Security in SAP and Beyond: Understanding SSL, OAuth, SAML, JWT, SSH, and Tokens Explained Simply

Security in the digital world is essential, especially when working with systems like SAP, which manage critical company data. Whether it’s within SAP or when it connects to external applications (such as e-commerce platforms or CRMs), security protocols like SSL, OAuth, SAML, JWT, and SSH are used to protect data exchanges. Don’t worry, we’ll start with simple explanations and then dive deeper into the technical details for those who want a closer look.

Simplified Concepts

1. SSL (Secure Socket Layer):
Imagine sending a confidential letter by mail. You wouldn’t want anyone to read it along the way. SSL does the same by encrypting the data you send and receive over the Internet. If you see a lock icon in your browser’s address bar with “https,” SSL is protecting your data as it’s being transmitted.

• In SAP and beyond: SSL secures connections between SAP and other non-SAP applications (such as a CRM or a mobile app). For example, if a mobile app interacts with SAP to retrieve inventory information, SSL ensures that data is not intercepted.

2. OAuth (Open Authorization):
Imagine you lend your house key to a friend, but only to allow them access to one particular room and not the entire house. OAuth works similarly: it allows an external application to access certain information in SAP without needing your password.

• In SAP and beyond: A stock management app can use OAuth to access specific SAP data without getting your SAP credentials. For example, an external app might be authorized to view SAP inventory data, but it cannot modify the information.

3. SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language):
Have you ever used your Google or Microsoft account to log in to another website without entering your credentials again? This is called Single Sign-On (SSO), and SAML powers it. It allows a user to log in once and access multiple systems.

• In SAP and beyond: With SAML, you can use your Microsoft login to access SAP and other non-SAP apps like a CRM or HR management tool, without having to enter your password repeatedly.

4. JWT (JSON Web Token):
A JWT is like a plane ticket. It proves that you’ve purchased a flight, and it contains important information like your name, the flight you’re boarding, and your seat number. In the digital world, a JWT is a token that proves you’re authenticated and shows what you’re authorized to do.

• In SAP and beyond: When an external application calls a SAP API (for example, to get billing data), it can use a JWT to prove that it has permission to access that information.

5. SSH (Secure Shell):
SSH is like a secure phone line with encrypted communication. It allows an administrator to connect to a remote server (such as a SAP server) to perform tasks securely, without the risk of information being intercepted.

• In SAP and beyond: An administrator uses SSH to remotely connect to a SAP HANA or SAP NetWeaver server to manage databases or run commands.

Zoom on Tokens: What Are They?

You’ve probably seen the term token pop up a few times in these explanations. But what exactly is a token?

A token is like a digital boarding pass. It proves that you’ve been authenticated (meaning you are who you claim to be) and that you have permission to access certain resources (such as a service or data). But instead of providing your password at every interaction, you present this token, which securely carries information about you.

In real life: Imagine you enter an airport with your boarding pass. Once you show your boarding pass at security, you don’t need to show it again at every step of the way. A token works similarly: you authenticate once, and then the token proves your access rights at each interaction.

Technical Details: How Do These Concepts Work in SAP and with Non-SAP Applications?

1. SSL in SAP
When SAP systems  communicate with external systems (like a mobile app or an e-commerce platform), SSL encrypts the data exchanged. This ensures that sensitive information, such as credentials or financial data, is protected from attacks.

• Technical example: If a mobile app interacts with SAP to check stock levels, SSL encrypts the information so it can’t be intercepted along the way.

2. OAuth for SAP API Authorization
OAuth is often used for interactions between SAP and external applications that request access to SAP data via APIs. Instead of asking the user for their credentials at every request, OAuth issues an access token, which temporarily grants the app permission to access certain SAP data.

• Technical example: An external e-commerce app can obtain an OAuth token to access order data in SAP, without needing the user’s SAP credentials.

3. SAML for Single Sign-On in SAP and Other Systems
SAML allows companies to integrate SAP into their identity management infrastructure for seamless service access. For instance, a user can log in to a company portal with their Microsoft credentials and access multiple SAP and non-SAP applications without having to re-enter their password each time.

• Technical example: An employee logs into a company portal using their Microsoft account, and then automatically accesses SAP SuccessFactors and other HR tools without re-entering their password.

4. JWT for REST APIs in SAP
JSON Web Tokens (JWTs) are commonly used to secure interactions between SAP services and external microservices via REST APIs. A JWT contains user or application information, and it’s signed to ensure the data hasn’t been tampered with.

• Technical example: When an external service wants to retrieve inventory data from SAP S/4HANA, it sends a JWT in the request. SAP verifies this token to ensure the caller is authorized to access the requested data.

5. SSH for Secure SAP Server Administration
System administrators use SSH to securely connect to SAP servers. SSH encrypts communications to ensure that passwords or commands sent are not intercepted by third parties.

• Technical example: An administrator uses SSH to connect to a SAP HANA server to monitor system performance or apply updates, all securely.

Conclusion

Whether you’re using SAP alone or interacting with external applications, concepts like SSL, OAuth, SAML, JWT, and SSH are critical to ensuring the security of your data and access. These technologies not only protect sensitive information but also make it easier to connect SAP with other systems while maintaining high levels of security.

Now that you have an overview, you not only understand how these concepts work but also why they are essential to protecting SAP systems and your digital interactions daily.