Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is rapidly gaining traction around the globe, and it is now regarded as an essential element of digital transformation actions. Over 78% of those who have already implemented RPA expect to significantly increase their investment in RPA over the next three years.
Like any program within a network, there’s always the risk of an attack, especially if key security principles were not considered during its implementation. Designing an RPA solution poorly can cause a serious breach of security controls and result in sensitive data being revealed to untrusted parties.
Besides, automating a process within an organization does not translate to you adequately securing the process. So, if you consider implementing RPA as part of your digital transformation, we’ve put together the best security practices for your organization’s benefit. Remember that choosing the right RPA developer is one of the essential parts of implementing Robotic Process Automation for your business.
What is RPA?
Robotic Process Automation is the use of scripts and software algorithms to effectively and securely automate the repetitive and mundane tasks that human resources in a company would usually perform.
If applied and implemented in the right manner, RPA software algorithms can considerably improve productivity, accuracy, and quality of data and adherence. You can easily Implement RPA in finance and banking, real estate, or any other industry. Not just that, RPA is known to empower human resources to concentrate and focus on tasks that involve more human interaction and fulfilling work. Make sure that RPA is what you need on a call with our battle-proven RPA consultants.
Risks associated with RPA
One of the alluring features of RPA is its ease of implementation. As a result, many organizations’ departments and sectors can set up an RPA bot with IT or sometimes without letting IT know what they are up to.
While this seems like an advantage since most IT departments are stretched to the limit, it comes with many security risks. Many individuals or teams who implement RPA without partnering with a competent IT consultant most times have no idea about such security risks. Hence, the danger to the whole security system.
The primary risks associated with the integration of Robotic Process Automation can be viewed in two parts:
- Compliance risk
- Operational risk
1. Compliance Risks
Compliance risks stem from poor RPA governance, created by various implementation methods that bypass established software development lifecycles and ideal practices that meet data privacy, enterprise architecture, and network security.
2. Operational Risks
Operational risks include regulatory preparedness towards establishing barriers and everyday controls supporting business continuity and scalability.
The fundamental factor responsible for operational and compliance risk is the fragmented approach many organizations employ when establishing many of these automation programs.
To curb these risks, business and IT leaders must come together to choose the ideal RPA solution. Not just that, IT leaders must properly operate and design a Center of Excellence that can support a standard where IT tackles regulatory concerns, networks, and data.
On the other hand, business leaders need to concentrate more on identifying areas and best use cases of RPA within the organization. Therefore, RPA can effectively contribute to maintaining daily operations while developing programmers’ skills and implementing RPA bots.
Source of risks associated with RPA
It is important to have a vast understanding of Robotic Process Automation before integrating the software. And one of the comprehensive things to remember about RPA security is that many of the risks associated with RPA arise from poor care and lack of oversight.
Lack of proper planning and oversight of integrating RPA robots into an organizational system can cause more havoc than a strategic procedure. And for many IT leaders who don’t know, integrating RPA is not a solution to a firm’s lack of security hygiene. It is more likely to exacerbate security issues if they are not rectified first.
8 Best practices for Robotic Process Automation security
Proper security measures are crucial to implement Robotic Process Automation within an organization successfully. Sensitive data such as customer data and RPA credentials that the RPA software handles need to be protected as they can be exposed to attackers. Proper security frameworks and governance are important to mitigate these risks.
There are about eight security practices IT leaders and professionals can carry out to address these security failures and risks in RPA projects.