Ensuring Security and Compliance in Robotic Process Automation

Uncompromising internet restrictions, limited technology capabilities and a lack of understanding of compliance measures are some of the key reasons why organizations are looking forward to strong compliance measures. RPA can be tactically used to work effectively on compliance aspects.

In a similar manner, security aspects also play a crucial role. RPA-related security risks can be mitigated by organizations when they have a well-defined incident response plan, conduct regular vulnerability assessments and incorporate secure development practices.

What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?

It is a specific process that uses software algorithms and scripts to securely and effectively automate the mundane and repetitive tasks. Software robots or “bots” are developed by software developers and users that can learn, mimic and then after will be able to execute business functionalities based on rules.

What is compliance?

Compliance involves adhering to regulations, policies and laws in order to protect data security, data integrity and customer and employee privacy. Different industries and departments have different compliance challenges.

The tactical use of compliance in RPA:

World-class compliance can be achieved by businesses from diverse industries through the platform of RPA. Once a business procedure has been learned by a robot, it can be repeated in the same manner again and again with utmost accuracy. High levels of compliance can be maintained by organizations across the board.

Top-tier and robust compliance procedures can be developed by organizations using the RPA platform. A new degree of control is provided by automation, thereby allowing businesses to control and track their internal business operations. At any point in time, these logs can be monitored and checked, thereby helping companies to address any issues related to compliance.

Following are a few key ways to ensure security in RPA:

1. Log integrity is protected: In a specific scenario, when RPA security fails, the logs need to be reviewed by the security team. RPA logging is fed by enterprises to a separate system wherein the logs are stored securely. The RPA tool needs to be made sure by the security and risk management leaders that it can provide a system-generated, complete log without any gaps.

2. Secure RPA development should be enabled: The RPA process isn’t a one-time activity as it is generally considered to be an ongoing process. It needs to evolve so that threats and vulnerabilities can be detected. To speed up the deployment process, security considerations need to be postponed by enterprises until RPA scripts are ready to run.

Regular cadences and proactive dialogues can be established between the line-of-business team and the security team that leads the RPA initiative. A risk framework is created through which the individual scripts and RPA implementation as a whole can be assessed properly. The RPA scripts need to be reviewed and tested with a special focus on business logic vulnerabilities.

3. Fraud and abuse need to be analyzed: An increase in RPA privileges is generally witnessed by implementing RPA and hence the risk of fraud is being increased. RPA access needs to be restricted by the security leaders. Each bot should strictly conduct the assigned task. Session management capabilities such as video surveillance or screenshots should be employed so as to prevent fraudsters and conduct forensic investigations.

4. Bot accountability: Naming standards should be identified and dedicated identification credentials should be made sure by assigning a unique identity to each process and RPA bot. Two-factor human-to-system authentication can be implemented along with password and username authentication.

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