April 5th, 2023 | David C. Smith, PhD – EVP, Blue Ocean Systems
As the world emerges from a long period of uncertainty, there are several critical trends that small and medium-sized businesses must capitalize on in order to stay competitive throughout 2023 and beyond.
The penultimate blog in our six-part series focuses on cybersecurity and the important role it has to play in modern-day business operations.
In today’s digital age, businesses of all sizes are increasingly relying on online operations to remain competitive. While this has opened up new opportunities for growth and efficiency, it has also created new vulnerabilities and risks related to cybersecurity. Small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, are vulnerable targets for cybercriminals, who often see them as easier targets due to their limited resources and less sophisticated security measures.
To address this issue, many businesses are turning to enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions like SAP Business One, which offer a range of built-in security features to help protect against cyber threats. At Blue Ocean Systems, we have found that cybersecurity is a major concern for our customers, and we have seen first-hand how SAP Business One can provide significant support in this area.
User Authentication
One of the key security features offered by SAP Business One is user authentication, which provides multiple levels of verification to ensure that only authorized users can access the system. This includes traditional username and password authentication, as well as more advanced methods like smart card and biometric authentication.
Data Encryption
Another important feature is data encryption, which helps to protect sensitive information stored in the system from unauthorized access. This is particularly important for businesses that handle sensitive customer information, such as personal or financial data.
Access Control
Role-based access control is also available as part of the SAP Business One platform. It allows administrators to define roles and permissions for different users based on their job functions, helping to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to critical data and functions. With these controls in place, users are only able to access the information and functions that are relevant to their specific job.
Software Updates
Regular software updates are important for maintaining the security of the system – they can help to address known security vulnerabilities and improve overall system security. SAP Business One provides scheduled updates that ensure that the platform is up-to-date and protected against emerging threats.
System Backup
System backups are an essential part of any cybersecurity strategy, as they help to ensure that critical data is protected in case of a system failure or security breach. SAP Business One includes a backup and recovery feature that enables businesses to quickly recover their data in the event of a security incident.
Blue Ocean Systems has expanded its cybersecurity capabilities by increasing the Univerus hosting services on Azure. This offers customers comprehensive cybersecurity for their entire software environment, not just SAP applications. It is fair to say that this feature has been a lifesaver for customers that have been attacked by ransomware in the past.
In conclusion, cybersecurity is a critical concern for small and medium-sized businesses, and ERP solutions like SAP Business One offer a range of built-in security features to help address these risks. However, it is also important for businesses to regularly review and update their security measures to stay ahead of emerging threats. By partnering with a trusted provider like Blue Ocean Systems, businesses can ensure that they have the tools and expertise they need to protect their operations and customers from cyber threats.
At Blue Ocean Systems, we strive to not only support our customers in using SAP ERP solutions but also to help them stay ahead of the curve in relation to industry trends. Get in touch to find out more about us and what we do!