4 Easy Ways To Ensure ERP Data Security
Your ERP data truly represents your business in a virtual form. The ERP system includes all of an enterprise's important information. With that in mind, your ERP data security strategy must be at least as watertight as your security strategy for your other business assets. Here are some ways on how to build a robust ERP data security strategy.
1. Define User-Access and Audit Regularly
For all datasets, every ERP user should have role-based access specified. Such access should also be divided into at least three categories: read-only, export-permitted, and complete access (including editing).
At the basic level, ensure that users log in to the ERP with protected user identifiers and strong passwords. Have new passwords needed frequently and irregularly. Via routine data audits, ERP data protection can also be maintained. Audit user accounts to validate their work duties need access to the data they are already allowed to use. Adjust access to ERP data depending on the current role if a user's access needs to change because they have taken a new position. As these may no longer be needed, do not simply build on their current access levels.
2. Monitor Data Usage and Transactions
Create queries to track the use of ERP data in search of anomalies. Start by searching for simple objectives, such as users who approve payments for themselves. Start to look for patterns, then. It may be a warning that trouble is brewing if the transaction volume of an ERP consumer rises or decreases in an irregular pattern.
3. Monitor and Protect External Transactions
ERP data security is also more of a challenge for external transactions. It includes all cloud transmissions and even those related to in-house systems. Your connections should always be safe, and you should regularly verify your protection. Consider encrypting the flow of data beyond your control. The type of devices that are linked to your ERP should also be tracked. Do these devices comply with the BYOD guidelines of your firm? It's time for a quick check.
4. Don't Do Away With The Old-Fashioned Security Methods
For hundreds of years, basic manual controls such as segregation of duties have functioned and still operate today. Transactions (financial and data transactions) should be approved by at least one person not directly involved in the transaction. Another frequent security monitoring tool employed is sequentially numbered purchase orders and sales orders. Define formats for ERP data, including social security numbers, check numbers, and part numbers, where possible. It is possible to reject data not fitting the specified format from processing.
Conclusion
There are now built-in ERP data security features in many ERP software products on the market, but they should not be considered anything more than a safety net. The understanding of your workers and the vigilance of your managers are the foundations of a successful data protection strategy. The new solutions for data protection come with a broad range of features that provide robust ERP data security. They streamline enterprises' data management efforts and also help them adhere to the required data protection law guidelines.
