The collaboration between Human Resources (HR) and Information Technology (IT) departments plays a vital role in the security and efficiency of a business. While the connection between these two areas may not seem obvious, working together can greatly impact cybersecurity, employee onboarding and offboarding, and overall operational stability.
In the recent episode of Stimulus Tech Talk, CEO Nathan Whittacre discusses why businesses should focus on aligning HR and IT efforts. Here’s a guide with actionable steps your company can take to enhance this collaboration.
Why Communication Between HR and IT Matters
A lack of communication between HR and IT is often at the root of onboarding and offboarding problems. HR must inform IT of new hires and terminations promptly to ensure user accounts are set up or deactivated without delay. This coordination is critical, as lingering active accounts of former employees pose serious cybersecurity risks.
Action Step: Establish a formal communication process that ensures HR provides IT with timely updates on all employee changes. This will help keep data secure and operations smooth.
Create Comprehensive Onboarding and Offboarding Checklists
Having detailed checklists for onboarding and offboarding is essential for seamless transitions. Nathan highlighted that knowing in advance what equipment, software access, and permissions a new employee needs allows IT to prepare effectively.
Action Step: Develop a checklist that HR and IT can share to outline a new employee’s role, the required hardware and software, and any account permissions. This checklist helps ensure a smooth start for new hires and a secure offboarding process for those leaving the company.
Develop Clear, Up-to-Date Policies
Policies related to IT use, data sharing, social media, and emerging tech like AI are essential for protecting company data. Regular policy reviews ensure your business stays current with industry changes.
Action Step: Schedule joint policy review sessions with HR, IT, and senior management at least once a year or whenever significant technological changes occur. Update and communicate these policies to all staff to maintain clarity and adherence.
Integrate Continuous Cybersecurity Training
HR can play an influential role in fostering cybersecurity awareness throughout the company. Ongoing training helps employees stay alert to threats and avoid risky behaviors, such as clicking on phishing links.
Action Step: Implement regular cybersecurity training as part of the onboarding process and require annual refresher courses. Partner with IT or an external provider to deliver interactive training sessions and simulated phishing exercises.
Ensure the Security of HR Data
HR departments often manage highly sensitive information, including social security numbers, payroll details, and bank account data. Nathan stressed the importance of IT’s role in ensuring this information is protected and compliant with regulations.
Action Step: Conduct regular audits of HR data storage and sharing practices. Verify that all sensitive data is encrypted and only accessible to authorized personnel. Make sure any third-party HR service providers meet compliance standards like SOC 2 or HIPAA.
Collaborate on Access and Administrative Privileges
Granting administrative rights should be approached with caution. HR should support IT in determining which employees genuinely need administrative access to maintain security.
Action Step: Implement a least-privilege access policy. Regularly review access permissions and adjust them as employees’ roles evolve to minimize potential vulnerabilities.
Promote a Culture of Cybersecurity Awareness
HR plays a crucial role in embedding a company culture where cybersecurity is prioritized. This involves regular reminders of best practices and promoting adherence to policies.
Action Step: Include cybersecurity discussions in company meetings and training sessions. HR should take responsibility for ensuring employees complete training and follow security policies, with support from IT for technical guidance.
Watch the Full Episode for More Insights
These actionable steps are just a starting point. To learn more about aligning HR and IT to strengthen your business’s cybersecurity, listen to the full episode of Stimulus Tech Talk or watch it on YouTube. Gain deeper insights and practical tips for updating your processes and protecting your business from security threats.
Take the next step toward a safer, more efficient workplace. Listen to the episode today or watch on YouTube!