A recent worldwide study found that senior technology managers are most concerned about data protection. This can be especially disturbing for users of ERP software systems. An ERP system contains a wealth of information about everything relevant to companies, from production processes to the supply chain and customers, from financial data to employee information, and other highly sensitive, even proprietary secrets.
ERP data protection continues to loom as a major concern these days. Some workers are back in the workplace; others may still be working from home using their own PCs and other devices. In such a situation, organizations need to take five steps to verify ERP data protection and close any discovered gaps.
1: Start Without Presumptions
Start with the knowledge that the outcome is unpredictable. Having presumptions will put an undertaking at risk. Instead, consider the facts that arise before drawing any conclusions. There is the greatest risk from data security threats when decisions are not made considering the facts.
2: Risk Assessment
Recognize that the issue of ERP data security can be solved by no single process. Assuming, for example, that a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) software, firewall, anti-virus software is foolproof, all but guarantees failure. Their shortcoming, while important on their own, is that they neglect what might occur between their defenses. Using products such as network identification and response tools, it is also much easier to determine threats that may occur elsewhere.
3: Keep An Open Mind
An impartial approach to what the data shows, not what someone wants it to reveal, is necessary. This does not mean ignoring years of learned experience and abilities. It requires integrating the possibility of chance into the method of exploration to see what might be found, uncovering a risk where one was not meant to be discovered. It creates its own bias to depend on the background of what you’ve already discovered in the past. It is important to look at the data from all angles.
4: Be Patient
What they are used to seeing on their network affects many security professionals. This is often what they look for first, and they may believe they’ve found a problem when they find it. The ability to make a detailed evaluation of the potential risks in the system or the network is impaired by this form of a judgment call. A holistic approach and solution to solving a problem can be needed, regardless of how sharp one’s judgment and experience are.
5: Look Out For What You See
Both state-sponsored and criminal threats also derive from what can be considered primarily harmless methods to get through an ERP system. Be careful. It could well be the case to cover a more lethal attack, whereas it does not seem so.
The best security teams look for genuine threats in locations where they were not previously expected or detected and often locate them. Sometimes, a threat lurks in a very unlikely position. Combine the tools you have with the skills and knowledge you have gained to differentiate a threat from legitimate activity.
Enterprises should invest in the latest data protection solutions that deliver excellent ERP data security. That will ensure complete peace of mind during these uncertain times.
