, and meeting regulatory compliance. These are the most frequent problems that can compromise your platform or expose sensitive data to risk.
1. Misconfigurations and Access Management Flaws
Weak permissions and poor role enforcement often lead to security breaches. Misconfigured apps leave APIs and endpoints exposed. CMS SaaS Governance outlines security protocols and access controls for secure SaaS deployments.
2. Weak Security Protocols and Data Security Measures
Failure to enforce encryption or multifactor authentication increases the risk of data breaches. The CMS IS2P2 policy details required security measures and security policies for cloud-based systems.
3. Lack of Penetration Testing
Without regular penetration testing or vulnerability scanning, it’s easy for security gaps to go unnoticed. CMS SaaS Business Rules recommend scheduled testing as part of a proactive security posture.
4. Poor Incident Response Plans
Without clearly defined incident response plans and reporting capabilities, organizations may struggle to contain or communicate security incidents. The NCSC SaaS security guide outlines incident response best practices.
5. Sensitive Data Exposure and Data Breaches
Customer data and sensitive information are often compromised through misconfiguration, lack of encryption, or unauthorized third-party access. NCUA Appendix A offers examples of such breaches due to access mismanagement.
6. Absence of Security Certifications and Compliance Alignment
Vendors that do not meet security standards or obtain necessary security certifications may face legal or sales barriers. Frameworks such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2 help enforce consistent security controls. CMS SaaSG includes these checks in vendor evaluations.
7. Asset Management and Security Monitoring Gaps
Security risks increase when assets and integrations aren’t tracked. Without centralized asset management, many vulnerabilities go undetected. The CMS Security Data Lake is a model for real-time monitoring and threat detection.
