Organizations large and small are embracing digital transformation. IDC predicts that 40% of all technology spending will be directed to digital transformations. Enterprises will spend more than $2 trillion by 2019. George Westerman, principal research scientist at MIT, defines digital transformation as “a radical rethinking how an organization uses technology and people to fundamentally alter business performance.”
Many companies are looking for new ways to make use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and the Internet of Things to improve their business operations. Restaurant chains like Applebee’s and IHOP are testing technologies that allow customers to order from Google Assistant. TGI Friday’s uses AI and machine learning (ML), to mix drinks and target customers with highly personalized offers.
Automation is one of the most important technologies that is driving digital transformation. It aims to free skilled labor from repetitive tasks and speed up response time. Businesses are rapidly integrating automation tools into their business operations, whether they’re used to send emails, manage sales leads, or post to social media platforms.
Automation is more than a tool for sales reps and marketers. It is also reducing the workload of IT professionals and cybersecurity professionals. Automation will play an increasing role in business security, thanks to new products like Oracle’s autonomous database that automates software tuning and patching.
These are three security concerns to be aware of when you implement automation tools in your company.
Use automation tools to limit password sharing
Automating accounts that contain critical business information such as automatic bill-pay services, should be restricted in order to protect the account and to assign personnel to monitor transactions. Automation-enabled tools are more easily monitored than manual actions, so malicious insiders or outsiders could easily cause havoc. All businesses are vulnerable to malicious threats, intentional or not, so it is important to monitor these accounts and take preventive action, regardless of how convenient automation may be.
Never ignore to update notifications
Many automation tools display popup messages when software updates are available. These messages are easy for users to ignore. In fact, Google research shows that only 38% of software users regularly update their programs immediately or automatically when a new version becomes available.
This can pose a threat to your online security, both personally and professionally. Many times, updates to these tools include new features as well as fixing bugs that could compromise security. Companies that are security-savvy regularly check for software updates on an ongoing basis, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly or a specific day per month.
Automation can also be used by hackers
As businesses today have learned to use automation to benefit their business, so has the world’s most skilled online hackers. Hackers can now hack into complex systems with ease thanks to automated hacking tools that have evolved with the times. Businesses must be aware of any new vulnerabilities in their software and ensure that they have the right patches. This will help to avoid cyber attacks. External threats can be a threat to organizations. It is important that they consider the impact of IT department work on data security.
Many business executives have made digital transformation a top priority. However, as they adopt cutting-edge technologies, organizations must also embrace them.