Healthy habits result in greater security for data. Much like a doctor’s suggestion to maintain a healthy routine, it ensures long life with more minor problems. The same can be said of controlling ERP software to secure data. Secure habits that are well-established help prevent problems from occurring. It doesn’t matter if your ERP system is installed on your premises or cloud-based; it must be kept up to ensure that your data is secure.
Why? Because malicious gain access to networks is not avoidable, it is now unavoidable. In the end, the quality of your identity and security measures for data will determine the security of your data.
That’s why we’ve made the top 5 ways to protect your ERP Data in 2022.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What is ERP Data?
ERP refers to Enterprise Resource Planning, and ERP Security is the practice of taking security measures to stop any entry into the ERP systems. The goal the purpose of the ERP System is to combine all your administrative resources into one application, ranging from Human Resources to Supply Chain Management. Although your ERP systems can make your life easier as they integrate your various departments and methods, they also represent an area of weakness that hackers specifically target. These ERP systems help us manage our daily lives by centralizing data and allowing us to control the business processes more effectively. Data security is more crucial than ever before, and working with your ERP provider can ensure your company’s data is secure. Keep these tips in mind to ensure that your ERP system is safe.
Remote work is growing exponentially, and cyber-attack threats are increasing; criminals are targeting corporations. With a multitude of contractors and employees being given the ability to access all kinds of business information, It is evident that identity has become the new security line. Ensuring Enterprise Remote Planning (ERP) security, privacy, and compliance is no longer dependent only on monitoring network threats. However, it is necessary to implement a layered identity defense system to restrict access to the most critical applications.
Most businesses do not take the necessary steps to ensure security measures because they believe it disrupts or impedes their processes or workflows. But, not having a cybersecurity solution puts your business at threat. A cyberattack could cause more significant disruptions than any other solution. Let’s have a look.
Why are Hackers Targeting your ERP Security?
For many companies, ERP security is often an area of weakness. When companies invest hours and money in upgrading their ERP management systems, they tend to neglect or do not invest in adequate security to meet the requirements. Since it’s linked to a wide range of everyday operations and processes, an attack on ERP systems can have devastating consequences for the functions of a business.
Since cyber-attacks are increasing, there is a chance of financial loss, and an unpopular reputation is genuine. Companies must secure their systems from internal and external cyber threats to protect security, confidentiality, and integrity. Yet, many businesses have them inaccessible for security teams or rely on ERP tools from the vendor alone. But this isn’t sufficient any longer.
This is because many ERP systems are inefficient and are not updated for a long time, and the required security knowledge is usually lacking.
What are the benefits of having a Secure ERP Security in 2022?
ERP Security helps you protect the assets of an organization. To keep your personal information secure, It covers a variety of areas such as:
- Security of databases
- Protection of the Operating System
- Security of the infrastructure
- Security of the network
A secure ERP system enables security of server configuration and the logging of security and in-system security for communication, along with data encryption.
Users and authorizations aren’t less crucial. As you can imagine, it is vital to ensure that systems comply with constant surveillance, audits, and the creation of emergency strategies.
Now, let us take a look at the strategies.
Top 5 ways to Protect your ERP Data in 2022
We’ve listed below the top 5 Security Features to protect your ERP Data; This guide will assist you in determining the most suitable ways and 5 strategies for maintaining your ERP data secure.
Always Change Management
One of the crucial aspects to consider when setting up the ERP software is managing change to ensure that all employees and teams are aware of using the system’s capabilities and the best way to utilize the system’s capabilities. A significant investment in training and regular communication will ensure that all employees know and adhere to the protocol. A well-planned plan will include what information needs to be disclosed, who, what, and why.
Nothing is more frustrating than having employees discover workarounds due to a lack of understanding of the new software. Training should be a continuous schedule to ensure the participation of new employees and refresh the information of current employees. ERP secure data for external transactions to ERP is a more significant issue. Cloud-based transmissions are available for all, and many of them are linked to internal systems. Creating and keeping track of different passwords for various applications could be daunting. This is the place where identity management software steps in.
