by Jenny Reid
World Backup Day, observed on the 31st of March, reminded businesses globally, to protect their data from theft, loss or corruption and focuses on how essential it is that data protections are as comprehensive as possible.
Data protection, however, goes beyond regular data backups; it involves ensuring that the people who handle the data are trustworthy and reliable. This is where your HR department can work with your risk and IT departments to ensure that robust employee screening becomes a part of your company’s policies, and to ensure your workforce is moral and has integrity.
In an era where data is the backbone of every organisation, regular backups are crucial to protect against data loss due to accidents, cyberattacks, or technical failures. World Backup Day highlights the necessity of creating secure copies of all data, ensuring business continuity and minimising downtime.
Beyond data backups, the security and efficiency of your company policy can be enhanced significantly with comprehensive employee screening.
Here's how:
1. Building Trust and Integrity
Implementing thorough background checks ensures that every new hire and existing employee aligns with the company's values and possesses the integrity to handle sensitive information.
Companies can prevent unethical behaviour that could compromise data security by screening potential and existing employees for criminal records with a distinct focus on cybercrime, discrepancies in their qualifications, and conducting ongoing lifestyle audits to ensure that employees are living within their means.
2. Enhancing Data Security
The screening process for candidates in positions involving data management or sensitive information access is vital, and this screening process needs to be agreed upon by all departments.
Understanding an employee's past behaviour and adherence to prior and current security protocols reduces the risk of internal data breaches. This understanding of employee integrity complements tech-based safeguards like data backups or other software.
3. Fostering a Culture of Accountability
When employees know their backgrounds have been checked thoroughly and will continue to be checked, ongoing compliance is encouraged. Thus, a culture of continued accountability and professionalism is fostered.
Clear guidelines on data protection and ethical conduct become more than just policy; they are embraced as a shared responsibility that is held by all employees. Knowing “the boss” is watching, will encourage decent behaviour overall as no employee wants their boss to see them behaving in a questionable manner. This ongoing monitoring will also help organisations ensure the morals and beliefs held by employees reflect well on the company.
4. Improving Operational Efficiency
Effective employee screening can ensure that individuals with the right skills and attitudes are brought on board, enhancing team cohesion and overall satisfaction with the company culture which will reduce turnover rates.
A stable and competent workforce is better positioned to implement efficient data management practices, improving overall organisational performance.
As we acknowledge World Backup Day, it’s important to remember that protecting our data involves a multifaceted or holistic approach. By integrating comprehensive employee screening into company policy to avoid insider threats, businesses can create a secure and resilient environment that supports technological and human data protection. Investing in the right people ensures not only the safety of your data but also the long-term success and reputation of your organisation.
Jenny Reid is a Human Risk Expert and Professional Speaker, and the owner of iFacts based in South Africa, a specialist employee screening and vetting service. She is constantly assessing new and innovative ways to remove the people risk in any organisation. Since 2009 when she took over iFacts completely, she has seen the company double in size and hopes to continue this growth. iFacts specializes in employee Screening, risk assessments, employee wellness, investigations, and truth verification. Jenny is a past President of the Security Association of South Africa. Contact Jenni via email jenny@ifacts.co.za
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