Top Technology Tips that Help HR Defend Against Security Threats

Did you know that over 300,000 items of malware are created per day? Cybersecurity threats have never been so high, in part driven by the surge in remote working due to the pandemic. HR, in particular, is at a high risk of cyber attacks due to the data that they handle. In fact, HR and talent acquisition are one of the top industries that experience cyber attacks.

The integration of cyber security and physical security for HR provides the best level of protection possible.

Here we look into the best technology currently available that helps HR defend against all types of security threats.

Types of Security Threats

HR departments are extremely vulnerable to security threats since they deal with a variety of people’s personal information.

Physical Security Threats

HR has always been vulnerable to physical security threats when working with a vast range of individuals. Working with potentially malicious strangers during a recruitment process is also an unpredictable risk they must consider and safeguard against.

This is a growing threat due to the implementation of hybrid working. Employees are increasingly adopting a more varied schedule by working in the office only part of the week. With so many employees entering the building on different days and at varied times, unauthorized personnel could gain entry.

In the aftermath of the global pandemic, there are new physical security threats for HR to consider concerning employee health. The spreading of illnesses such as COVID-19 is a real type of physical security threat and is almost an invisible enemy.

Cybersecurity Threats

Cyber attacks are at an all-time high, with HR being particularly vulnerable. HR maintains sensitive data such as personal information, payroll information, and financial data. Specific cyberattacks would aim to steal or copy this data so an appropriate risk assessment should address system vulnerabilities.

Such cyber security threats are exacerbated by hybrid and remote working, with some work completed outside of an official network. 

Integrating Security Technology

Integrating traditional security measures into cloud-based software is the future of security defense. But, how can new technology help HR defend against all security threats?

Building Access

Cloud-based access control systems are the foundation of building security. Authorized credentials that can be used with a touchless pad or smart lock can be remotely uploaded to an employee’s smartphone. You can use the credentials on your mobile phone to access the building, similar to contactless payments.

Smartphones are replacing the need for employees to use a key card or a key fob to access a building. The employee’s smartphone is much more secure, capitalizing on its multi-factor authentication. If the smartphone is lost or stolen, the password or biometrics of the phone will provide protection for access credentials.

Video intercom technology can be added to an access control system so that you can see who is entering and leaving the building. This is particularly useful as a guest management tool so that guests can be identified and permitted access. 

Additionally, with the rise of hybrid working and different work schedules, management can monitor who is entering the building.

Office Access

The best door security access control system can also be used internally to access offices or workspaces. The management can tailor the access to different internal rooms to alter credentials and allow limited access where required. Occupancy of rooms can be monitored and managed in this way, also.

Healthy Work Environments

Employers are creating COVID safe working environments by utilizing the latest technology effectively. Specific tools make use of wireless IoT devices. This includes the ability to implement touchless pads to allow entry into buildings and offices, minimizing contact. 

When linked to a video access control system, you can see who is entering the building and separate rooms. You can additionally monitor the number of people in any one space to minimize overcrowding.

You can use wireless, touchless controls to manage lighting, heating, and air conditioning. Settings can be amended remotely and monitored for efficiency. Contact is limited and all management can be done remotely.

Additionally, you can monitor the health of employees by taking employee temperatures and requiring health assessments. This can be done through specific apps and other software.

Remote Management

With cloud-based access control systems, workplace management technology can be managed remotely. You can control and amend anything from any location. For example, if an employee is no longer working for the company, their access credentials can be removed immediately. Such actions can be executed automatically.

Automation of Security Technology

You can centralize security technology implemented in the workplace so that your tools can be managed in one place. This enables you to create automations that use data from different platforms, which eliminates the inefficiencies of having to manually integrate this data.

For example, when an employee leaves the workplace, HR removes them from the payroll. The amalgamation of technology will then automatically remove access credentials from the employee profile. This security feature is more efficient for HR and removes the chance of human error.

Centralizing tools and enabling automation additionally allows for better analysis of processes. The monitoring and management of all relevant areas will be analyzed effectively, reducing manual workload and providing high-quality data. The sharing of data between tools also reduces expenses overall, providing a more efficient process.