Human resources employees must collaborate with their organization’s IT and security professionals to ensure that sensitive employee data is protected because it is among the most sensitive and important data on many firm networks.
Employee information is vulnerable to attack and exploitation through a variety of techniques, such as social engineering, also known as phishing or smishing; malware; a lack of software updates, which can allow hackers to gain remote access to a system; and web vulnerabilities, particularly ERP vulnerabilities, such as password compromise and SQL injection. Security for the organization can benefit from HR’s new viewpoint and their already regular connection with employees.
So how does HR play a role in preventing cyber attacks?
HR manages sensitive information
Many IT and security initiatives focus on customer information and intellectual property, with HR records often taking a backseat. Hackers can exploit employee records, salary details and internal corporate procedures.
HR employees may forget they have sensitive records on their personal devices or fail to follow the best procedures for storing and protecting this data.
HR must work with their company’s IT and security professionals to ensure HR staff are properly protecting sensitive company information.
To make sure HR workers are appropriately safeguarding critical company information, HR must collaborate with their firm’s IT and security professionals.
HR communicates company policies
Legal counsel and HR employees frequently collaborate on security policies, including the development, upkeep, and enforcement of authorized usage guidelines.
Since HR staff routinely interacts with employees, they are in a good position to advise them about security and privacy standards. They also frequently work to keep security issues at the forefront of employees’ minds. For example, some HR departments host dedicated training initiatives, while others rely on newsletters and videos.
HR helps with compliance
Because some facets of state, federal, and international privacy and security compliance rules call for HR experience, HR specialists are frequently a key element of compliance-related activities, just like with security policy work. This is especially true for larger businesses with staff or offices spread across several different nations.
The development of procedures for user on-boarding and off-boarding, security awareness and training, and the measures for incident response in the event of a crisis may be handled by HR.
HR brings a new perspective
Some HR professionals already serve on their IT and security governance committee, as it’s only natural that HR should help get the word out on security and assist with policy creation and administration when needed.
Employees from HR who participate on these committees should not be averse to putting forward fresh perspectives. Their viewpoint can assist security and IT experts in maximizing business resilience and lowering business risks.
5 questions HR and IT should ask to help prevent cyber attacks
- What is HR’s current role in improving security for the organization and how can the organization improve it?
- What HR-related information assets exist across the enterprise on both the local network and in the cloud?
- How is the company protecting these assets?
- What gaps or opportunities exist and how can the organization make improvements, technically or operationally?
- What are some quick wins that the company can implement in the coming months to ensure that risks are understood and mitigated to a reasonable level?
HR has a key role to play in ensuring the organization is following best cybersecurity practices. Security is not just IT’s responsibility — it’s an integral part of the company and must include critical business functions like HR.
Do you work in HR and do you think your company needs more help with cybersecurity? Our IT engineers are ready to help you and well-versed in the technology and industry that surrounds it. Schedule your Complimentary Business Systems Assessment today!
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