In today’s digital economy, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP and Oracle form the backbone of financial operations. They integrate accounting, procurement, payroll, and compliance functions into one centralized platform, offering real-time reporting, automation, and improved decision-making. However, this digital integration also makes ERP platforms prime targets for cyberattacks, fraud, insider threats, and compliance risks due to the vast amounts of sensitive financial data they hold.
This training course equips participants with the knowledge and practical tools to secure ERP financial systems against modern threats. The program explores key cybersecurity challenges, contextual encryption, fraud prevention mechanisms, regulatory compliance, and data protection strategies. Using real-world case studies and exercises, learners will gain insights into how global organizations protect ERP platforms from breaches and ensure audit readiness.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to assess vulnerabilities, implement multi-layered security controls, manage risks effectively, and ensure compliance with international standards. This course is ideal for finance professionals, IT specialists, auditors, compliance officers, and ERP administrators who want to strengthen their organization’s financial cybersecurity resilience.
Objective
This course will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity strategies for ERP systems, focusing on SAP and Oracle. Participants will learn how to implement contextual encryption, prevent fraud, maintain regulatory compliance, protect data, and manage risks effectively.
- Understand the importance of cybersecurity in ERP financial systems.
- Identify vulnerabilities in ERP platforms and potential threats.
- Learn practical strategies for encryption, fraud prevention, and access control.
- Explore compliance requirements and audit readiness in SAP and Oracle ERP systems.
- Develop a risk management approach to protect sensitive financial data.
Target Audience
- Finance and accounting professionals using ERP systems
- IT and cybersecurity specialists
- Internal auditors and compliance officers
- ERP system administrators (SAP/Oracle)
- Risk management professionals
Course Content
Module 1: ERP Systems in Accounting (SAP/Oracle)
- Key Modules: General Ledger, Accounts Payable & Receivable, Asset Management, Payroll, Financial Reporting
- Functionality: Automates reconciliations, reduces manual errors, generates real-time dashboards
- Example: SAP S/4HANA updates transactions in real time, ensuring accurate reporting
- Challenge: Centralized data increases systemic risks
- Exercise: Map accounting processes to identify ERP security risks
Module 2: Key Cybersecurity Challenges in ERP
- Complex System Architectures and misconfigurations
- Sensitive Financial Data risks
- Insider Threats and excessive access
- Third-Party Integrations vulnerabilities
- Regulatory Compliance (SOX, GDPR, PCI-DSS)
- Scenario: Oracle ERP vendor integration breach impacting invoice data
Module 3: Contextual Encryption
- Definition: Role-based, transaction-type, and location-based encryption
- SAP Example: Payroll data encrypted at rest, decrypted only by HR managers
- Oracle Example: Access only from approved devices/locations
- Why It Matters: Keeps data unreadable if breached
- Exercise: Identify ERP data suitable for contextual encryption
Module 4: Fraud Prevention Mechanisms
- Common Risks: Duplicate invoices, unauthorized payments, insider fraud
- Tools:
- SAP Fraud Management (AI-based detection)
- Oracle Risk Management Cloud (automated monitoring)
- Case: Oracle ERP blocked $3M fraudulent invoices
- Exercise: Develop a segregation-of-duties matrix
Module 5: Compliance and Audit Readiness
- SOX: Automated audit trails
- GDPR: Data encryption and anonymization
- PCI-DSS: Cardholder data protection
- Practical Tip: Use ERP audit logs for compliance reports
- Discussion: Risks of weak ERP cybersecurity on compliance
Module 6: Data Protection and Access Controls
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Data Masking & Anonymization for non-critical environments