The digitalization of the manufacturing industry offers enormous opportunities, but also entails new risks. While manufacturing companies previously had to protect physical assets, nowadays it's about something at least as valuable: data. Customer data and sales information are indispensable for staying competitive – and at the same time, they form an attractive target for cybercriminals.
What is ransomware again?
One of the main topics of the report is the threat of ransomware. This is a type of malicious software (also called ‘malware’) that hijacks a computer or network. Once the system is infected, files or entire systems are encrypted so that the user can no longer access them. The attackers then demand a ransom, often in the form of cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, in exchange for the key to decrypt the files again.
This attack vector is responsible for the majority of incidents in the manufacturing industry. Why this type of crime is so damaging to the sector is self-evident: every minute of downtime can lead to enormous costs and further disruptions in the chain.
So much for the bad news. Time for the question: what can you do about it? We've listed the most important points for keeping CRM data secure.
Smartly arrange roles and rights
Not everyone in your organization needs to see everything. Consider sales figures, margins, or quotes. By carefully assigning roles and permissions in your CRM solution, ", you determine who has access to what information. This limits the risk of sensitive data being unintentionally shared.
Knowing who does what
Who modified that quote? Who deleted that customer file? With good logging in your CRM solution, every action is traceable. This not only increases security but also ensures clarity in team collaboration.
On premise: physical security
If you choose on-premise storage of CRM data, you are responsible for the physical security yourself. Think of sturdy locks on the doors of the server room, fire prevention measures, and a solid backup policy. Without these prerequisites, you run serious risks.
Cloud: privacy and regulations
When storing in the cloud, different questions arise. Which provider do you choose? Does the supplier comply with the GDPR? And do you want your data to be in an American cloud environment, or do you consciously opt for a European provider? These are choices that have direct consequences for your compliance and risk management.
Employee awareness
Secure technology alone is not enough. Many data breaches are caused by human error, such as phishing emails or incorrectly shared files. Regular awareness training and clear agreements on system usage are at least as important as technical measures.
CRM Implementation and Advice
Cybersecurity is an increasingly important topic in the manufacturing industry. Fortunately, you don't have to solve this problem alone. As a ‘one-stop shop,’ Bluedesk CRM helps you not only with the implementation van Aurea CRM, but we also help conceptualize the setup of roles and permissions, logging, and the right choices regarding cloud or on-premise storage. Together, we ensure that your CRM environment is not only customer-centric but also future-proof and secure.
