At minimum, HR teams and executives should have a proactive plan in place which includes:

Refresh your employee policies: Clearly state usage best practices around email, internet, social media, and mobile devices/BYOD.
Train your employees on security measures: Don't assume new, or even seasoned employees, know security best practices — technology and scams change fast. Train all employees and managers on how to protect confidential information and why it matters.
Establish a telecommuting policy: With companies increasingly adopting telecommuting policies, it's critical to convey to employees that when they work outside of the office, sensitive company information is no longer in the control of the four walls of the office. Outline acceptable use of both company-issued and removable media devices, and confidentiality requirements around company documents and information.
Know how to identify risky employee behavior: If an employee's behavior is in question, investigate it. It could signal a threat to the security of sensitive corporate information.
Maximize exit interviews: Ensuring you have a proper exit interview procedure in place is critical in terms of making it part of a strategic HR effort to protect confidential information. Ask the employee for all work-related passwords for any computers, devices, accounts, and files he or she has had access to; work with your IT team as necessary to change the passwords. Conduct a return of property review; have the employee disclose all company information or devices in his or her control. Collect all keys, access cards, badges, company credit cards, and other property.

In today's digitized world, the chances of identity theft affecting your business are high. Employee education and training decreas the odds, as does having in place effective HR policies that are regularly reviewed and updated.

Instant Insights /

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