It's Cybersecurity Awareness Month. How Secure is Your CRA's Data?

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and InformData is celebrating by emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in the background screening industry. In today’s digital age where personal information is a valuable currency, ensuring the security of this sensitive data is paramount.

In honor of this month, we wanted to take a moment to shed light on the potential risks associated with working with background screening data providers that lack stringent cybersecurity measures, and the importance of choosing a reliable and secure provider.

The Risks of Inadequate Cybersecurity Practices

Cybersecurity encompasses protecting an organization's networks, programs, and data from cyber threats. Unfortunately, today's digital landscape is fraught with threats ranging from sophisticated hackers to malware attacks, making cybersecurity a top priority. Background screening data providers handle a vast amount of sensitive information such as personally identifiable information (PII) and criminal records. Without robust cybersecurity measures, this data is vulnerable to unauthorized access, theft, and misuse.

Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs) and others in the background screening industry must be hyper-critical of the security protocols of those they do business with. Partnering with a provider that has inadequate cybersecurity practices can have dire implications. For example, providers with lax security measures are susceptible to data breaches, leading to the exposure of sensitive personal information. This can result in identity theft, financial fraud, and more.

Additionally, organizations that fail to protect their clients’ data risk severe reputational damage. News of a data breach can erode trust, leading to customer loss and potential legal consequences. And of course, let’s not forget about compliance issues. Inadequate cybersecurity practices can lead to non-compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and can result in hefty fines and legal actions.

Choosing a Secure Background Screening Data Provider

Before choosing a data provider, ask the following questions about their security practices:

• Do you use encryption protocols to protect data during transmission and storage?
• Do you conduct regular security audits and update your system to address emerging threats?
• Are you compliant with relevant data protection regulations?
• Are you willing to share information about your cybersecurity measures?

Providers that are transparent about their security protocols and practices help to reassure clients of their commitment to data security, and their measures also indicate their commitment to protecting customer data and maintaining the highest security standards.

InformData is Your Secure Data Partner

At InformData, cybersecurity is our top priority. From secure integrations to in-depth quality and compliance controls, we take every step necessary to ensure the data we handle is protected from end to end.

Our commitment to security is exemplified by our Direct-Source Data® methodology, which provides a direct line between CRAs, their end users, and the courts, with as few layers of separation as possible. Doing so helps to mitigate risk and improve security by eliminating the middlemen in the data supply chain. By removing unnecessary layers, we minimize data breach points and have more control over the security of our network and data.

In an age where data is king, prioritizing cybersecurity is not just an option but a necessity. As Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us, understanding the potential dangers of working with background screening data providers lacking stringent cybersecurity measures is vital. By choosing a provider with robust security practices, individuals and organizations can safeguard sensitive information, maintain trust, and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

We’d love to discuss how our cybersecurity measures and Direct-Source Data procedures can keep your CRA and your data secure. Let's talk!