Is Your Accounting Software Safe? Exploring the Security Within Microsoft Business Central 🔐
- Alex Hughes
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
In today’s digital-first world, financial data is one of your most valuable assets—and also one of the most targeted. From phishing scams to insider threats, UK businesses face increasing pressure to keep their numbers secure. That’s why choosing accounting software with built-in security isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is more than just a tool for managing your books. It’s an all-in-one ERP platform with enterprise-grade security, designed to protect your data while helping your business grow. In this article, we’ll explore how Business Central keeps your information safe, and why it’s a smart move for UK organisations looking to future proof their finances.
Why Security Matters in Accounting Software 🧾
Whether you’re a small retail shop or a mid-sized manufacturing firm, your accounting software holds the keys to:
Bank details
Payroll records
Tax information
Supplier and customer invoices
Strategic forecasts
If that data falls into the wrong hands, the consequences can be severe—ranging from financial loss to legal action and reputational damage.
According to Forrester, 63% of data breaches are caused by weak or stolen credentials. And with the rise of hybrid working, businesses are more exposed than ever. That’s where Business Central stands out.
Built on Microsoft Azure: Enterprise-Grade Protection 🏰
Business Central is hosted in the cloud via Microsoft Azure, one of the most secure cloud platforms in the world. Here’s what that means for your business:
✅ 24/7 threat monitoring with AI-powered detection
✅ ISO/IEC 27001 & UK Cyber Essentials compliance
✅ Built-in firewalls and encryption protocols
✅ Regular security patching without downtime
Microsoft invests over $1 billion annually in cybersecurity research and employs more than 8,500 security experts to keep Azure—and by extension, Business Central—secure.
“Security is not a feature, it’s a foundation.” — Microsoft
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Your Data, Your Rules
Not every staff member needs access to sensitive financial data—and Business Central understands that. You can customise user permissions down to the finest detail, ensuring:
🔐 Finance teams can access what they need, and nothing more
👩💼 Sales reps can view customer data but not payroll
🧾 External accountants or auditors get time-limited access
This kind of role-based access control reduces the risk of internal misuse and ensures GDPR compliance by minimising exposure of personal data.
Secure Sign-Ins with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD)
With Microsoft Entra ID, users log in using secure, verified credentials. You can also:
Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Block logins from suspicious IPs or countries
Apply conditional access policies (e.g. only allow access from company laptops)
These policies are essential for remote work and hybrid teams, ensuring access is safe wherever your people are.
Audit Trails & Change Logs: Always Know Who Did What 📝
Business Central automatically logs every change to your financial records—who made it, when, and what was changed. This provides full traceability for:
Audits
Investigations
Month-end reviews
It’s peace of mind for directors and financial controllers who need full visibility over sensitive data.
Integration Security: Keep APIs Locked Down 🔒
Business Central connects with other Microsoft tools (like Excel, Power BI, and Teams) and third-party apps. But all integrations are managed through secure APIs, with:
✅ Encrypted data flows
✅ Secure OAuth 2.0 authorisation
✅ Admin controls over which apps can connect
So you can automate workflows without opening security holes.
Why UK Businesses Trust Microsoft for Secure Accounting Software 🇬🇧
From banks and law firms to logistics and manufacturing, UK businesses are switching to Microsoft-based systems because of the platform’s:
✔️ Proven security track record
✔️ UK data residency options
✔️ Integration with Microsoft 365 & Defender
✔️ Commitment to regulatory compliance (GDPR, HMRC MTD)
And with Business Central being cloud-first, your team can work securely from anywhere—without relying on outdated servers or VPNs.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle for Less When It Comes to Security
Security isn’t something you bolt on later—it’s something you build on from day one. Microsoft Business Central offers secure, scalable accounting software backed by world-class infrastructure and intelligent security features.
If your current system feels clunky, risky, or outdated, now might be the time to move to something safer.
Want to learn more?
Book a free discovery call with our Dynamics 365 experts. We’ll help you explore how secure, cloud-based accounting software can protect your data, streamline your processes, and give your business the confidence to grow.
