What are the most common security challenges with RPA and how can you avoid them?

1 Challenge 1: Data protection

One of the main security challenges with RPA is ensuring that the data that the robots handle is protected from unauthorized access, modification, or leakage. Data protection involves encrypting, masking, or anonymizing sensitive data, such as personal information, financial records, or inventory details. It also involves implementing access control policies, audit trails, and data retention rules to limit who can access, modify, or delete the data.

2 Challenge 2: Credential management

Another security challenge with RPA is managing the credentials that the robots use to access various systems, applications, or databases. Credential management involves storing, updating, and rotating the credentials securely, without exposing them to human users or external parties. It also involves using the principle of least privilege, which means granting the robots only the minimum level of access they need to perform their tasks.

3 Challenge 3: Bot governance

A third security challenge with RPA is ensuring that the bots are governed properly, meaning that they are monitored, controlled, and updated regularly. Bot governance involves defining roles and responsibilities for bot owners, developers, testers, and operators, as well as setting standards and policies for bot development, testing, deployment, and maintenance. It also involves tracking and reporting on bot performance, errors, and incidents, as well as applying patches and fixes promptly.

4 Challenge 4: Network security

A fourth security challenge with RPA is securing the network that connects the bots to the systems, applications, or databases they interact with. Network security involves using firewalls, VPNs, or encryption to protect the communication channels between the bots and the endpoints. It also involves scanning and testing the network for vulnerabilities, threats, or anomalies, as well as isolating the bots from other network segments or devices.

5 Challenge 5: Human error

A fifth security challenge with RPA is preventing or mitigating human error, which can compromise the security of the bots or the data they handle. Human error can occur due to lack of training, awareness, or oversight, or due to intentional or unintentional actions, such as misconfiguring, tampering, or bypassing the bots. Human error can be avoided or reduced by providing adequate training, guidance, and support to the staff involved in RPA, as well as by enforcing security policies and procedures.

6 Challenge 6: Malware infection

A sixth security challenge with RPA is protecting the bots from malware infection, which can damage, disrupt, or hijack the bots or the data they handle. Malware infection can occur due to phishing, spoofing, or other malicious techniques, or due to downloading or installing untrusted or infected software or files. Malware infection can be prevented or detected by using antivirus, anti-malware, or anti-ransomware software, as well as by verifying the source and integrity of the software or files.

7 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?