Application and System Implementation Reviews

New technological advances are essential to remain competitive and stimulate growth. Organizations rely upon computer applications and systems for their Business Processes. But the use of these applications and systems introduces several risks that may manifest in the form of loss of data confidentiality, integrity, or availability; increased financial burden, or a dip in performance. Some of the common risks associated with automated applications are:

1. Weak Security
2. Unauthorized Access and Remote Access
3. Inaccurate Information
4. Incomplete or Untimely Processing
5. Inadequate Training and Support

This creates the need for different controls and higher levels of data security. ERM can assist your organization in mitigating the risks related to the development of new and enhanced application systems as well as those in the light of existing applications. Our consultants have worked with clients over the years providing high quality services for applications and systems developed in-house as well as for external software products.

Web Application Reviews: As the complexity and seriousness of software threats continue to evolve and affect organizations and their consumers, web applications are an attractive target for hackers and criminals to commit fraud and other illegal activities. Web applications are exposed to more risk compared to other applications since they are freely available 24 hours a day, as a part of their very functionality. Additionally, web applications are one of the principal communication channels between an organization and its customers. This channel is effective only after organizations have established a trustworthy relationship with the client and a credible reputation. These objectives cannot be achieved when security stands on shaky ground.

Organizations need to integrate security into the development phase of their applications. If security is retro-fitted after the application is fully developed, the time and cost involved will leave the organization to deal with a heartache.

ERM can assist your organization with the design, implementation and testing of your web application. Our services include web application hacking testing ("black box testing"), web application reviews and full code reviews.

Pre Implementation Reviews: ERM can help address various risks associated with a system's development life cycle. Specifically, Pre Implementation Reviews cover the evaluation of project management practices, design of control structures and security requirements, participation during system testing, validity of data conversion, evaluation of system interfaces and general controls surrounding new or modified systems. Such reviews provide a cost effective approach to the enhancement of controls and security of the applications before systems are implemented into a production environment.

Post Implementation Reviews: ERM can also help address risks associated with new and modified systems that are already being used in a production environment. These reviews ensure that systems are operating as intended, meeting expected business objectives and that the security and general controls surrounding the applications are adequate.