Amidst the recent rise in sophisticated cyberattacks, digital security has been a primary focus for most industries. Not only has the sheer number of attacks increased, but the price of ransomware extortion amounts has, too. We are experiencing a proverbial ransomware pandemic– and with many affected companies paying these ransoms, we shouldn’t expect a slowdown any time soon.
The need to strengthen digital security goes beyond a ransomware pandemic. Because the Covid-19 Delta variant surge threatens renewed economic restrictions, businesses everywhere are scrambling to prepare their cybersecurity defenses for the possibility of a return to remote operations.
The pressure on security leadership to provide confidence as businesses navigate these hazardous conditions is at an all-time high. Organizations moving forward will need to quickly address both the increase in cyberattacks and the likelihood of riskier remote operations.
Cybersecurity experts are tackling these issues with the help of practical cloud-based accounting and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software solutions, addressing both security issues simultaneously.
Digital Security and Cloud ERP Solutions
Relying on a smart, comprehensive, cloud-based ERP/accounting solution is one of the most effective ways to begin strengthening an organization’s digital security profile. However, not all accounting solutions are prepared to mitigate the risks of the current economic climate effectively.
By addressing both the security and flexibility issues that threaten companies in industries globally, Sage is quickly establishing itself as the optimal solution for business moving forward.
Modern ERP solutions like Sage 100 Cloud and Sage X3 meet the security needs of organizations while simultaneously providing state-of-the-art cloud services to accommodate fully remote operation models.
Digital Safeguards for Protection
Organizations should rely on multiple strategies to maintain a robust cybersecurity profile. Intelligent solutions for maintaining cybersecurity should be multifaceted, working together on various fronts to keep a company as secure as possible. Not only should these solutions include targeted software applications for monitoring systems, backing up data, and verifying access credentials, but comprehensive cybersecurity measures should also include detailed incident response plans to guide recovery in the event that breaches occur.
In addition to this, companies need to be prepared for the possibility of fully remote operations, which can significantly increase their digital security risks. Security problems generated by Wi-Fi compromise, independent device usage, mobile device security, and various phishing schemes all present serious risks that organizational leaders must mitigate.
In conjunction with ERP cloud solutions, the following best practices can help companies strengthening digital security and remain secure moving forward:
Training – The profound effect of comprehensive employee security training cannot be overemphasized. Employees need to know what to look for in order to identify cybersecurity threats, and they need to know the right way to respond. As cyberattacks become continually more sophisticated over time, employee cybersecurity training should be a well-funded, routine endeavor, performed at regular intervals throughout the fiscal year.
Zero-trust – The problem of device independence has led many businesses to adopt a zero-trust architecture solution. Zero trust assumes there is no implicit trust granted to assets or user accounts based solely on their physical or network location. Put simply, zero trust architectures operate on a principle of least privilege, restricting user access by default. This provides companies with an increased amount of control over user access through multilevel authentication and authorization, both for subject and device.
Incident Response Plan – Organizations should aim to maintain 100% digital security, but they should also be prepared to respond to breaches. Developing effective incident response plans should be an in-depth process tailored to an organization’s unique needs. Effective response plans should establish clear protocols and procedures for possible breach scenarios, identifying team members’ critical roles and responsibilities. In addition, incident response plans should include methods to rescue breached systems and recover from the attack.
Think Strategically for Digital Security
The word ‘unprecedented’ is thrown around a lot these days, but there is no word more apt when it comes to the landscape of modern digital security. Moving forward, organizations must remain vigilant, flexible, and above all else, proactive. With the help of ERP solutions like those provided by Sage, businesses can move confidently into uncertainty.
