In today’s digital landscape, robust application security measures are more critical than ever for protecting sensitive data and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Infor Security stands at the forefront of enterprise cloud security solutions, with comprehensive tools to safeguard organizational information and assets made available. This powerful platform integrates seamlessly with Infor’s suite of applications, providing advanced features such as user authentication, access control, and activity monitoring.
This article discusses Infor Security’s key functionalities and benefits, exploring how it empowers organizations to defend against cyber threats, maintain data integrity, and ensure a secure operational environment.
Key Takeaways
- Infor employs a comprehensive, multi-layered security strategy that includes role-based access controls, secure coding practices, and continuous monitoring to safeguard customer data from various threats.
- Infor’s cloud security measures are robust, featuring ISO 27001 certification, SSAE 16 assessments, and compliance with regulatory frameworks such as GDPR and FedRAMP, ensuring high data protection and privacy standards.
- Business continuity and high availability are ensured through redundancy in multiple data centers, disaster recovery plans, and automatic failover mechanisms, minimizing service interruptions and enhancing reliability for customers.
Comprehensive Infor Security Strategy
Infor employs a ‘defense-in-depth’ strategy, which involves multiple layers of overlapping security controls designed to protect customer data from all angles. This approach ensures that even if one layer is breached, others are in place to protect the data. This multi-layered strategy is not static; it evolves continuously to meet new security challenges and compliance requirements.
Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC) are a cornerstone of Infor’s security posture. Infor secures user access by strictly enforcing the principles of ‘least privilege’ and ‘need to know.’ This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Additionally, Infor’s Cloud Identity & Access Management System, managed through Infor Federation Services (IFS) and the Infor Federated Hub, streamlines user authentication and provisioning.
Infor’s cloud environment offers the following security features:
- Integration of security best practices
- Continuous review and testing
- Centralized cloud security resources
- Robust Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) system
- Monitoring of business processes and risks
- Comprehensive, multi-layered approach
- Strong security posture against potential threats
Application Security Best Practices
Infor integrates security requirements directly into the software design process, mitigating risks early and ensuring a solid security foundation. Infor also regularly applies, reviews, and updates security best practices to minimize vulnerabilities in software design and enhance overall application security. Some of the security measures taken by Infor include:
- Integrating security requirements into the software design process
- Applying, reviewing, and updating security best practices
- Implementing secure coding practices
- Conducting OWASP-based code reviews
Vulnerability and penetration testing are performed throughout the product lifecycle to identify and address security gaps. Infor’s approach to application security encompasses secure development practices, dynamic password management, and digital certificate management, each of which is crucial in maintaining a secure environment for applications and data.
Secure Development Lifecycle
Infor’s Secure Development Lifecycle (SDLC) process ensures that security is a priority from the outset. Incorporating code reviews based on the OWASP Top 10 guidelines allows Infor to detect and address design flaws early, thus preventing costly fixes later in the development process. Tools for static and dynamic analysis help identify security vulnerabilities during coding and testing.
Application patches, updates, and regular vulnerability and penetration testing are integral to Infor’s SDLC process. This comprehensive approach ensures that software remains secure throughout its lifecycle, providing customers with reliable and secure applications.
Dynamic Password Management
Centrally managed passwords and forced password changes enhance security within the comprehensive Infor landscape. Network management staff are automatically alerted to unsuccessful password attempts, enabling quick responses to potential security threats. This proactive approach helps maintain a secure environment and reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
Digital Certificates Management
Digital certificates are essential for authenticating cloud sessions and ensuring secure communication between systems. Infor’s use of digital certificates guarantees that only authenticated systems can interact with the cloud, providing additional security for data transmission activities.
Robust Network Security Measures
Infor’s network security measures are designed to protect customer data through a defense-in-depth strategy that includes multiple layers of security. Firewalls, separate cloud environments, and other network security controls help safeguard internal network resources from unauthorized access and intrusion. This robust approach ensures the integrity and confidentiality of customer data.
The network security strategy is further strengthened through layered defense architecture, physical security protocols, and secure data transmission methods. Each component plays a vital role in maintaining a secure environment for Infor’s cloud services.
Layered Defense Architecture
Infor’s layered defense architecture employs multiple security measures to protect against intrusions. Firewall segmentation and two-factor authentication are part of this strategy, ensuring that even if one layer is breached, others remain in place to provide protection for critical business data. This approach includes system-level security as the last line of defense and transmission-level security to protect data communications.
Incorporating multiple security layers ensures a robust posture that can withstand various threats. This comprehensive strategy is designed to protect customer data from all angles, providing peace of mind and security.
Physical Security Protocols
Infor’s data centers employ stringent physical security protocols to protect sensitive data. Biometric access controls, guard-controlled entry with man-trap technology, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring ensure that only authorized personnel can access physical company facilities. These measures help prevent unauthorized access and protect physical assets from tampering.
Access to data centers is restricted to registered guests only, and locked cage spaces further safeguard physical assets. These physical security protocols complement Infor’s overall security strategy, ensuring a secure environment for customer data and company assets.
