How can you minimize security risks when changing business processes in an ERP system?

1 Assess the impact of changes

Before you make any changes to your ERP system, you need to assess the impact of those changes on your security posture. You need to identify the potential threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences of the changes, and evaluate the existing security controls and policies. You also need to consider the legal and regulatory requirements that apply to your ERP system and data. By conducting a thorough impact assessment, you can identify the gaps and risks that need to be addressed, and prioritize the actions and resources needed to mitigate them.

2 Apply the principle of least privilege

One of the most effective ways to reduce security risks when changing business processes in an ERP system is to apply the principle of least privilege. This means that you only grant the minimum level of access and permissions that users, roles, and applications need to perform their functions. You need to review and update the access rights and roles of your ERP system users, and ensure that they are aligned with the new business processes. You also need to implement strong authentication and authorization mechanisms, and monitor and audit the access and activity of your ERP system users.

3 Test and validate the changes

Before you deploy the changes to your ERP system, you need to test and validate them in a separate environment. You need to verify that the changes work as intended, and that they do not introduce any security flaws or errors. You need to perform various types of testing, such as functional, performance, integration, and security testing, and use tools and techniques such as code review, vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and risk analysis. You also need to document the testing results and procedures, and obtain approval from the relevant stakeholders.

4 Train and educate your staff

Another important step to minimize security risks when changing business processes in an ERP system is to train and educate your staff. You need to inform and instruct your ERP system users about the changes, and how they affect their roles and responsibilities. You need to provide them with clear and updated guidelines, policies, and procedures on how to use the ERP system securely and effectively. You also need to raise their awareness of the security risks and best practices, and encourage them to report any issues or incidents.

5 Update your security plan

Finally, you need to update your security plan when you change business processes in an ERP system. Your security plan should reflect the current state and goals of your ERP system, and include the security objectives, strategies, controls, and metrics that you use to protect your ERP system and data. You need to review and revise your security plan regularly, and ensure that it is aligned with the changing business needs and environment. You also need to communicate and collaborate with your security team, vendors, partners, and customers, and ensure that they are aware of and comply with your security plan.

6 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?