Understanding the significance of HR security in achieving compliance with both ISO 27001 and NIS2 cannot be overstated. These frameworks play a vital role in maintaining the robustness and resilience of your organization's information security base. Whereas ISO 27001 provides an extensive set of best practices for information security management, NIS2 emphasizes having documented measures on HR security.
Below, we explore the key areas and best practices in which your HR team can help you achieve ISO 27001 and NIS2 compliance.
Human Resource (HR) departments play an essential role in preserving information security within organizations. This involves implementing security policies, procedures and best practices—critical activities that help achieve ISO 27001 and NIS2 compliance. This task may seem purely technical, but it combines both administrative and strategic efforts.
In order to maintain security and reduce risks, HR departments are tasked with the responsibility of developing and implementing reasonable security policies. These are key guidelines designed to protect an organization’s information systems from threats, whether external or internal. Procedures, on the other hand, refer to established methods of managing and safeguarding valuable data across various operational areas within the organization.
But the role of HR does not stop there. A significant part of HR's mission is to promote security awareness among employees. Regular security training sessions, suitable ways of communicating about current threats, and digital hygiene best practices all become part of HR's tool set. Informed employees are less likely to fall victim to cyber threats, and therefore are strengthening the company's overall security posture.
Tools like the guidelines can serve as instrumental resources for HR departments in fulfilling these roles. It provides invaluable insights and practical procedural guides that can be instrumental in setting a strong foundation for HR security.
The screenshot above shows how Cyberday has built-in guidelines and real-world examples that support employee awareness training. HR can easily assign relevant guidelines based on each employee’s role.
For example, while a developer and a sales rep might share some basic company policies, they’ll also need role-specific instructions. With Cyberday, HR ensures everyone sees only what’s relevant—no information overload.
In the journey to achieving compliance with ISO 27001 and NIS2, several critical HR practices come into focus. These practices not only enhance information security but also create a secure organizational culture. The following HR practices are vital steps towards achieving compliance with ISO 27001 and NIS2. With a committed and well-trained HR team, organizations can foster a culture of security awareness and resilience.
Interestingly, a study by SHRM revealed that negligent hiring is the cause of 53% of all crime happening at work. This statistic emphasizes the critical role of background checks in preventing security threats and maintaining a safe work environment.
Therefore, the first stage of compliance starts when welcoming a new team member. A crucial part of recruiting includes the performance of thorough background checks and verification of credentials. HR teams play the vital role of ensuring only trustworthy individuals with proven integrity join their ranks. This is a significant initial safeguard against potential internal security threats.
Once on board, it is important that new hires receive a proper training on security policies and procedures. Equipped with this knowledge, they are in a position to uphold the organization's information security standards and expectations, thereby promoting a security-conscious work culture.
Managing access to sensitive information is crucial in safeguarding an organization's data. Here is where role-based access control (RBAC) comes into play. This system, built on the principle of "least privilege", ensures employees only access the information necessary for their job roles. This is a good method of controlling access to sensitive data and mitigating risks of data misuse.
Regular review and updating of access rights are equally significant. Over time, personnel changes, job role shifts or policy changes may require adjustments to access controls. Regular audits allow for these adjustments, keeping the access control system relevant and effective.
Continuous security awareness programs are crucial when maintaining and strengthening an organization's security posture. Regular training sessions keep employees informed of the most recent threats and best security practices, promoting a proactive approach to information security. In addition to that, regular reading and approving of guidelines will ensure that the employees will not forget the most important security measures and expectations.
Training on handling sensitive information securely cannot be overemphasized. Employees need to understand the value of the information they handle and the importance of treating it with the necessary caution. It is the HR's responsibility to provide this training alongside reinforcing the company's commitment to information security. There are many different ways of how awareness training can be done, such as:
How every organization in the end is handling their awareness training, depends very much on their needs. However, for certain certifications, such as the ISO 27001 certification, you will need a proof of the awareness training, and therefore, using a tool can be beneficial.
When employees leave the organization, HR has the crucial role of ensuring a smooth offboarding process. Proper exit procedures should be in place to revoke access rights promptly and efficiently, thus closing any potential access points for an outgoing employee.
Furthermore, ensuring the return of company assets and termination of accounts helps maintain control over company property and information, mitigating risks of data leakage or unauthorized access. Keep in mind that the offboarding process needs to be documented for NIS2 compliance. The NIS2 directive emphasizes the importance of having documented procedures for all aspects of information security, including the offboarding process.
HR is key to maintaining strong information security. From onboarding to offboarding, HR processes directly impact ISO 27001 and NIS2 compliance.
While ISO 27001 gives detailed best practices (like background checks, role-based access, training, etc.), NIS2 leaves more up to interpretation—making it essential to document your HR security measures carefully.
Because NIS2 is less prescriptive, organizations need to invest more time and resources into defining and documenting their HR-related security measures. That’s why we recommend using ISO 27001 best practices as a proven foundation when building compliance with NIS2.
Cyberday helps you apply ISO 27001 practices and generate the documentation you need for NIS2 compliance.
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