Data Transmission Protocols
Infor uses SSL/TLS protocols to ensure secure data transmission across its systems. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encrypts data transmitted over untrusted networks like the Internet, while transaction-based logic protects data integrity during communication. These protocols ensure that data remains:
- Confidential
- Protected
- Secure
- Encrypted
- Safe
Cloud Security and Compliance
Infor’s cloud security measures include a defense-in-depth strategy, 24/7 monitoring, and adherence to privacy policies and technical controls. Separating the Infor Cloud from the corporate network helps enforce stringent network security and prevent unauthorized access. This comprehensive approach ensures the confidentiality of customer data in the cloud.
Compliance with international standards and regulatory requirements is a critical aspect of Infor’s cloud security strategy. This includes obtaining ISO 27001 certification, conducting SSAE 16 assessments, and adhering to various data privacy frameworks.
ISO 27001 Certification
Infor follows ISO 27001 standards and maintains certifications to ensure information confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This certification process involves regular reviews and updates to Infor’s security controls. Adherence to these international standards demonstrates Infor’s strong commitment to information security management.
Infor’s intuitive log monitoring practices are also aligned with ISO/IEC27001 standards, further enhancing security and compliance. This comprehensive approach ensures that Infor’s security practices meet industry standards.
SSAE 16 Assessments
Infor conducts SSAE 16 SOC 1 Type II assessments to provide independent evaluations of their control measures. These assessments involve independent auditor evaluations to verify the effectiveness of controls, ensuring that Infor’s security measures are robust and reliable.
Regulatory Compliance
Infor adheres to various regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with data protection laws. This includes GDPR compliance, which validates Infor’s adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation. Infor Government Solutions (IGS) helps customers meet standards like FedRAMP, NIST 800-53, and ITAR.
Infor also complies with the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and the Swiss-U.S. Data Privacy Framework to ensure Infor’s privacy practices meet international standards and provide customers with confidence in the security of their data.
Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response
Real-time monitoring, automated logging, and dedicated security staff are utilized to detect and respond to security incidents within Infor. Real-time alerting systems and firewall segmentation are key elements of Infor’s proactive defense strategy. This approach ensures potential threats are identified and addressed proactively.
Incident response strategies are in place to ensure rapid action and resolution in case of any detected security breaches or anomalies. Infor’s security team operates 24/7 to monitor the cloud environment and address security concerns as they arise.
Logging and Monitoring
Infor employs centralized logging systems and real-time monitoring to manage and analyze logs for improved security oversight. Automated logging of system activity and events helps detect potential security threats early.
Log monitoring tools like Better Stack and Papertrail provide comprehensive visualization and alerting features, enhancing Infor’s ability to detect and respond to security incidents. This approach ensures that Infor stays ahead of potential threats and vulnerabilities, no matter what.
Security Event Recognition
Infor uses advanced technologies, including machine learning, to automatically recognize and flag potential security events. The Intrusion Protection Engine captures and analyzes intrusion attempts in real-time, allowing for immediate action. This proactive approach ensures that security incidents are identified and addressed before they can cause significant harm.
Predefined thresholds and patterns recognized through log analysis help escalate security incidents. This structured approach to security event recognition ensures that potential threats are managed efficiently and effectively, maintaining a secure environment for Infor’s customers.
Technical Escalation Procedures
Infor follows structured response protocols and technical escalation procedures to address and mitigate identified vulnerabilities. Network management staff are trained to use detailed escalation procedures, ensuring a structured and effective response to technical incidents. This approach ensures that security concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
User Authentication and Provisioning
Various protocols and integration solutions are employed to support secure user authentication and provisioning. The use of SAML 2.0 and OpenID Connect protocols ensures secure access management. Infor’s Cloud Identity & Access Management system integrates with identity management solutions such as Azure AD, Okta, and AD FS, enhancing user authentication.
Infor’s solutions include Single Sign-On (SSO) implementation, SCIM user automation, and integration diagrams. These features ensure a seamless and secure user experience while enhancing security controls and reducing administrative overhead.
Single Sign-On (SSO) Implementation
Infor utilizes Infor Security Token Service (InforSTS) as the identity provider for SSO, facilitating seamless authentication for users across different applications using the Portal Federation Hub. This approach ensures users have seamless access without remembering multiple passwords, reducing administrative overhead and enhancing security.
SCIM User Automation
Infor OS is SCIM 1.1 and 2.0 compliant, allowing automated user provisioning and consistent updates of user attributes and roles. SCIM facilitates the exchange of user identity information between identity domains or IT systems, reducing the risk of errors in user account management and enhancing security.
Automated user provisioning ensures that user attributes and roles are consistently updated, maintaining a secure environment and reducing administrative overhead. This approach enhances the overall security posture and reliability of core Infor systems.
Integration Diagrams
Integration diagrams help visualize the flow of automated user provisioning between systems. These visual tools are helpful in understanding the interactions between CSV and API-based provisioning methods, helping to streamline the provisioning process and ensure consistent updates.
