Mid-market organizations are navigating complex SaaS security landscapes amidst growing digital risks, according to a new report from the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA). The “SaaS and AI-Risk for Mid-Market Organizations” survey, developed in partnership with Wing Security, examines how these companies can better secure their operations despite financial constraints.

Organizations with limited resources are increasingly facing significant challenges managing an expanding number of Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, which often exceed expectations. The report highlights that only 44% prioritize security for all sanctioned applications, while a mere 17% include unsanctioned ones, indicating a severe visibility gap and greater potential risks.

Addressing the issue, Hillary Baron, Senior Technical Research Director at CSA, noted, “To build a robust security posture, it’s essential to prioritize specialized technologies that enhance visibility, automate processes, and close key vulnerabilities.” The survey underscores the need for mid-market companies to align their IT, security, and business priorities to bolster protection against threats.

Key findings reveal that while many organizations prioritize their most critical applications, a sizeable 28% plan to automate configuration management across all applications. Furthermore, as concerns over AI-related threats grow, only 51% have teams dedicated to addressing these risks, leaving a troubling accountability gap.

Moreover, nearly 90% of organizations express intentions to enhance their IT security budgets, with a skew towards reactive funding models that may not comprehensively tackle SAS security challenges. Currently, merely 3% have specific budget line items allocated to SaaS security, highlighting a critical area for investment.

Galit Lubetsky Sharon, CEO of Wing Security, emphasized the ongoing struggle of mid-market companies, stating that with the correct strategies and technologies, they can effectively protect sensitive data and maintain business continuity in an increasingly SaaS-driven environment.

The full survey report is available for download on the CSA's website.