Hackers executed 980 successful large-scale cyberattacks last year, stealing more than 35 million sensitive files, according to research from the Identity Theft Resource Center. This data typifies the current enterprise data security climate. New threats seem to materialize daily, as dangerous external actors get their hands on powerful vectors designed to siphon information from internal servers or simply disrupt systems. Consequently, many organizations are optimizing their digital defenses, installing new backend solutions to protect mission-critical applications, including enterprise resource planning platforms.

One event recently highlighted the importance of shoring up these essential fixtures. In March, a prominent ERP provider was forced to patch its products after data security specialists uncovered a serious vulnerability that could have easily been exploited by cybercriminals, Dark Reading reported.

The external experts who spotted the weakness said it was one of the most severe faults they had seen, casting doubt on the system as a whole. Of course, skilled hackers can break into software without accidental backdoors. How? Frontend user error, for one.

Correcting bad behaviors
Most ERP users are not well-versed in data security best practices and often unknowingly indulge in risky behaviors out of convenience. For example, passwords are normally a key problem as employees are known to reuse easy-to-recall phrases across multiple platforms. Additionally, many employ overly simplistic passwords that take seconds to crack with most mediocre decoding software.

Security applications provider SplashData recently culled through five million stolen enterprise passwords and discovered that "123456" and "password" were most commonly used, according to Dark Reading. This suggests that many user still don't have a strong grasp on security basics and need further training on the subject.

Obtaining strong infrastructure
​IT teams must also bear the responsibility of protecting essential applications such as ERP systems. Spreading out administrative duties among multiple backend users is wise, as hackers who manage to steal IT credentials have only limited power within the system, according to IT Toolbox. In addition to using data security best practices, internal IT personnel should work with executive leaders and operational stakeholders to select systems equipped with optimal security features. While knowledge sharing can go a long way toward protecting ERPs, it cannot address the many sophisticated threats that can compromise the company locked within these solutions.

Does your organization need a reliable, secure ERP platform? Contact Accent Software. As a Microsoft businesses solutions partner, we offer the Dynamics platform, which is backed by top-of-the-line security from Microsoft. Learn more about our offerings today.