HR: First Line of Defense in Preventing Insider Cyber-Attacks
“There are 80 to 90 million plus cyber security events per year, with close to 400 new threats every minute, and up to 70 percent of attacks going undetected,” reported Sarbjit Nahal of the Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
Even the best security measures and guidelines do not insulate a company from cyber-attacks. Billions of dollars are being spent to establish the best systems and practices to protect data, customers, employees, and corporate intelligence from outside attacks.
But what about insider attacks, which rank among the top three most common cybersecurity crimes? Disgruntled current employees, ex-employees, and members of sophisticated criminal organizations that pose as applicants contribute to insider attacks. According to Heimdal Security, “59% of employees steal proprietary corporate data when they quit or are fired.”
Without security improvements, fraudsters can make it through the recruitment and screening process far enough to cause serious damage. By utilizing new technology human resources can screen out potential insider threats or identify a fraud before they are hired.
Human resource professionals are the first line of defense against insider threats.
For decades, criminal history searches have been considered the gold standard and best practice in screening employees. While criminal history searches are still invaluable in identifying unqualified employees, or those who may pose a threat to the company’s employees or assets, organizations are looking to more comprehensive solutions.
Corporations are introducing enterprise-wide solutions that begin in the hiring process. Identity services are the new launch pad from which background checks start.
Identity authentication services create a higher level of corporate security
There are several benefits to ID authentication services, with which you can:
- Confirm data on the government-issued ID is valid
- Discover if an applicant’s government-issued ID has been altered or is counterfeit
- Make certain that the picture on the ID matches the face of the person using the identification,
with biometric facial recognition - Save time in having to data-enter information from the ID
- Use the biometrics obtained, including signature and facial biometrics for badging, facility
access, and other security practices
Besides the additional layer of security provided by ID services, it takes only seconds for the applicant to go through the process, saving time for both the applicant and for HR. In less than a minute, the applicant’s identity is verified.
InfoMart’s identity screening services can be conducted by an applicant on any mobile device, anytime and anywhere. The applicant doesn’t need to physically be in your offices to verify their identity. Identity screening assists companies in deterring fraud as an applicant cannot move forward in the hiring process until a government-issued ID matches the biometrics of the person using the ID.
The cutting-edge extension of ID authentication is the ability to use biometrics in numerous ways throughout the organization, establishing a higher level of security for access. Knowing an employer has the correct identity information is a deterrent to malicious insiders.
Cyber-attacks are on the rise, but organizations are increasingly looking to deploy new best practices to protect their data, customers, employees and brand. With identity screening services, HR can provide the first level of enterprise workforce security.
About Tammy Cohen
Tammy Cohen, an industry pioneer and expert in identity and employment screening, founded InfoMart 30 years ago. Deemed the “Queen of Screen,” she’s been a force behind industry-leading innovations. She was most recently the first-to-market with a fully compliant sanctions search, as well as a suite of identity services that modernizes talent onboarding. Tammy revolutionized the screening industry when she stepped into the field, developing the first client-facing application and a due diligence criminal search that has since become standard for all background screening companies. Cohen has received national awards and honors for her business and civic involvement, including Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 25 Women-Owned Firms in Atlanta, Enterprising Women Magazine’s Enterprising Women of the Year award, the YWCA of Northwest Georgia’s Kathryn Woods Racial Justice Award, and a commendation in the 152nd Congressional Record.
About InfoMart
InfoMart has been revolutionizing the global background and identity screening industry for 30 years, providing businesses the information they need to make informed hiring decisions. They develop innovative technology that modernizes talent onboarding, including a first-to-market biometric identity authentication application and a verified sanctions search. The WBENC-certified company is a founding member of the Professional Background Screening Association, and they have achieved PBSA accreditation in recognition of their consistent business practices and commitment to compliance with the FCRA. The company is dedicated to customer service, speed, and accuracy, and it has been recognized for its success, workplace culture, and corporate citizenship with over 45 industry awards. To Get the Whole Story on InfoMart, please visit www.InfoMart-USA.com, follow @InfoMartUSA, or call (770) 984-2727.