Human Resource Security

5 minutes 5 Questions

Human Resource Security focuses on implementing policies, procedures, and training programs to address the human aspect of information security, mitigating potential risks posed by employees, contractors, and other stakeholders. This includes personnel security procedures, such as background checks…

Guide: Human Resource Security - Importance, Working, and Exam Tips

Human Resource Security is a crucial aspect of an organization's information security system. Why it is important:
It ensures that employees neither unknowingly nor intentionally harm the company's cyber security. It also ensures that employees understand their roles and responsibilities regarding the company's security and that the organization's HR processes are built around maintaining security.

What it is:
Human Resource Security is a field that aligns the human resource processes with security-related policies and procedures to minimize the human risk factor in cyber security. It involves implementing practices to check employees’ security clearance, performing background checks, and defining roles and access privileges.

How it works:
Procedures include pre- and post-employment checks and drills such as contractual agreements that specify security roles and obligations, job descriptions that outline the security responsibilities, continuous awareness training, and exit processes that ensure the return of all company assets, then disabling physical and digital access along with conducting exit interviews.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Human Resource Security
For exam, understanding the concepts from a practical business standpoint helps. Familiarity with HR security policies and procedures, highlighting the importance of pre and post-employment forms and checks, and the need for continuous education and awareness on cyber risks, are essential. Additionally, learn about the different ways a company can mitigate insider threats, including technical and non-technical methods. Think of the long-term implications of HR security beyond just the onboarding process, consider the implementation throughout the employee life cycle. Having an idea of how these guidelines fit into the broader CISSP framework is also beneficial.

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Question 1

You have been asked to develop a security awareness training for your organization. Which topic should be prioritized to address human resource security risks?

Physical security mechanisms Encryption protocols Password complexity rules Firewall configurations

Correct Answer: Physical security mechanisms

Physical security mechanisms should be prioritized to address human resource security risks in a security awareness training program. This topic is crucial because it encompasses measures to protect physical assets, facilities, and personnel from unauthorized access, theft, and other potential threats. Physical security mechanisms include access control systems, security cameras, visitor management protocols, and secure storage practices. By focusing on physical security, organizations can prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access to sensitive areas or information, reduce the risk of insider threats, and create a foundation for overall security awareness. Employees need to understand their role in maintaining physical security, such as properly using access cards, reporting suspicious activities, and securing sensitive documents. Prioritizing this topic helps create a comprehensive security culture that addresses both digital and physical aspects of information protection.

Question 2

Your company is hiring a new network administrator. During the interview, the candidate acknowledges experience with pentesting, however, they do not have any criminal background information. How should the candidate's pentesting claims be addressed?

Hire the candidate and trust their word. Ask the candidate to submit a written explanation of their pentesting activities. Disallow the candidate from working with sensitive systems. Request a comprehensive background check and verify the candidate's references.

Correct Answer: Request a comprehensive background check and verify the candidate's references.

The correct action is to request a comprehensive background check and verify the candidate's references. This ensures that the candidate's experience is legitimate and that they have not engaged in unauthorized activities. The other options either do not address the issue, impede the hiring process, or put the company at risk.

Question 3

Your company is implementing a new HR information system that will handle employee information, including Social Security numbers and salary data. A vendor must be chosen for the project. What should be included in the vendor's contract?

A statement of willingness to work for future projects. A requirement that the vendor hires their own subcontractors. An agreement to provide complimentary product updates. Include data protection and privacy requirements.

Correct Answer: Include data protection and privacy requirements.

Including data protection and privacy requirements in the vendor's contract is essential to ensure that sensitive data is properly safeguarded. The other options may provide value but are less essential for ensuring the security and privacy of sensitive employee information.

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