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.