In the modern age, cyber security and data management is becoming increasingly important. Using mobile phones means everyone is now interconnected and so is their data. Ensuring that personal information and business documentation is safe at all times should be a top priority.
For businesses, in particularly sensitive sectors, such as finance or health services, this is an even more important issue that requires careful planning and consideration. For these organisations, one of the primary risks to data security is the lack of control provided by using third-party, off-the-shelf software tools. Bespoke software solutions can mitigate the risks of data breaches and increase the security of your business data.
At BSPOKE Software, we have spent the last decade perfecting our process. We have worked with sectors that manage highly sensitive data including local authorities and accounting businesses. Leveraging this experience, here are some of the main advantages of investing in a custom software solution from a cyber security perspective.
Business cyber security - Access control
Whilst obvious, it’s important to cover all bases and mention the most important part of cyber security: access control. Secure businesses primarily control access via employee security checks alongside passwords, pins, cards or other authentication techniques.
Whilst this undoubtedly works, the use of external off-the-shelf software can provide another security risk: employees at third party businesses. Whatever software you use, it is managed by people. Those people often have access to customer account data, meaning that sensitive information can be accessed freely by users outside of the organisation. This leaves organisations at the mercy of external, unvetted individual employees – a potential data leak.
Custom software built internally or by a dedicated software development company drastically reduces this risk, ensuring that the only individuals capable of managing the system and accessing data are employees of the company.
Third-party loopholes and targeting
As mentioned previously, only specific individuals should have access to specific data. Whilst passwords or pin codes can help maintain security, nefarious individuals can often look for other weaknesses. This can leave your business vulnerable to individuals who may be able to gain access to areas they shouldn’t.
This is particularly important when using off-the-shelf software. Whether it’s an industry-standard e-commerce platform or a marketing analytics tool, there’s a likelihood that whatever third party tool a business is using, hundreds or thousands of others use it, too.
Malicious hackers don’t always target a specific business, website or software. Often, they target the popular platforms, plugins or systems which these businesses use, probing for weaknesses and loopholes which they can exploit. Therefore, the individuals can then go to any organisation using that software and access it without permission, resulting in a data breach.
This is unavoidable for the business as the fault isn’t with them directly but with the tools they use. Yet clients and customers are unlikely to view it that way. Bespoke software solutions help avoid this by providing control. Ensuring business cyber security is maintained and cannot be affected by an external organisation's security breach.
Versatility and security integrations
Finally, custom software provides one major advantage over off-the-shelf solutions, and that’s versatility. For businesses that work with sensitive data, there are often additional regulations and legislation surrounding the security requirements of software.
Often, off-the-shelf software doesn't adhere to these security requirements. Therefore, a dedicated software house creating completely bespoke software is the best option. Software houses can craft tailored solutions which incorporate any key security integrations, regulatory requirements or legal details needed.
How we help businesses with business cyber security and custom software
At BSPOKE Software, we specialise in providing a completely customised experience for our clients, tailoring everything we do to you and your requirements. We can also demonstrate how custom software can provide your business with cyber security and keep your company data safe.
With decades' experience in highly sensitive, data-led industries, we ensure custom software is both safe and practical. Contact our team to discuss your requirements.