Cybersecurity considerations for CMMS implementation and usage
Hosted on Azure, Eagle CMMS features built-in Microsoft security. It offers data security & privacy, network security, access controls, and software updates.
Cybersecurity is a concern that constantly keeps CIOs and CISOs on their toes. As enterprises increasingly rely on digital systems for their operations, strategic and proactive risk management is of paramount importance.
In this regard, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) that have built-in security features or integrate seamlessly with third-party security solutions play a pivotal role in safeguarding facility maintenance practices.
The growing need for cybersecurity in CMMS
The proliferation of CMMS across industries has led to major improvements in maintenance management. While this is an undeniable and encouraging fact, the rise of digital systems in operations has also opened the doors to unrelenting cyberattacks.
Essential security considerations for CMMS
Simply put, a CMMS without advanced security features is like a fortress with its gates open and unguarded. With that in mind, here are some major cybersecurity essentials to consider when choosing a CMMS:
Data security and privacy
Network security
Access controls
Maintaining and controlling user access is an essential preventive measure that can reduce cybersecurity challenges. By meticulously enforcing strict user protocols for CMMS platforms and what users do on them, organizations can fortify their defenses against a wide variety of cyber threats.
If implementing stringent access controls is your top priority, you should definitely choose a CMMS with a framework for Role-based Access Control (RBAC). By deploying CMMS with RBAC capabilities, enterprises can effectively manage user permissions, ensuring appropriate authorization for user access, all while protecting the company’s sensitive data.
With the RBAC framework in place, CMMS platforms will allow administrators to define access based on roles, responsibilities, and hierarchy. This leads to more secure data access, which is one of the fundamental steps on a strategic move towards secure business operations.
Software updates and support
Software updates and patches effectively address any new security vulnerabilities over the product’s operational lifecycle. This is why enterprises should choose a proactive CMMS provider who provides them with regular patches and updates that promptly address security issues, ensuring that the system remains resilient against emerging threats.
Finally, a CMMS should also be equipped with features that can help in actual cases of cyberattacks. With regular backups and effective recovery features in place, any modern CMMS platform should provide enterprises with an efficient means to mitigate recovery time and minimize operational disruptions.