Business Continuity and High Availability
Infor leverages multiple data centers to ensure redundancy and high service availability. Disaster recovery strategies are integrated to ensure business continuity in the cloud, mitigating system interruptions and maintaining operations during incidents.
Infor’s business continuity and high availability features include a comprehensive continuity plan and high availability mechanisms in the cloud. These strategies ensure that customer operations are not disrupted, providing a reliable and secure environment for business activities.
Infor Business Continuity Plan
Infor’s Business Continuity Plan includes enterprise resource planning and:
- Identifying critical business functions and leadership to maintain operations during incidents
- Addressing common disaster recovery concerns
- Conducting comprehensive risk assessments
- Regularly updating the plan to address potential new threats.
Infor maintains a comprehensive Disaster Recovery plan that allows data centers to provide backup services for each other globally. A crisis management team also meets frequently to assess risks and document disaster responses, ensuring recovery procedures are effective and aligned with current risks.
High Availability in the Cloud
Infor CloudSuite employs high availability features to minimize customer downtime. Automatic failover mechanisms and routine system maintenance ensure continuous service availability, mitigating the impact of potential disruptions and maintaining customer operations.
Security Awareness and Training
Cultivating a culture of security awareness helps organizations reduce the risk of data breaches by promoting vigilant behavior among employees. Continuous education, phishing simulations, and recognition of outstanding security behavior are methods employed by Infor to promote security awareness and ensure users are prepared if threats arise. By adopting this approach, employees can stay ahead in recognizing and responding to security threats.
Training Programs
Employee training and awareness programs are a key component of Infor’s business continuity plan. Infor delivers security awareness training year-round through various communication channels to cater to different learning preferences. Internal phishing simulations teach employees how to detect phishing attacks, increasing overall security awareness and knowledge if phising situations occur.
Security training programs are regularly updated to reflect new threats and best practices. By promoting a positive security culture and recognizing outstanding security behavior, Infor ensures that employees remain engaged and proactive in maintaining a secure environment.
Customer Data Ownership and Privacy Practices
With Infor’s built-in security features, customers can retain ownership of their data and have the ability to retrieve it at the end of their engagement. Privacy practices protect customer data from unauthorized access and ensure compliance with applicable laws. Infor’s privacy policy guarantees that personal data is collected and used in accordance with these laws.
Infor applies specific privacy policies, procedures, and technical controls to protect customer data and ensure GDPR compliance. Customers have the right to be informed about collecting and using their personal data, ensuring transparency and security. These practices ensure that Infor’s customers can trust in the confidentiality and security of their data stored across the Infor landscape.
Data Ownership Policies
Infor guarantees the following regarding customer data:
- Customers maintain ownership of their data throughout their engagement
- Customers are acknowledged as data controllers
- Customers can retrieve their data at the conclusion of their engagement with Infor
- Customers have control over their data and can manage it according to their needs
Privacy Practices
Infor’s built-in privacy practices are designed to:
- Protect customer data
- Ensure compliance with GDPR
- Allow customers to request access to their personal data held by Infor
- Ensures transparency and control over critical customer information
- Process personal data for legitimate business purposes
- Store personal data only as long as necessary
By applying specific privacy policies, procedures, and technical controls, Infor ensures the protection of customer data. These measures ensure that Infor’s customers can trust in the security and confidentiality of their data, maintaining a secure environment for business operations.
Wrapping Things Up
Infor’s comprehensive security strategy employs a multi-layered approach to protect customer data. From application security best practices to robust network security measures, Infor ensures a secure environment for businesses. Continuous monitoring, incident response, and user authentication further enhance security, while business continuity and high availability ensure uninterrupted operations.
However, when it comes to maintaining up-to-date security regulations, outlining plans for data protection, and ensuring all employees understand their unique permissions, it can sometimes be a little too much for internal teams to handle on their own.
Surety Systems provides personalized Infor consulting services to ensure your internal teams understand how to use their Infor solutions properly and are prepared for continuous improvement over time.
Get Started with Our Team
Whether you need help implementing Infor solutions for the first time, navigating complex integrations with third-party applications, or just ensuring your internal teams stay on the same page, our team of senior-level Infor consultants is here to help.
Contact us today for more information about our Infor/Lawson consulting services and how our team can help you make the most of the technology you already own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Infor ensure secure user authentication?
Infor ensures secure user authentication by supporting SAML 2.0 and OpenID Connect protocols, integrating with identity management solutions, and offering Single Sign-On (SSO) implementation for seamless and secure authentication.
What measures does Infor take to ensure physical asset protection?
Infor takes several measures to ensure physical security, including biometric access controls, guard-controlled entry, CCTV monitoring, and restricted access to data centers, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and safeguarding core organizational processes.
How does Infor comply with GDPR?
Infor complies with GDPR through dedicated privacy programs, validation of GDPR adherence, and specific privacy policies, procedures, and technical controls to protect customer data.
What is the role of machine learning in Infor's security strategy?
Machine learning plays a crucial role in Infor’s security strategy by automatically recognizing and flagging potential security events, enhancing its ability to detect and respond to security incidents effectively.