We live in a world of relentless cyber attacks, and things are only getting worse with each passing year. In fact, 2023 was the worst on record in terms of data breaches, up a whopping 72% from the previous year. For companies across all industries and sectors, this should raise serious alarm bells that it’s time to get your cybersecurity practices in order ASAP.
But rather than building your very own cybersecurity strategy from scratch, sometimes it’s best to take a leaf out of the book of the pros. Companies that have a solid track record of doing things the right way and putting data security as a top priority, not just an afterthought or a compliance box ticking exercise.
One such company is HiBob, one of the market leading HR platforms that hold employee data for over 3500 customers and countless more employees.
The Importance of HiBob Data Security
From names and addresses to bank details and social security numbers, HiBob is responsible for handling and securing data that cyber criminals would absolutely love to get their hands on. A single security lapse, whether from the inside or a full frontal malicious attack, could have disastrous consequences for HiBob.
Their customers trust them to handle the data the right way. Not only does this relationship have compliance considerations, but also moral and ethical ones too. As you know, these are all fundamental aspects of healthy, long standing business relationships, which is why HiBob does everything that can to stop hackers walking away with their prize.
Through relentless effort and top-of-the-line defenses, they have built a formidable fortress. Today, the HiBob data security blueprint is considered one of the industry gold standards, and we are going to take a look at the six key elements that make their network such a tough nut to crack.
1 – A Security Team That Never Sleeps
HiBob has a global team of security experts that monitor their systems around the clock. This ensures they are always ready to handle any threats that arise in real time. Through the use of tools like activity markers and threat reports continually watches over the network like a hawk. Whenever there is a sign of trouble, whether it be a random DDoS or a well-planned scheme – they are on hand to nip it in the bud.
2 – A Rock-Solid Cloud Infrastructure
HiBob’s system is built with defense in mind. The platform uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) and its industry leading security features as a base, offering powerful monitoring features, threat detection, and attack prevention. But HiBob goes one step further by supplementing this with extra audits to highlight vulnerabilities and pinpoint unusual activity.
This makes it very tricky, if not impossible for attackers to make any real ground. Customer and employee datta is constantly surrounded by multiple safeguards, and there is no way for bad actors to break in.
3 – Strict Rules for Handling Data
Of course, some data is more sensitive than others. Think information such as salaries, bank details, social security – all that good stuff. When it comes to these types of data, HiBob maintains them in silos, away from the general systems. On top of this, access is strictly limited based on a need to know basis. Only the people who need to access this information may do so, and even then, they will need to pass through multiple forms of authentication to get in. This minimizes the risk of insider threats, as well as attacks from the outside.
4 – Proactive Vulnerability Hunting
HiBob knows that if you aren’t moving forward in the world of cybersecurity, you are moving backwards. If you aren’t innovating and developing your defense, then that means cyber criminals and hackers are going to catch up sooner or later. It’s for this reason that HiBob continuously scans the internal networks for potential weaknesses. After all, it’s better that they’re the ones to find the vulnerabilities rather than the hackers.
These regular checkups are fairly intensive as this ensures that access controls and data flow systems are always up to high standard. As they say, prevention is always better than the cure, and catching problems early makes them much easier to fix.
5 – An Outsider’s Perspective
On top of their own vigilance and due diligence, HiBob takes out an annual audit from independent security experts for a full blown stress test. The idea is to push the systems to the absolute limit and to look under every nook and cranny to try and find any vulnerability that their own internal systems may have missed. In other words, these cyber security professionals actually go and simulate real world hacking attempts to probe the defenses and see if they can gain access. This unbiased audit helps keep the team honest, and it helps patch up any potential blind spots.
6 – Detecting Trouble with a Smart SIEM
HiBob operates with a sophisticated SIEM system (Security Incident and Event Management) that constantly sweeps their infrastructure for more threats. The system pulls in a massive amount of data across the network – from disparate sources. This allows it to make connections that humans might otherwise miss. You know, those little signs that are seemingly random events are in fact part of a larger, more coordinated attack.
7 – Cyber Security-conscious Culture
No matter how solid your systems are or how innovative your tools, your defenses will only be as strong as the weakest link in the chain. As it turns out, this almost always means the employees. All it takes is one slip. Logging into a dodgy WiFi network. Clicking on a phishing link. Accidentally sending an email with sensitive information. The list goes on.
However, human error or naivety will not be a valid excuse in the eyes of HiBobs clients or customers. As a result, HiBob ensures that all of its employees are trained diligently on the latest cybersecurity best practices and also informed on current threats and red flags to look out for. Whether that be phishing and social engineering, ransomware, or even simple password carelessness.
Final Word
When you boil it down, companies depend on the trust of their clients to operate successfully. This is especially true for companies like HiBob that are trusted with thousands and thousands of sensitive employee records – data that is highly valuable in the eyes of cybercriminals.
The good news is that with a bit of forethought, some planning, and dedication to security, companies can drastically reduce their risk exposure and ensure the safety of their data. Even small steps can seriously hamper those looking to pilfer your data treasure trove.
Just remember, cybersecurity isn’t just about technology – it’s also about people. Make sure everybody understands the role they play in protecting the information they access while equipping them with the knowledge they need to spot threats before they develop into something more sinister.
