Data Security Tips for Cloud ERP Implementation

When thousands of workers suddenly began working remotely at the start of 2020, the need for securing data became more important than ever. Now, countless numbers of people are permanently working from home, and keeping data secure is paramount. Many companies have already moved or are planning to move their data to a cloud-based ERP system.

Implementing a cloud-based ERP system provides a secure line of defense for your company against fraud and misuse, providing an unassailable network to workers anywhere, regardless of their location. Partnering with an ERP provider can help you double down on safety. Read on to learn how cloud-based ERP implementation can keep your information secure and how teaming up with an ERP expert can add another layer of protection to your ERP data security.

The majority of lost revenue or fraud comes from the misuse of data and is often unintentional. With a cloud-based ERP system, each customer has a single data entry for their account which can be accessed across different departments–eliminating duplication, stacks of paper, or leaving information easily accessible to others.

A cloud-based ERP system places the servers in an environmentally controlled, secure, data center facility. Physical security required to protect your servers is unnecessary, making the data center responsible for user security, cybersecurity monitoring, and system backups. This also eliminates processing and updating interruptions. With a cloud-based ERP system, data security is built-in and continually updated, providing continuity in protection.

Cloud-based ERP data security also has end-to-end security, offering an encrypted connection between the cloud-based ERP vendor and its customers. This eliminates the need for remote workers to have their own VPN or one provided by the company. Logging into the business network is easy and secure.

In addition to the stronghold data security cloud-based ERP systems offer, it’s smart to have your own practices in place as well.

How to Keep Your Data Secure

Be proactive in protecting your business from fraud or threats. Investing in attribute-based accessed controls keeps your company accountable to sensitive data and customer information. A maintained accreditation log with authorizations and checklists for new hires, promotions, and role changes can help keep unauthorized access to a minimum. This includes updating workers who become lost through promotions or department changes. The level of data access afforded to employees should also be considered, giving them read-only access to your organization’s most important information.

Make sure staff know how to spot unusual activity and report it. It’s easy for data to be left open to risk because someone was unaware of the correct protocol. Two Factor Authentication demands secure logins by preventing password sharing. A well-thought plan to deal with unwanted activity and put protocols into place can help avoid wasted time if unusual activity is detected.

Always take the time to train your staff. Having a fully trained staff in using your ERP system is one of the best ways to combat duplicate and outdated records. If everyone feels comfortable and confident with your ERP, there will be more knowledge to go around in case of employee turnover. Fully utilizing the capabilities of the ERP system prevents data from having more than one record in your system and making it susceptible to fraud.

Comply with all PCI and DSS requirements. If your business stores, processes or transmits cardholder data, make sure it complies with PCI and DSS requirements. Be sure to check the law in your state as they vary from state to state.  

Consider advanced analytics to gain access to user behavior. An example of this would be the ability to flag an email address that didn’t come from within the system, such as a Gmail address, or recognizing an unusual login from a different location.

If you have questions about how Decision Resources can help your business implement cloud-based ERP systems or guide you through ERP data security, call us at 412-562-9660 or email info@decision.com. We can help you customize your platform to meet your needs.