How can you ensure your ERP data is secure?

1 Assess your risks

When developing an ERP data security strategy, the first step is to identify and evaluate potential threats and vulnerabilities that could compromise data integrity or confidentiality. Consider the type and sensitivity of data, legal and regulatory requirements for data protection, access rights of users within and outside the organization, network and infrastructure security of the ERP system, and backup and recovery procedures. Through a comprehensive risk assessment, you can prioritize the most critical data security issues and allocate resources and controls to address them.

3 Monitor and audit data activity

An essential component of an ERP data security strategy is to monitor and audit the data activity that occurs within your ERP system. This can help detect anomalous behavior such as unauthorized access, modification, or deletion. It can also track and record users' data actions and transactions, verify and validate the ERP system's data accuracy and quality, generate and analyze data reports, and identify any data security weaknesses. To do this effectively, set up the correct data security policies, procedures, and tools for your ERP system and its data.

4 Educate and train your users

Users are often the weakest link in the data security chain due to their potential to unintentionally or intentionally compromise ERP data through human error, negligence, or malice. To reduce this risk, it is important to raise awareness of the importance of data security among users. Additionally, provide regular and updated training on the data security standards that apply to your ERP system and its data. Furthermore, test and evaluate user knowledge and skills related to data security, then reward any improvements. Lastly, discipline any violations or breaches of data security. By educating and training your users, you can cultivate a culture of data security within your organization.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?