The Importance of Employee Rescreening in the Age of Digital Assassination
The age of digital assassination is upon us, with businesses facing a myriad of risks arising from online threats and disgruntled employees. But what is a “digital assassin”?
A digital assassin is a term used to describe an individual or group that deliberately targets a company, its reputation, or its sensitive information through cyberattacks, unauthorized leaks, or other digital means.
The Role of Disgruntled Employees in Cyberattacks and Reputational Damage
Digital assassins are very often current or former employees who have taken issue with your organisation. However, external actors with criminal intent could also be classed as digital assassins.
The term "digital assassination" highlights the potentially severe damage these attacks can inflict on a company's reputation, finances, and operations, often with long-lasting consequences.
In the modern work environment, it has become crucial for companies to protect their reputation and assets. Recent trends suggest that internal threats, including disgruntled current or former employees, play a significant role in cyberattacks and reputational damage.
These individuals may have access to sensitive information or systems, making it easier for them to harm the company.
One of the most effective strategies to mitigate such risks is implementing an employee rescreening program. Employee rescreening helps identify potential red flags, allowing businesses to address issues before they escalate.
Benefits of Employee Rescreening in Mitigating Risks
Employee rescreening offers numerous advantages in risk mitigation, including:
Ensuring up-to-date information on employees: Rescreening allows companies to monitor any changes in an employee's background, such as criminal convictions or financial issues, which may impact their suitability for their role.
Identifying potential red flags: Regular rescreening can reveal patterns of behaviour or changes in circumstances that may indicate potential risks to the company.
Maintaining compliance in regulated industries: For industries such as financial services or healthcare, periodic rescreening may be a legal or regulatory requirement, helping companies stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Best Practices for Implementing Rescreening Programs
To successfully implement an employee rescreening program, businesses should consider the following best practices:
Tailor rescreening policies to company and role-specific risks: Each organization and role has unique risks associated with it. Customize your rescreening policy to reflect these nuances and ensure appropriate checks are conducted.
Establish a clear rescreening schedule: Companies should determine the frequency of rescreening based on the level of risk associated with each role. This could range from annual checks for all employees to more frequent checks for high-risk positions.
Communicate the policy clearly: Make sure employees understand the purpose of rescreening and its importance to the company's security and reputation. Transparency will help foster a culture of trust and compliance.
In the age of digital assassination, it is essential for businesses to adapt their risk management strategies to the evolving threat landscape. Employee rescreening is a powerful tool for UK SMEs, providing a proactive approach to mitigating risks and protecting their reputation, assets, and workforce.
By implementing a tailored and robust rescreening program, companies can stay ahead of potential threats and create a more secure working environment. Personnel Checks can help you achieve this with a comprehensive review of your current screening and expert support. Get in touch today!