If you’re a Human Resources (HR) consultant, you’re responsible for managing an extensive range of sensitive data. This includes personal details, bank information, and other onboarding materials. That’s why it’s crucial to have robust cyber security measures in place to protect this information from potential breaches.
Unfortunately, many HR professionals don’t have GDPR-compliant processes in place, making them an attractive target for hackers. Joanna Goddard from BRIM, the consultancy arm of WMCRC, has been working diligently to ensure that all HR professionals are educated on cyber security. This article will discuss the importance of cyber security for HR consultants, the risks of non-compliance, and include best practices for protecting your sensitive data.
The importance of cyber security in HR
HR consultants are the custodians of a vast amount of personal and sensitive information. This data is not only valuable to the organisation but also highly attractive to cyber criminals. A breach of this information can have significant consequences for both the individuals affected and the organisation, including financial losses, reputational damage, and potential legal action.
Joanna of BRIM stresses the importance of incorporating cyber resilience into HR management, stating, "It’s essential that HR consultants keep themselves informed about the latest developments in cyber security and data protection. This will enable them to make informed decisions about the measures they need to implement to protect their clients and their organisations."
The risks of non-compliance
Failing to implement GDPR-compliant processes can result in severe penalties for HR consultants. Organisations can face fines of up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover, whichever is higher, for non-compliance with GDPR. Beyond the dire financial consequences, non-compliance can also lead to a loss of trust from clients and potential damage to your professional reputation.
Moreover, non-compliant HR consultants are at a heightened risk of data breaches, as hackers are more likely to target organisations with weaker cyber security measures. This can lead to the loss or theft of sensitive data, causing significant distress to the individuals affected and exposing the organisation to further penalties and legal action.
Best practices for HR consultants
To ensure GDPR compliance and protect sensitive data, HR consultants should adopt the following best practices:
Regularly review and update your data protection policies
Ensure that your organisation's data protection policies are up-to-date and in line with the latest GDPR regulations. This includes having a clear and concise privacy notice, implementing robust security measures, and regularly reviewing and updating your policies as needed.
Conduct risk assessments
Identify the potential risks associated with your data processing activities and implement measures to mitigate these risks. Regularly review and update your risk assessments to ensure that your cyber security measures remain effective and compliant.
Train staff on data protection and cyber security
Ensure that all staff members, including HR consultants, are trained on data protection and cyber security best practices. This includes understanding their responsibilities under GDPR, recognising potential cyber threats, and knowing how to respond in the event of a data breach.
Implement strong access controls
Restrict access to sensitive data to only those individuals who require it for their job roles. Implement strong authentication measures, such as two-factor authentication, to protect against unauthorised access.
Encrypt sensitive data
Use encryption to protect sensitive data both at rest and in transit. This can help to prevent unauthorised access and ensure that your data remains secure even in the event of a breach.
Regularly monitor and test your cyber security measures
Implement ongoing monitoring and testing of your cyber security measures to ensure their effectiveness. This can include regular vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and security audits.
As HR consultants, it’s crucial to recognise the importance of cyber security and GDPR compliance in protecting sensitive data. By adhering to best practices and regularly reviewing and updating your data protection policies, you can reduce the risk of data breaches and the associated consequences.
By taking a proactive approach to cyber security, HR consultants can not only safeguard sensitive data but also enhance their professional reputation and build trust with their clients.
In a world where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, it’s crucial for HR professionals to stay ahead of the curve and ensure that their cyber security measures are both compliant and effective. Get in touch today to start complying with cyber security.