First Advantage surveyed 337 professionals, including human resources, risk management and C-suite executives, about their attitudes toward internal and external security threats. Some 60 per cent responded that employee background screening is the most important security control that can be put in place to protect an organisation – ahead of firewalls and anti-malware programs.

Only a minority rescreen

The majority of respondents also agreed it is important to conduct periodic background checks on existing employees, with 37 per cent rating it extremely important or very important. Thirty-five percent said it was somewhat important. Despite this, a clear majority (61 per cent) said they never re-screen employees. Only 13 percent re-screen annually and 10 per cent do so every three years. 

Decide what is acceptable

First Advantage advises organisations to develop ‘a solid standards-based policy that includes continuous monitoring and updating of background information,’ in order to protect against insider threats. Chief security officer Mark Silver commented: ‘When you decide what is acceptable and what is not, re-screening should not be a burden for organisations.’ Sources: Australasian Lawyer; First Advantage