It creates unique, difficult-to-break passwords with the touch of a switch and keeps them all in a safe, encrypted digital archive.
Use Two-Factor Authentication to have Secure ERP
Be secure at every level. Two Factor Authentication (2FA) and investing in attributes-based controls will help keep your business accountable for sensitive information and customer information. Two-factor authentication ensures secure logins by preventing sharing passwords and keeping an accredited log that includes approvals and checklists for hiring new employees, promotions, and changes in roles. This keeps access by unauthorized people to a minimal level. The degree of data access given to employees must also be considered, granting them access only to the essential information and ensuring that you update the status of employees lost due to promotions or departmental changes.
It all boils down to more robust authentication. The more variables that exist connecting the request for access and the processor database, the more secure they are from outside hackers.
Develop formats that can be used for ERP information, such as Social Security numbers, check numbers, or part numbers. Any data not conforming to the requirements can be rejected from processing.
Keep a Consideration for Remote Workers to have a Secure ERP
A different aspect of your ERP’s health regimen must include remote work. Businesses are at risk when they cannot implement a solid and established remote workforce plan.
An ERP system on-premises implies that remote workers must use a VPN to protect data security. With a cloud-based ERP system, users can connect to the network from any location. Security features like firewalls, encryption, and automated security tools ensure secure cloud-based ERP data. ERP systems should be able to manage their business operations without interruption.
The majority of next-gen cybersecurity solutions are focused on performing all of their functions as is possible with no human involvement. It speeds up detection and treatment when threats are discovered. Create queries to track ERP data usage and look for unusualities. Begin to search for patterns. If you observe that an ERP user’s volume of transactions increases or decreases strangely, it could indicate something is wrong.
Consider having an Industry-Specific Software to have a Secure ERP
Industry-specific ERP solutions can be tailored to your industry and offer the same features essential to your business, like the management of inventory, human resources, inventory management, and accounting.
By having an ERP tailored to your specific industry, data is simplified to give your company the benefits of software that can work with your company’s business requirements. This means that no one can act unintentionally, adhering to appropriate workflows and procedures for the business. If they don’t, you must look into the issue. ERP Systems are connected because a single security breach could cause complete disruption to the business.
Use Strong & Safe Password Hygiene and Regular Software Updates
Ensuring you have safe and secure security practices and providing employees’ education is vital in light of the security risks caused by a lack of security awareness. If you fail to inform your users of ERP software complexities, your data is susceptible to misuse, no matter how safe you think your system is.
ERP training is essential to your business and security success and is necessary to incorporate best practices in security to achieve the best data security results. Another problem is found in the behavior and attitude we have towards technology–basically, we think we’re safe when we’re not. If users do not update their systems correctly, this could let security the possibility of a breach. In terms of protecting passwords, just half of the workers claim they believe their password practices are safe.
Within the constantly evolving threats to cybersecurity, ERP data security starts at the level of each user. An effective password hygiene program is one of the most effective defenses against data misuse that is not authorized. It is recommended that users update their passwords at least every six months. Also, they should make a new password for each application.
Conduct health checks and communicate directly with the ERP vendor. This requires a reliable monitoring system for performance, such as having a baseline of the trends and peak times (including the seasons). There is no doubt about the signs of unusual activity.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a clear-cut idea about the basics of what you’re seeking. Every step on this list is designed to assist you in obtaining efficient strategies for maintaining a secure ERP Data Security. ERP security can be a significant deal since your ERP system is the home of your business’s vital information, so keeping it safe is crucial to your security. Additionally, companies should regularly participate in threat hunting and security monitoring to find any issues lingering around the network.
This article will provide all the information you need to select the best service to meet your requirements, here are some ERP Software, that can help you get started.
