Ensuring Security in Low-Code Solutions: A SharePoint Guide

If you're exploring low-code platforms, maybe in combination with SharePoint, you're likely asking yourself some tough questions:

• Can these tools handle sensitive internal data securely?
• Are they compliant with regulations when dealing with personal or confidential information?
• What if a security gap puts your entire organization at risk?

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These are valid concerns. Many processes that low-code platforms are designed to digitize often involve internal business data or even personally identifiable information (PII). A breach or mismanagement of this data could lead to severe legal, financial, and reputational damage.

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It's crucial to evaluate security upfront and ensure your chosen platform can meet your company's data protection and compliance requirements.

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In this blog post, we'll explore the security features of low-code platforms, particularly those integrated with SharePoint, and show you how to address these concerns effectively.

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Why Security Should Always Be Your First Priority

Imagine this scenario: you've just introduced a new low-code platform. It has digitized and automated all your processes. Everything is running smoothly until your security team steps in and discovers critical gaps.

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The result? You may have to undo all your hard work.

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This is why evaluating security must be the first step before introducing any tool. Once you ensure it meets your company's security guidelines, you can confidently digitize, automate, and modernize your processes.

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You can also get an overview of all the important points on this topic in this video:

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Common Security Concerns with Low-Code Platforms

When evaluating any low-code platform, it's important to ask the right questions. Here are the most common security concerns and what you should look for:

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🛡️ Data Sovereignty and Storage

Where is your data stored? One of the biggest concerns with cloud-based platforms is data sovereignty. You need to know:

• Where your data is physically stored
• Who has access to it
• What happens if the vendor goes out of business
• Whether you can export your data at any time

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🔐 Access Control and User Management

Who can see what? Effective access control is crucial for protecting sensitive information:

• Can you control access at the item, field, or even row level?
• Does the platform integrate with your existing Active Directory or identity management system?
• Can you set up role-based permissions?
• Are there audit logs showing who accessed what and when?

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📋 Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Is the platform compliant with your industry's regulations? Different industries have different requirements:

• GDPR for European businesses
• HIPAA for healthcare
• SOX for publicly traded companies
• ISO 27001 for information security management

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🔒 Data Encryption and Transmission

How is your data protected? Both in transit and at rest:

• Is data encrypted when transmitted between systems?
• Is data encrypted when stored in databases?
• What encryption standards are used?
• Who manages the encryption keys?

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Why SharePoint + skybow Studio Excels at Security

Now, let's look at how SharePoint combined with skybow Studio addresses these security concerns effectively:

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🏢 Your Data Stays in Your Environment

With skybow Studio, your data never leaves your SharePoint environment:

• All data is stored in your SharePoint lists and libraries
• You maintain full control over where your data resides
• No third-party data centers or external storage
• You can access your data even without skybow (it's just SharePoint data)

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🔑 Leverages SharePoint's Proven Security Model

SharePoint has been securing enterprise data for over two decades:

• Granular permissions at the site, list, item, and field level
• Active Directory integration for seamless user management
• Built-in compliance features for various regulations
• Comprehensive audit logging and reporting

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🛡️ Enterprise-Grade Compliance

Because skybow runs on SharePoint, you inherit all of Microsoft 365's compliance features:

• GDPR compliance with data retention and deletion policies
• ISO 27001, SOC 2 certifications
• HIPAA compliance for healthcare scenarios
• Advanced threat protection and monitoring

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🔐 Advanced Security Features

skybow Studio adds additional security layers on top of SharePoint:

• Field-level security to hide sensitive data from unauthorized users
• Conditional access based on user roles, location, or device
• Custom approval workflows with digital signatures
• Secure document generation with watermarks and access controls

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Security Best Practices When Building Low-Code Apps

Regardless of which platform you choose, here are essential security practices to follow:

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🎯 Principle of Least Privilege

Give users only the minimum access they need:

• Start with no access and add permissions as needed
• Regularly review and audit user permissions
• Use role-based access control rather than individual permissions
• Implement time-limited access for temporary users

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📊 Regular Security Audits

Keep track of who's doing what:

• Enable audit logging for all sensitive operations
• Set up alerts for unusual access patterns
• Regularly review access logs and user activity
• Document and investigate any suspicious activity

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🔄 Data Backup and Recovery

Protect against data loss:

• Implement regular, automated backups
• Test your backup and recovery procedures
• Have a documented disaster recovery plan
• Consider geo-redundant storage for critical data

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👥 User Training and Awareness

Your users are your first line of defense:

• Train users on security best practices
• Educate them about phishing and social engineering
• Establish clear policies for data handling
• Provide regular security awareness updates

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Questions to Ask Your Low-Code Vendor

Before committing to any low-code platform, ask these critical questions:

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Data and Infrastructure

• Where is my data stored, and who has access to it?
• Can I export all my data if I need to leave the platform?
• What happens to my data if your company goes out of business?
• Do you have certifications like ISO 27001, SOC 2, or others relevant to my industry?

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Security and Compliance

• How do you handle encryption both in transit and at rest?
• What compliance frameworks do you support (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)?
• Can you provide detailed audit logs and reporting?
• How do you handle security updates and patches?

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Access Control

• How granular is your access control system?
• Do you integrate with our existing identity management system?
• Can we set up custom roles and permissions?
• How do you handle user deprovisioning when employees leave?

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Your Security Checklist

Before implementing any low-code solution, use this checklist:

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✅ **Data sovereignty**: Understand where your data will be stored
✅ **Compliance requirements**: Ensure the platform meets your industry standards
✅ **Access controls**: Verify granular permission capabilities
✅ **Encryption**: Confirm data protection in transit and at rest
✅ **Audit capabilities**: Ensure comprehensive logging and monitoring
✅ **Backup and recovery**: Verify data protection and recovery options
✅ **User management**: Test integration with your identity systems
✅ **Vendor stability**: Research the vendor's financial health and track record
✅ **Exit strategy**: Understand how to export data if needed
✅ **Support and updates**: Confirm ongoing security support

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The Bottom Line: Security First, Innovation Second

Low-code platforms can dramatically improve your business processes, but only if they're implemented securely. The excitement of rapid development shouldn't overshadow the fundamental need for data protection and compliance.

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Choose a platform that doesn't just promise security but can demonstrate it through:

• Transparent security practices
• Industry certifications
• Clear data handling policies
• Proven track record with enterprise customers

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With SharePoint + skybow Studio, you get the best of both worlds: the rapid development capabilities of a modern low-code platform combined with the enterprise-grade security that SharePoint has delivered for decades.

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Remember: a secure foundation enables confident innovation. Get the security right first, and you'll be free to build amazing things without worrying about the risks.