Earlier, field service tasks took a lot of time considering the precision and accuracy companies needed to deliver services. The backend teams had to record transactions and other essential data manually and with that came the risk of losing all info due to fewer cybersecurity measures back then.
5 cybersecurity challenges in field service businesses
Security concerns for the remote workforce
Most field service management companies have a remote workforce to cater to a larger audience. So while employees work from home, not everyone has the same understanding of security in their home systems too. This may cause people to unknowingly allow cybercriminals to access their company files and leak sensitive data.
Cloud attacks on field management SaaS systems
Field service companies need to have a cloud infrastructure so that they can work from
anywhere and anytime. This also applies to any field service technician who is out in the field with limited access to the internet. The challenge here is that cybercriminals can target an entire system in a company, pausing all operations and causing losses to field service companies.
Risky banking experiences
On any field service management app, there are various systems in place to support transactions. It’s a must-have feature because people are now aware of availing services and paying for them online. Since such software deals with innumerable transactions in a day, the challenge here is to protect info about banking accounts, card numbers, and other login data from cyber attackers.
Mobile devices more prone to malware
The ease of use and operations has made more people purchase mobiles and companies becoming mobile-friendly. From consumers to field technicians, everyone needs a mobile system to stay connected at all times and there is a growing need to protect these devices from malware and spyware.
Insider attacks on field service management software
Insider attacks leave a lasting impression on the company due to the involvement of an insider or an ex-employee. Such people try to find loopholes in the system and gain unauthorized access to the data of the organization. To tackle such mishaps, you need to have strict procedures and smart technologies that keep data safe and minimize unapproved entries.
What is field service management?
Field service management is a process involving the dispatching of field service technicians to different locations for installation, maintenance, and follow-up procedures. Whether it’s repairing your refrigerator or installing WiFi at your home, field service management ensures and assigns adequately-skilled people to you.
Field service works in such a way that it stores and assesses the data of the customers on its database. Companies need to have robust firewalls and safety systems as a basic right to protect this data. Cyberattacks enter the company in various ways, like a field technician may connect to an unsecured WiFi network, thereby exposing the entire company to hacking and cyberattacks. For example, field service management software by Zuper identifies resolves, and mitigates its way through susceptible cyberattacks.
4 ways field service management software safeguards field service operations from cyberattacks
- Secures data centers
Professionally managed field service management software ensures that data centers are secure around the clock by assigning a team of experts who know safety practices. For an extra layer of security, the software constantly creates data backups. An advanced system also identifies threats and blocks them.
- Regularly updates services and devices
Field service management software always conducts bug-tracking and testing runs so that it can rectify glitches and shortcomings. The software ensures that it updates services and devices in use so that they’re capable to withstand cyberattacks.
- Applies encryption systems
Field service software stores data by the minute and uses encryption to make data understandable to only the application and the main server. This stops hackers and cybercriminals from gaining access as the data is incomprehensible to them.
- Implements authentication methods
User authentication methods are considered essential in companies today. Field service management software does the same by applying authentication methods where people directly involved with the company can access data via fingerprint scans or SMS codes.
Cyber security and field service software go hand-in-hand
You need to streamline field service scheduling, billing, and more to provide the best field service operations. With added security measures, you are taking your field services a step higher and ensuring customer satisfaction to the T. Book a demo with Zuper and our team will help you set up a complete cybersecurity solution for your field service business.
