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5 Cyber Security Concerns for EHS Teams

From utilities to manufacturing, EHS operations have become increasingly digitized. This shift has brought obvious benefits, such as the ability to collect and analyze vast amounts of operational data and share information with employees around the world. 

However, with these benefits come challenges, including cyber threats to critical systems and data. Malware, phishing, and ransomware attacks are on the rise — and with the increase in mobile apps and IoT devices, those numbers will only continue go up. 

As with most things, simply being aware of the risks can go a long way toward preventing a potential incident. Here are five cyber security concerns EHS teams should be aware of right now: 

1. Outdated software

Outdated software poses one of the biggest threats to your organization. Even the most inexperienced cybercriminals know the weaknesses in older software and how to exploit them to gain access to your data. 

Not only that, but older programs could simply crash and cause you to lose all your data. This is particularly risky if the system is vital to your core business operations, as is the case with EHS software. 

If your company is relying on legacy software to manage your EHS responsibilities, these kinds of problems will only get worse over time. You’re better off biting the bullet and replacing your system now than waiting until a security breach occurs to do something about it. 

2. Remote work

Today, many EHS teams are working from home at least part of the time. This is good news for employees who want more flexible work arrangements, but it’s bad news for security. Most people’s personal laptops and home WiFi networks aren’t equipped with the same layers of protection you’d find in an office — making remote employees an easy target for opportunistic cyber criminals. 

You can keep yourself from becoming a victim by following a few basic cyber security tips:

  • Consider using single sign-on or a password manager instead of keeping a list of passwords on your desk
  • Lock your computer whenever you step away from your desk
  • Don’t send work messages from your personal email
  • Be wary of phishing attempts, which have increased during the pandemic
  • Use a cloud-based software solution to store your data, rather than keeping files on your computer

3. IoT devices

IoT devices like equipment sensors and smart PPE provide another point of entry for cybercriminals. These devices are usually not as secure as the rest of your network, so bad actors may try to take advantage of this to break into your system. The more devices you have, the more opportunities there are for cybercriminals to get in. 

That’s not to say you shouldn’t use IoT devices. However, you do need to make sure that your IT department knows about any devices that are connected to your network so they can put the proper security measures in place. 

4. Data access

Not everyone in your organization should have the same access to your organization’s safety and environmental data. A CEO needs different information than a shift supervisor, for example, and while you might want the supervisor to have data for their specific facility, they probably don’t need to see everything for the whole organization.  

To minimize the risks to your organization, make sure employees only have access to the data that’s relevant to their role. A good EHS software system will typically allow you to set privileges for different groups and users, such as senior managers, internal auditors, facility managers, and shop-floor employees. 

5. Insider threats

Cyber threats don’t always come from outside your organization. Incidents involving insiders can be innocent — an employee who leaves their laptop on the train, for example. Or, they can be malicious — as is the case with a disgruntled employee who intentionally deletes important files.  

In both situations, having strong security practices in place such as role-based access controls, password management, and data backups can help you limit the damage. 

Does your EHS team have the tools it needs to prevent a cyber attack?

As malicious actors continue to exploit vulnerabilities and become more sophisticated in their tactics, the only solution will be for EHS teams to become savvier as well. 

However, knowledge alone won’t prevent 100% of attacks. Many people still fall victim to a cyber attack despite following all the proper precautions. That’s why it’s so important to have an EHS software system in place that is designed to protect your data from unauthorized access and damage. 

At Perillon, we offer a cloud-based solution for organizations of all sizes that need secure, affordable EHS risk and compliance technology. To learn more, contact us today to request a demo

Next, we’ll debunk five of the most common myths about information security.

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