Trend Watch after TARGET Data Breach

This blog post is only my personal view, based on observations.

Everyone who is reading this post must be aware of recent TARGET Data Breach. There is no doubt, this news has shaken IT world for a moment and every company should have reviewed their current status of in-house systems which are crucial to running their business. Such security/data breaches cost business, time and credibility big time.

Well, context is all set for main point…. Yes, I am talking about the security on ERP systems like Oracle APPs or SAP. Any medium and big companies/organizations must be dependent on ERP systems, be it supply chain management, CRM, HR or Financials. Most of the systems are restricted to company staff and less likely vulnerable to outsiders (may not be true always).

ERP systems generally use the encryption technologies to restrict the data thefts but there is always big concern on authorized employees having access to un-authorized modules and hack the information.

Companies/Organizations drive security on ERP systems because ERP systems are installed and maintained in-house. According to some surveys, companies lose 3-6% of their revenues every year because of ERP systems malfunctioning, be it because of down-town or system issues. This trend is going to change because of target incident. Organizations soon will realize driving security may not be fool proof always and they start looking for implementations which comes with in-built security features, which has better monitoring tools, immediate alerts in case of un-authorized access etc…

Yes, I am talking about ERPs on CLOUD…. This is going to be future trend big time. I am not arguing that hosting ERPs on Cloud is secure as on today but doing so, organizations will get lot of flexibilities, opportunities to improve, good monitoring/audit tools and comes with other advantages of using cloud too.

Hoping for the best and waiting to see this interesting trend in near future….