This blog is part of our Nordic blog series, ” Why cybersecurity and privacy matter in S/4HANA projects”. Explore other blog posts from this series here:
Part 1 - Setting the scene
Part 2 - Know your data
Part 3 - Ownership & governance
Part 4 - Access management & available tools
Part 5 - Security hardening, monitoring & available tools
A well-thought-out SAP Cyber governance framework is the foundation that every organization should establish before beginning their digital transformation journey. This ensures that cybersecurity and privacy are intentionally integrated into the business processes, safeguarding critical assets, data, and regulatory compliance throughout the S/4HANA program's lifecycle. Effective governance and leadership responsibility are crucial throughout the transformation—before, during, and after S/4HANA implementation—helping organizations secure sensitive information and maintain compliance. By establishing strong ownership of the cyber program, organizations can align their efforts with broader business objectives and adapt to evolving risks.
An important first step in a transformation program is establishing a clear structure for identifying and monitoring cybersecurity and privacy metrics. This process involves several key steps:
Once these indicators and stakeholders are identified, it's crucial to ensure that cybersecurity and privacy policies remain adaptable to emerging threats and changing technologies. By following these steps, organizations ensure that governance of cybersecurity and privacy remains robust, fostering trust in their ability to protect data. Ownership of cybersecurity and privacy must align with strategic goals and daily operations, ensuring stakeholders understand their roles.
Regular updates to the cybersecurity framework help organizations stay proactive against threats, while governance structures ensure clear responsibility for privacy and security.
A key component of a solid cybersecurity and privacy governance framework is the ability to adapt policies and procedures as technology evolves and new cyber threats emerge. These policies must align with both strategic goals and day-to-day operations to safeguard sensitive data. Regular updates to the cybersecurity framework help organizations stay proactive against threats, while governance structures ensure clear responsibility for privacy and security.
Established cybersecurity frameworks help organizations adopt industry standards and best practices, which are essential for effective risk management. Organizations should implement structured policies, clear responsibilities, and comprehensive risk management strategies. Leveraging Deloitte's SAP Security & Controls Framework provides a solid foundation for managing cybersecurity risks. This framework is tailored to specific organizational needs, ensuring best practices and compliance with industry regulations.
Creating a robust cybersecurity governance framework involves several key steps:
As businesses scale their operations in increasingly digital environments, cybersecurity and privacy measures must evolve alongside them.
A strong governance framework not only protects against risks but also enables innovation and growth. As businesses scale their operations in increasingly digital environments, cybersecurity and privacy measures must evolve alongside them. By integrating these controls into business processes, organizations can embrace innovation while maintaining a secure environment.
Ensuring cybersecurity and privacy in S/4HANA projects requires a holistic and integrated approach that prioritizes governance, clear ownership, and continuous adaptation. By leveraging established frameworks and evolving policies in line with technology advancements, organizations can build a resilient security posture. Governance structures that align with business objectives ensure that security is a shared responsibility across the organization.
Ultimately, this approach enables organizations to mitigate risks, protect sensitive data, and support long-term growth. By taking proactive steps to define responsibilities, engage stakeholders, and embrace innovation, businesses can confidently navigate their S/4HANA transformation while maintaining a strong cybersecurity and privacy framework.
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Authors:
Gerard Ward