Technology companies that manage factories never stop trying to make their operation better. They leverage digital intelligence to accelerate, enhance, and improve processes. But this progress also comes with a huge problem cyber threats. Hackers will always find a way to steal data, turn off systems, and do more damage.
Companies need powerful cybersecurity strategies to stay safe. Using a customer relationship management (CRM) system and security tools is one way to do this. A CRM minimizes clutter and helps businesses manage customer data and track sales, but there are also features available that help protect sensitive information. Organizations can secure their customer and business data using cybersecurity tools within the CRM.
The Relationship Between CRM and Cybersecurity
A CRM system maintains key pieces of business information, such as customer information, sales records, and communication history. If those data are unprotected, hackers can either steal them or use them for scams. This is why organizations need security functionalities on their CRM.
The OT security solutions are one such way. OT is short for “operational technology,” systems that manage factory machines, production lines, and industrial equipment. These systems are connected to the internet, so they can be hacked.
If a company connects its CRM to OT security solutions, it receives real-time alerts in the event of something suspicious. This allows businesses to quickly redeem themselves before hackers can inflict serious harm.
Why Would Hackers Attack Industrial Tech Companies?
Industrial tech companies have a treasure trove of information. They hold blueprints, trade secrets, customer information, and financial records. So thieves know that if they infiltrate these companies, they can steal or destroy important info. Ransomware, phishing, and supply chain attacks are some of the most common types.
Ransomware prevents companies from having access to their computers. Hackers are requesting payment to unlock them, but even if the company hands over the money, there’s no promise they’ll be returned with their files.
Phishing is when hackers send fraudulent emails tricking employees into giving up their passwords. After gaining access, hackers can steal data or plant malicious software. Supply chain attacks occur when hackers go after a company’s business partners rather than the company itself. Weak security at a supplier can be exploited by hackers as a back door into a larger company’s network.
Because industrial tech companies are major targets, they are compelled to employ extensive cybersecurity frameworks to stay secure. By having a CRM-driven system in place, tracking potential threats and preventing attacks before they take place is simpler.
The Network Effect: How CRM-Driven Cybersecurity Keeps Company Data Safe
CRM systems make it easier for businesses to keep track of contact information; however, they too can provide protection. Here is how cybersecurity powered by CRM protects a company’s data:
- Real-Time Monitoring: A CRM system monitors login attempts and alerts the business if something seems off. And, if a hacker attempts to break in, the system can deny them access immediately.
- Role-Based Access: Not every employee should have access to all data. Such CRM system can determine whose eyes should lay on what, ensuring sensitive information stays with the right people
- Encryption: Encryption jumbles data so that only the proper people can read it. If hackers do get your files, they won’t be able to use them without a special key.
These security features help protect customer and business data by making it more difficult for hackers to break in.
How Companies Protect Against Data Breaches with CRM Security
A data breach occurs when unauthorized individuals get hold of company information. This can result in identity fraud, monetary loss, or even a clouded reputation. To help prevent this from happening, companies implement a CRM system with security functionalities such as two-factor authentication, automated alerts, and a secure backup.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): In addition to a password, workers also need to input a unique code sent to their phone or email. So if a hacker does steal a password, they won’t be able to log in without the extra code.
- Automated Alerts: If the system identifies unusual activity someone logging in from another location, for example it will send alerts. It enables swift action by security teams.
- Secure Backups: In case of an attack, companies overwrite their data from a back-up date instead of paying hackers for stolen files.
Integrating these security measures into a CRM enables businesses to halt cyber-attacks before they even occur.
Why Your Cybersecurity Determines Customer Trust
Individuals rely on businesses to secure their personal and financial data. Customers may be hesitant to provide their information in the future, if a company suffers a data breach. A robust CRM depicts that the customers privacy whereabouts are taken seriously by the business.
A good security system also ensures companies comply with the law. Most governments have stringent policies dictating how companies should safeguard customer data. Companies that violate these rules can be fined or sued. Implementing CRM powered cybersecurity system allows companies to stay out of legal trouble and protect their brand.
How OT Systems in Industrial Tech Are Secured Using CRM
Industrial technology companies not only need to protect customer data—they must also secure their operational technology (OT). OT systems are responsible for controlling machines, production lines, and power grids. If hackers get access to these systems, they can do a lot of destruction, like closing production lines or compromising machine controls.
Integrating OT security solutions with a CRM system creates a stronger defense. When the OT system becomes aware of a cyber threat, it has the ability to report it to the CRM. The security team is able to follow and resolve the issue in minutes, rather than having a broken production.
It also helps read all security risks in a common place for the companies. Companies can join IT and OT security into a single system rather than managing them independently. This helps identify threats and block attacks.
Cybersecurity Powered by CRM
Cyber threats continue to evolve, and companies must stay ahead of the curve. Other emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning play a part in strengthening security. AI-based CRM systems process data to identify potential threats before they occur. This enables businesses to respond quicker and stop attacks.
Cloud-based CRM platforms provide additional protection as well. Such systems maintain data in a safe and secure location using advanced information security protocols such as auto-updates and threat analysis. By using a cloud-based CRM, businesses can protect themselves without having to manually take care of security.
As IT and OT merge, businesses will also have to break down silos between IT and OT security teams. Due to increased industrial systems connectivity, businesses require an interconnected cybersecurity approach that covers both their digital and physical operations. This will empower you to implement security policies across all departments.
FAQs
1. How a CRM system can assist with cybersecurity?
They track security threats, prevent unauthorized access, and protect customer data, ensuring that they are stored behind encryption and other forms of authentication using a CRM system.
2. What is the largest cyber risk for industrial tech companies?
The most damaging threats to businesses are ransomware, phishing, and supply chain attacks.
3. Why link OT security with CRM for industrial companies?
Integrating the OT security with the CRM system enhances the threat detection process, enables swift resolutions of threats as they arise, and safeguards customer information and industrial networks alike.