It is advisable to take data security into account from early on in the integration process.
When introducing a new system, its data security level is automatically considered already in the design stage. Very strict protocols may be defined for data processing. User management, servers, firewalls, IP addresses, etc. may be very accurately defined for individual systems. However, when configuring the data security of the system, potential integrations with other systems are not necessarily considered, and different types of vulnerabilities may appear later.
Data security of integrations is guaranteed when the design and configuration are carefully made and the various alternatives for implementing the integration are carefully analyzed. A separate integration platform is a simple and effective method for ensuring the data security of integrations.
Carefully design the implementation method and data security of integrations
When talking about integrations, we mean connecting together of systems used within an organization as well as integrations implemented outside the internal network. Integrations can be realized in the organization’s own systems or, for example, in those of customers or other third parties. Most common applications for integrations include financial, invoicing and customer data systems as well as ERP systems.
A traditional way to integrate systems directly with each other is the so-called “point-to-point” integration. A point-to-point integration is a common pattern; however, it entails vulnerabilities in the case that, in addition to the system’s own data security configuration, the data security of the integration itself is not checked and critically evaluated. For example, a risk of vulnerability appears when data is transferred from one system to another via an unsecured connection or when appropriate attention is not paid to user management.
It is often said that a large part of risks related to data security are caused by people and users. This is not creating threat scenarios or making accusations, but it is a fact that users themselves are rarely able to consider, at a sufficient level, risks related to data security and their own actions. Therefore, it is better that data security is also ensured for integrations so that users need not worry about how to use the data.
When striving for ease-of-use and reliability, a separate integration platform is a modern way to integrate systems together, and many businesses are now making increasing use of such platforms.
An integration platform gives an additional layer to data security
When systems are integrated together with a separate platform, ensuring data security is easier at all levels. In a platform, it is possible to define data security settings and configurations similar to those of individual systems. The platform thus functions as a kind of additional data security layer. A large part of vulnerabilities is covered with user management by defining to each user access rights and configuration related to the data contained in the integration.
A large part of vulnerabilities is covered with user management
In addition, an integration platform improves the correctness and reliability of data. When transferring data via an integration platform, data can be validated and kept at the desired quality level. With the platform, it is also possible to localize potential errors and response to them faster.
Integration platform as a support for digitalization of business
Today, digitalization of operations has been recorded as a target in the strategies of many businesses, and integrations between systems support this target. An integration between systems speeds up the flow of information, reduces manual work and errors, and improves data reliability. When implemented with a separate integration platform, integration between systems becomes more efficient and easier to use.
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Many companies have trusted us with issues related to integrations. If you became interested in implementing integrations and data security, learn more about the IPa by Pinja integration platform.
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