Security Is Not Someone Else's Job
Every business that stores customer data has a security obligation. Here is what baseline security looks like for operational systems.
Small and mid-size businesses often assume that security is a concern for big enterprises. They figure they are not a target. But attackers do not just go after Fortune 500 companies; they go after the easiest targets, and a business with no security posture is an easy target.
The Basics That Most Businesses Skip
Multi-factor authentication on every system that supports it. Unique passwords managed by a password manager. Regular software updates and patches. Role-based access control so that users only see what they need to see. These are table stakes, and a surprising number of businesses skip them.
Security in Operational Systems
When we implement a system for a client, security is part of the configuration, not an afterthought. Who can see which records? Who can modify data? Who can export? Who can delete? These permissions are defined during the configuration phase and tested before go-live.
The Vendor Question
If you are using a cloud-based platform, security is a shared responsibility. The vendor secures the infrastructure; you secure the access. Ask your vendors about their security certifications, data encryption practices, backup policies, and incident response plans. If they cannot answer clearly, that is a red flag.
Incident Preparedness
Every business should have a basic incident response plan: what happens if we get breached? Who do we call? How do we contain the damage? How do we notify affected parties? Having a plan does not prevent incidents, but it dramatically reduces the damage when one occurs.