A comprehensive security checklist for SaaS applications. Print this. Check every item. Launch with confidence.
Authentication & Access Control
- [ ] Multi-factor authentication (MFA) available
- [ ] Password requirements enforced (min 12 chars, complexity)
- [ ] Session timeout configured (30 min idle)
- [ ] Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) implemented
- [ ] Account lockout after failed attempts
Data Protection
- [ ] Encryption at rest (AES-256)
- [ ] Encryption in transit (TLS 1.2+)
- [ ] Environment variables for all secrets (no hardcoding)
- [ ] Database backups with tested restore process
- [ ] Data retention policy defined
API Security
- [ ] Rate limiting on all endpoints
- [ ] Input validation on every field
- [ ] Authentication required for all non-public endpoints
- [ ] CORS configured (not wildcard *)
- [ ] API versioning strategy
Infrastructure
- [ ] CSP headers configured
- [ ] HSTS enabled
- [ ] X-Frame-Options set (prevent clickjacking)
- [ ] Regular dependency updates
- [ ] Vulnerability scanning in CI/CD
Monitoring & Response
- [ ] Audit logging for all security events
- [ ] Error tracking (Sentry, etc.)
- [ ] Incident response plan documented
- [ ] On-call rotation for critical alerts
Compliance (if applicable)
- [ ] GDPR: privacy policy, data processing agreements
- [ ] HIPAA: BAA with all vendors, PHI access controls
- [ ] SOC 2: documented policies, evidence collection
Missing items? Ground Zero LLC's SME Security Audit ($2,500 flat) will identify every gap and deliver a prioritized fix plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What security does a SaaS app need?▼
At minimum: authentication with MFA, role-based access control, encryption at rest and in transit, rate limiting, input validation, CSP headers, audit logging, and a incident response plan. Missing any of these creates a vulnerability.
How do I know if my SaaS is secure?▼
Run through this checklist. If you can't check every item, you have gaps. A professional security audit (like Ground Zero LLC's $2,500 flat audit) will identify what you're missing.