What security concerns should you consider for process automation?

2 System integrity

Another security concern for process automation is how to maintain the integrity of the automated systems and prevent unauthorized or malicious changes. Hackers, competitors, or disgruntled employees could try to tamper with the software, hardware, or network of your automated systems to disrupt, damage, or steal your business operations or information. To protect your system integrity, you should implement strong authentication, authorization, and monitoring mechanisms. You should also update your software and hardware regularly to fix any vulnerabilities or bugs.

3 Human oversight

A third security concern for process automation is how to ensure that there is adequate human oversight and control over the automated systems. Depending on the level of automation, you may need to monitor, review, or intervene in the automated processes to ensure that they are performing correctly, ethically, and safely. For example, you may need to check the accuracy, quality, or compliance of the outputs, or handle any exceptions, errors, or conflicts that the automated systems cannot resolve. To ensure human oversight, you should define clear roles, responsibilities, and procedures for the human operators, managers, and auditors of the automated systems.

4 Ethical and legal implications

A fourth security concern for process automation is how to deal with the ethical and legal implications of using automated systems in your business. Depending on the type, scope, and impact of your automation, you may face some ethical and legal dilemmas or challenges. For example, you may need to consider the effects of automation on your employees, customers, or society, such as job displacement, privacy, or bias. You may also need to comply with the existing or emerging laws and regulations that govern the use of automation, such as labor, consumer, or intellectual property laws. To address these implications, you should conduct a thorough risk assessment and stakeholder analysis before implementing automation, and consult with experts, regulators, or lawyers if needed.

5 Continuous improvement

A fifth security concern for process automation is how to ensure that your automated systems are continuously improved and optimized. Automation is not a one-time project, but an ongoing process that requires constant evaluation, feedback, and adjustment. You should monitor the performance, efficiency, and effectiveness of your automated systems and compare them with your business goals and expectations. You should also collect and analyze the data and insights that your automated systems generate and use them to identify any gaps, opportunities, or improvements. To ensure continuous improvement, you should adopt a agile, iterative, and data-driven approach to automation.

6 Security awareness and training

A sixth security concern for process automation is how to foster a culture of security awareness and training among your employees, partners, and customers. Security is not only a technical issue, but also a human one. The success and security of your automation depends on the knowledge, skills, and behavior of the people who design, implement, use, or interact with your automated systems. To prevent human errors, negligence, or malice, you should educate and train your staff, partners, and customers on the security risks, policies, and practices of your automation. You should also promote a culture of security awareness, responsibility, and collaboration among your stakeholders.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?