As a business owner or manager, you understand the critical role NetSuite plays in your day-to-day operations. It streamlines processes, boosts efficiency and stores your sensitive data. But with these benefits comes a significant responsibility: ensuring your NetSuite environment’s security.

Neglecting cybersecurity exposes your business to severe threats, including data breaches, unauthorised access and phishing attacks. These incidents can lead to financial losses, damage to your reputation and legal consequences.

This blog looks at six essential cybersecurity tips to help you safeguard your NetSuite users and data.

NetSuite cybersecurity tip one: implement robust password policies

A strong password policy is your first line of defence against unauthorised access. Insist that all your NetSuite users create complex passwords that include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid easily guessable information such as birthdays, pet names or company names. Implement NetSuite’s in-built two-factor authentication (2FA) for an additional layer of security. 2FA, which you’ll find in the NetSuite Security Console, requires your users to provide a second form of verification, like a one-time passcode sent to their mobile device or a supported authenticator app, before granting access to the system. This extra step makes it much harder for hackers to gain entry, even if they manage to crack a password. Regularly update passwords, at least every 90 days, to reduce the risk of breaches. Provide clear guidelines on password best practices and ensure all your NetSuite users understand the importance of following them.

NetSuite cybersecurity tip two: control user access and permissions

Not every user in your organisation needs access to every part of your NetSuite system.

NetSuite has an in-built role-based access control system. You’ll find it in the ‘Setup’ menu – choose the ‘Users/Roles’ submenu and select the ‘Manage Roles’ option. NetSuite Access Control allows you to assign a role and permissions to each user before they can gain access to the platform. Their role and permissions govern what they can – and can’t – do or see when they’re in the system.

When assigning roles, adopt the principle of least privilege, which means giving users only the permissions they need to carry out their specific tasks and nothing more. Start by assigning roles based on job requirements. For example, your sales team may need access to customer data and sales orders, but they probably don’t need to view financial reports or HR information. Regularly review and update user access to ensure it aligns with current responsibilities. As employees change roles or leave the company, adjust their permissions accordingly. Remove inactive or terminated user accounts promptly to prevent unauthorised access. Controlling who has access to what can significantly reduce the potential for data breaches and insider threats.

NetSuite cybersecurity tip three: keep NetSuite and integrated systems up-to-date

Software updates and patches are essential for fixing vulnerabilities and improving security. NetSuite regularly releases updates to address known security issues and introduce new features. Install these updates promptly to protect your NetSuite environment from potential threats. Set up automatic updates where possible to ensure you don’t miss any critical patches. Monitor for any new vulnerabilities and address them quickly to minimise the risk of exploitation. If you have other systems integrated with NetSuite, such as your CRM or e-commerce platform, ensure they meet the same high security standards. Regularly assess the security posture of your entire IT ecosystem to identify and remediate weaknesses. Keeping all your systems up to date – not just NetSuite – helps you stay one step ahead of potential attackers.

NetSuite cybersecurity tip four: protect against phishing and social engineering attacks

Phishing and social engineering attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder for users to spot them. These attacks aim to trick users into revealing sensitive information, like login credentials or financial data, or into granting access to malicious actors.

Train your NetSuite users to identify suspicious emails and links. Teach them to verify the sender’s identity by checking the email address and domain name. Encourage them to hover over links before clicking to see where they lead. Instruct them to avoid opening unknown attachments, as they may contain malware.

Implement email filtering and security measures to block potential threats before they reach users’ inboxes. Use spam filters, anti-malware software and email authentication protocols.

Empowering your users to spot and report threats helps create a ‘human firewall’ that can effectively combat phishing and social engineering attacks.

NetSuite cybersecurity tip five: regularly monitor and audit NetSuite activity

Proactive monitoring and auditing are essential for detecting and responding to security incidents quickly. NetSuite provides built-in logging and monitoring features that allow you to track user activity. Enable these features and review the logs regularly for any unusual behaviour. Look for red flags such as logins from unfamiliar locations, access attempts outside of normal business hours or large data exports. Set up alerts to notify you of any suspicious activity, so you can investigate and take action promptly. Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and non-compliant practices. This may include penetration testing, vulnerability scanning and configuration reviews. Work with experienced NetSuite professionals, like our team here at SuiteSparkle, to ensure a thorough and comprehensive assessment. Investigate any suspicious activity promptly and take appropriate action to mitigate risks. This may involve resetting passwords, revoking access or implementing additional security measures. Staying vigilant and proactive helps catch potential threats before they cause significant damage to your business.

NetSuite cybersecurity tip six: educate employees about cybersecurity best practices

Your NetSuite users are your first line of defence against cyber threats. They can either be your strongest asset or your weakest link, depending on their level of cybersecurity awareness. So, provide regular training to help them identify and report potential dangers. Teach them how to spot red flags like phishing emails, suspicious links and social engineering tactics (see above). Phishing emails often contain urgent requests, grammatical errors or generic greetings. Suspicious links may have misspelled domain names or lead to unfamiliar websites. Social engineering tactics, like impersonating IT staff or executives, aim to trick employees into revealing sensitive information, including their NetSuite login details.

Also, establish clear guidelines for handling sensitive data, such as customer information and financial records. Encourage a culture of cybersecurity awareness where everyone takes responsibility for protecting company assets. Regularly reinforce these best practices through reminders, updates and real-world examples. Again, this tip shouldn’t just apply to NetSuite. It’s good practice to keep all your digital systems and assets secure.

How can SuiteSparkle help?

Implementing these six cybersecurity tips is crucial for protecting your NetSuite users and data from potential threats. However, it’s important to remember that cybersecurity is an ongoing process. As a business owner or manager, it’s your responsibility to prioritise NetSuite security and make it a core part of your overall IT strategy.

Stay informed about the latest threats and best practices. Continuously review and update your security measures to ensure they remain effective against evolving threats.

If you need additional guidance or support, don’t hesitate to reach out to SuiteSparkle. Our team of experienced professionals can help you assess your system’s current security posture, identify areas for improvement and implement best practices to safeguard your NetSuite environment. We can also provide ongoing monitoring and support to help you stay ahead of potential threats.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you maximise the value of your NetSuite investment while keeping your users and data safe and secure.