With the rise of a digital-first world, more organizations are transitioning their enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to the cloud. Cloud ERP provides greater accessibility, scalability, and savings compared to on-premises ERP. But with this new platform comes security vulnerabilities.

Protecting cloud based ERP systems is a top priority for all organizations—not only to protect sensitive business data, but also to protect compliance, customer trust, and operational viability.

In this article, we’ll take a look at what companies need to know about cloud ERP security, the risks of using the cloud, and the best practices for securing your business.

Why Cloud ERP Security Matters?

Cloud ERP systems store and manage some of the most valuable information a business owns:

  • Financial records
  • Employee data
  • Customer information
  • Supply chain and operational details

A single breach can result in:

  • Loss of sensitive data
  • Legal and compliance violations
  • Reputational damage
  • Costly downtime and recovery expenses

As the number of cyber threats and stricter data protection regulations (e.g., PDPA and guidelines from other countries like the GDPR) continue to rise, no company can ignore ERP security.

Main Risks in Cloud ERP Security

Data Breaches

Hackers target ERP systems because they contain a lot of financial and personal information.

Unauthorized Access

Weak passwords, missing or ineffective access controls, or reliance on trusted insiders can all lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Data Loss or Corruption

If a business does not have a backup and disaster recovery strategy, it will be at risk of losing important data in the event of an outage or cyberattack.

Compliance Violations

Inadvertently mishandling data can result in potentially large penalties under data protection laws.

Third-Party Risks

Because cloud ERP is hosted externally, businesses are relying on their provider’s infrastructure and security protocols.

What Companies Need to Look for in Cloud ERP Security?

In choosing a cloud ERP solution, it is important to test and evaluate the following key security aspects:

  • Data Encryption (in-transit and at-rest)
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to mitigate unauthorised access
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to enforce access restrictions
  • Security Updates & Patches to remediate vulnerabilities
  • Backup & Disaster Recovery Plans to manage the risk of data unavailability
  • Compliance certifications (such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, or PDPA compliance)

Best Practices for Strengthening ERP Security

When your business is using a cloud ERP provider that boasts an excellent security track record, there are some proactive steps that businesses need to take:

Train Employees

The number one cause of breaches is human error. Training employees on cybersecurity awareness will help reduce the risk.

Enforce Strong Access Policies

Ensuring that you regularly review user access and revoke access from any terminated employees or contractors is important.

Monitor & Audit User Activity

It is important to be able to quickly identify suspicious behaviour, so monitoring user activity will help.

Keep Everything Up to Date

You ensure that the ERP software and any apps connected to it are kept updated with the latest security patches.

Choose an ERP Partner You Can Trust

You should also only work with an ERP vendor that takes security and compliance seriously and offers good support 24/7.

Why Netsense is Your Trusted Cloud ERP Partner?

At Netsense, we recognize that security underpins the success of any business. That is why our cloud ERP solutions provide enterprise-grade security features that include:

  • Stellar encryption standards
  • Access control and authentication levels
  • Monitoring and maintenance of systems continuously
  • Compliance with international and data protection regulations

Moving to a cloud ERP system opens a world of efficiency and growth possibilities. And while those benefits can be quickly realized, they can also prove to be a risk if strong security isn’t in place.

All businesses should prioritize cloud ERP security by implementing the right provider, best practices, and an active approach to ongoing threats. At Netsense, we deliver a secure, scalable, and future-proof ERP solution that fits your business.