What is the Relationship Between Digital Transformation and Cyber Security?

As digital transformation has become an increasingly popular strategy within organisations over the past few years, the need for improvements to digital cybersecurity has also grown. The effect and risk to digital cybersecurity that can be created during a digital transformation and after the process is complete, reflects the close working relationship between the two. Digital transformation security needs to be taken seriously as part of the transformation plan to ensure programs, technology and data are protected within your business.

To help you stay safe during and after digital transformation, we have identified the main risks to security and also some digital transformation security solutions to help your digital transformation remain as low risk as possible. If you are unfamiliar with any of the terms, we’ve used so far then check out our digital transformation jargon buster glossary for guidance on terminology.

Digital transformation security risks

As with any digital security risks, the more data, programs and Apps you have within your digital platform, the more security risk there is. This makes the systems more vulnerable from different angles and points of entry for cyber-attack.

Data is the most valuable asset a company can have breached, with GDPR as well as many other regulations and confidential company information available; exposure of data due to security hacks is the last thing any business needs or wants. During and after a digital transformation, more people and devices are connected via the internet to your platform than ever before, meaning that the risks are higher. For more information on the various data synchronization strategies there are for digital transformation, please read our detailed article.

In addition, as a digital transformation requires an element systems integration so that data can be shared between varying systems and platforms easily; it also means that once a cybersecurity breach happens and access to one system has been achieved, hackers can move much quicker through your network. In order to prevent this from happening, there can be no weak spots within your systems, and even much smaller platforms need to be properly secured, so you don’t risk the overall safety of your systems.

Digital cybersecurity measures to take

So, given the vulnerability of your systems during and after a digital transformation, security measures need to be put in place to reduce the risk as much as possible. Here are a few suggestions as to how you can do this:

1. Security Systems

• Secure your Apps and platforms: If you are using the services of a bespoke software company to build an App or platform, then be sure that they have incorporated a built-in security feature for any software that is developed for the company.  

• Security systems integration: The integration of your security systems will greatly help the organisation of your digital cybersecurity, meaning if a security hack did it occur, you would be able to identify the details much quicker and with more ease.

2. Staff and Communication

• Communicating: If you do receive any information, or patterns on your cybersecurity systems show that a security threat is potentially underway, then be sure to let people in your business know so anything suspicious can be flagged up and possibly prevent an attack from happening.

• Educate staff: As more platforms, devices and users get added to your network, the more people there is to get up to speed with processes and security policies. Providing regular training for new recruits and when new devices and systems are added will help to keep everyone up to date and in check.

3. Testing and Best Practise

• Automated security: As well as built-in security for various Apps, automated digital cybersecurity will provide automated checks on threats and implement blocks and sanctions on unusual activity.  

• Routine testing: Periodic tests to check for weaknesses and other avenues that a cyber-attack could occur, will help to protect your network and let you know where security improvements are needed.

Should you have any questions regarding digital transformation and how this can be conducted with cybersecurity in mind, please contact us for more information on our own bespoke software solutions. We have a wealth of experience dealing with digital transformation; please read our case studies to see how we’ve helped others over the years.