Bulletproof Security: How Dynamics 365 Business Central Protects Your Data

Introduction

The sensitive information stored in cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions makes robust security a top priority for businesses. Nearly half (48.8%) of C-suite and other executives expect the number and size of cyber events targeting their organizations’ accounting and financial data to increase in the year ahead, according to a new Deloitte Center for Controllership poll. Yet just 20.3% of those polled say their organizations’ accounting and finance teams work closely and consistently with their peers in cybersecurity. 

The Misconception

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, a comprehensive business management solution, has faced scrutiny regarding its security in the cloud. This article aims to dispel the myth that Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central lacks security in the cloud by highlighting its robust security features and compliance measures. 

Simplify Security and Compliance with Dynamics 365 Business Central

Offering world-class security and compliance, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central allows you to protect your data while maintaining regulatory compliance with identity protection, role-based access, and encryption. 

Authentication and Data Isolation

At the forefront of its security framework, Dynamics 365 Business Central employs Microsoft Entra ID for authentication. This system ensures that only authorized users can access the system, providing a secure gateway to the ERP’s functionalities. Moreover, data isolation is a critical aspect of Dynamics 365 Business Central’s security. Each tenant’s data is stored in isolated databases, ensuring that data is not mixed with that of other tenants, which is crucial for maintaining data integrity and privacy. 

Encryption and Regulatory Compliance

Data encryption is another pillar of Dynamics 365 Business Central’s security. The solution uses Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) to protect data at rest, and all backups are encrypted to safeguard against unauthorized access. Additionally, all network traffic within the service is encrypted using industry-standard protocols, ensuring that data in transit is secure. 

Dynamics 365 Business Central also adheres to stringent regulatory compliance standards. The platform’s security measures align with global compliance frameworks, which is a testament to its commitment to protecting user data and maintaining trust. 

Service Integration and TLS Support 

When integrating with other services, such as Power BI, Dynamics 365 Business Central recommends using encrypted network protocols to maintain a secure connection. Furthermore, since March 2020, Dynamics 365 Business Central has mandated using Transport Layer Security (TLS) version 1.2 or later, reinforcing its defense against modern security threats. 

Microsoft’s Dedication to Security

Microsoft’s Trust Center further emphasizes the company’s dedication to security, providing transparency about its cloud services and measures to protect customer data. This commitment extends across the Dynamics 365 suite, ensuring users can rely on a secure and protected environment for their business operations. 

Addressing Data Security Concerns in the Cloud Environment 

The transition to cloud environments has been met with enthusiasm for its scalability, efficiency, and cost savings. However, it has also raised concerns regarding data security and privacy. Many businesses worry about the vulnerability of their data when it resides in the cloud, fearing unauthorized access, data breaches, and loss of control. These concerns are valid, yet the cloud environment, particularly when managed by reputable providers, can offer security that matches or even surpasses that of traditional on-premises solutions. Cloud security is achieved through layered defenses, encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Robust Security Features and Data Privacy Compliance of Microsoft Azure 

Microsoft Azure, the powerhouse behind Dynamics 365 Business Central, implements a multifaceted approach to security and privacy, ensuring that user data is guarded with state-of-the-art measures. Azure’s security architecture is built on a foundation of identity and access management, providing tools like multi-factor authentication and conditional access to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information. Threat protection in Azure is managed through advanced analytics, machine learning, and global threat intelligence to identify and respond to potential threats rapidly. Additionally, data encryption in transit and at rest secures information from unauthorized interception. Azure’s compliance with international standards, such as GDPR, ISO 27001, and more, ensures that businesses meet their regulatory obligations effortlessly, making it a trusted platform for companies worldwide. 

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Security Best Practices 

Implementing robust security measures in Dynamics 365 Business Central is crucial for protecting sensitive business data. Best practices include ensuring that only the latest versions of the software are used, as these include the most up-to-date security features. Not only is the authentication with Microsoft Entra ID essential, but so is data isolation and encryption, with Dynamics 365 Business Central ensuring that data belonging to a single tenant is never mixed with that of others. All data at rest should be encrypted using Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), mentioned above. Additionally, it’s recommended to use encrypted network protocols for service integration, such as connecting to Power BI server and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central web services. Adhering to these practices helps maintain a secure environment, compliant with regulatory standards, and protects against potential cyber threats.  

MegaGen’s Digital Leap: Scaling & Security with Dynamics 365 Business Central

MegaGen America’s substantial growth in recent years put pressure on the existing systems and process flows within the organization. To support customer expectations, meet stringent FDA guidelines, and ensure greater security, MegaGen America needed a unified, scalable solution. Neither QuickBooks nor the in-house developed perpetual inventory system fulfilled these requirements. The disparate solutions required multi-step (and duplicated) processes for picking, packing, shipping, invoicing, and return order management. The on-premises environment lacked the ability to scale, and the organization suffered from limited visibility and slow access to information for order processing, shipment tracking, item traceability, returns, and more. This resulted in a significant amount of human effort to export and manipulate data for strategic decision-making, forecasting, and analysis of historical sales trends. 

As a healthcare organization, lot track and trace are crucial for FDA requirements, and the time-consuming, manually driven processes were not keeping up. MegaGen implemented Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and now has greater security in the cloud, with regular backups. 

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