Essential CRM software security features to look for

Cybersecurity has become a pressing concern for companies and individuals today. With the amount of data available and stored online, nobody wants to risk someone else getting to that information. GDPR and Privacy Policies are great starting points for this concern, but there is so much more. And with the implementation of advanced software solutions for improving internal processes, there are always security concerns. Today, we explore some of the essential CRM software security features that you will want to look for. We will also look at how each of those features helps add a protective layer around your data.

Eight fundamental CRM software security features to search for

CRM systems have become an essential part of high-performance online businesses today. If you are looking for a software solution to improve your moving business, the central database that CRM provides is definitely among the top choices for doing that. However, given all the information that this software gathers and streamlines, you need to tread carefully.

Your software solutions are only as good as the security measures they have in place. And among the many features that a CRM platform should possess, one should also focus on its security. By ensuring that the data in your CRM system is protected from your competitors, you will be able to guarantee its effectiveness and impact on the growth of your moving business. Without the essential CRM software security features in place, any hacker with the right motivation could gain access to highly sensitive data about your company and customers. TO prevent this from happening, we implore you to go through this list of features that aim to protect CRM systems from cyber attacks:

1. Encryption

No company information stays in one location for long. To utilize the data you gather and make it practical, it needs to be shared with the individuals that will be able to use it. And much like with anything else of value, it is much easier to gain access to it while in transit. That is why sharing data can be risky without the proper security measures in place.

This is where the notion of encryption as one of the essential CRM software security features comes into play. By scrambling data and forming a code that can only be deciphered with a password, you are much better equipped to make sure that nobody outside your company is able to read the data. Encrypting data is a standard procedure for companies and one that should be part of the CRM system you choose.

2. Data sharing control

As we just explained, encryption is a great way to secure data while sharing it with others. However, it can also take up time to encrypt every piece of data in your CRM system. Luckily, certain CRM software solutions offer customization when it comes to accessing, sharing, and copying specific data. We’re talking about a user role system here, one that provides access to data but introduces restrictions when it comes to editing or copying that data. And this is a useful feature that can offer a higher level of control to site admins while reducing the risk of stolen data.

3. Authentication

A moving business has little use of data it can’t access. However, by introducing access to data, you open the risk of others attempting to access that data as well. By ensuring that your CRM software has an authentication system, you are basically installing a lock on the door leading to all that valuable data. Each person with access to the data has their login information to get through the breach. And this is an obstacle that can be difficult to remove or overcome from the perspective of a hacker.

With so many authentication methods, you can put as many locks on that door as you wish. Certainly, your everyday username and password offer some kind of protection. But you will need some additional security measures when it comes to the information in your CRM – measures such as:

• A property-based token authentication (chipped card);
• Biometric passwords (fingerprints or voice patterns)

4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Technology advances on both sides, equipping hackers with innovative tools to surpass singular security checkpoints. That is why more and more businesses are boosting their security with the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA). By using this approach, users have to go through two or more verification checks before being able to gain access to accounts.

The most typical example of this is the 2-step verification process, where a user needs to provide a password and unique code that they receive via email or text message. Without having access to both pieces of information, a hacker will not be able to access the data.

5. Password Policy

No amount of authentication steps will do you any good unless you make sure that your password is good. Putting your birthday or name of pet will do you little to no good in ensuring the safety of data you have access to. Instead, you need to invest time and energy into coming up with a password format that is simple enough for you to remember and yet too complex for anyone else to crack.

Some of your employees might be less inclined to think of a strong password for their accounts. And so, you might want to offer them some incentive in terms of essential CRM software security features that can shape the format of passwords for its users. That way, all users will be obliged to come up with strong passwords to register to your CRM, adding to the overall security of your system. And if you’re worried about people forgetting or misplacing their passwords, rest easy knowing that a CRM system can also store such information.

6. Cyber-attack counter-measures

Having authentication and encryption in place are great everyday security measures to keep your data safe. However, they will only delay hackers that focus on attacking a website to gain access to its data. In such cases, you need something stronger and more effective in place. You need defensive contingency tools to counter cyber-attacks before they even happen.

For example, overloading a server with multiple access points from various devices is a common way to slow it down or stop it. However, by installing throttling CRM software security features and blocking certain IP addresses from accessing the server, you can prevent this from ever happening. And as to the IP addresses that can access your server, you should limit their level of access as well.

7. Limited Offline Mode

Although it might seem convenient to have access to all your data while offline as well, the decision comes with plenty of risks. When it comes to security breaches, in particular, there are two ways offline mode access can hurt your moving business:

• If anyone ever breaches your CRM, they will be able to keep the data they access once they go offline.
• If anyone was to gain access to one of the devices of your employees, they would gain access to your system without any hacking.

Given how mobile phones and laptops are stolen on daily basis, the second option is a very common occurrence. To prevent either one from happening, all you need is a CRM system that limits offline access for users. Yes, it will be more challenging for your staff to get things done remotely, but it will also offer the additional protection you want. And since we are discussing essential CRM software security features here, you need to be realistic. The more sensitive the data, the more need there is for implementing complex security measures.

8. Browser app-based CRM

Unlike cloud-based solutions, browser app-based CRM systems offer a more limited and secure environment for businesses to manage data. Some might argue that by limiting the use of your CRM to one browser or type of device, you gain more efficiency and easier navigation. However, it also greatly cripples the multi-browser community we operate in and is not as responsive for mobile device users. As a security feature, it has a strong foothold – but one that lacks the ability to adapt to the needs of others.

Start exploring the security features of CRM systems today

No matter how small or big your business is, how technologically savvy your staff is or how advanced your software solutions are – never underestimate the capabilities of hackers looking to target you. By always being aware of a potential cyber attack, you are less likely to be affected by one in the long-term future. Therein lies the entire point of the essential CRM software security measures we noted here. Give your moving business the security it deserves by reaching out to MoversTech.

• Our system tailors to the unique need of your moving company, protecting it against cyber-attacks. Contact us today to learn more!