Senior Special Agent Khiana Chutkan - Securing the Future: Data Protection and Cyber Security in Human Resource Management

• Cybersecurity is becoming a major concern for all professionals, especially those in Human Resource Management. Senior Special Agent Khiana Chutkan delivered an engaging presentation on the importance of cybersecurity and data protection in Human Resource Management. She emphasized that Human Resource Management workers are among the most targeted persons in a business because HR manages a lot of sensitive data, including financial records and employee personal information. Human Resource departments need to be proactive in safeguarding data in addition to being aware of them because ransomware, social engineering, and phishing are among the rising cyber threats. Attackers use fake login requests, misleading emails and identity theft to demonstrate how they may trick people into disclosing personal information. She emphasized that security is now an organizational responsibility that HR must embrace through knowledge, attention and appropriate training and it is no longer only an IT issue. 

  Senior Special Agent Khiana Chutkan highlighted the importance of having robust safety rules in place, such as safe recruiting and off boarding processes, regular training and data disposal procedures. She recommended that HR personnels are to be involved in security decisions and ongoing education on emerging threats. She discussed the cybersecurity infrastructure in Jamaica as well as the function of government authorities in promoting policy creation, public education and the enforcement of the Cyber crimes Act. She stressed that using strong passwords, multiple authentication methods and cautious internet usage to enhance the organization and individual security. Ultimately, cyber security is everyone’s responsibility. Individuals, particularly those in human resources, must take the effort to safeguard the sensitive data they handle and businesses must put protective measures in place. She reminded the audience that data protection protects not only the company but also their private data and professional reputation.  

   Two things I knew before the presentation 

·  Personal information must be protected and managed appropriately, especially in Human Resources positions where sensitive data is frequently used.

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  Two things I learnt from the presentation

  ·  Off boarding procedures are equally important as on boarding because if access is not revoked, departed employees may compromise company data.

  · National cybersecurity authorities in Jamaica can assist organizations by assisting in the development of policies.

Lieutenant Colonel Godphey Sterling -The Importance of Cybersecurity and Data Protection in Human Resource Management

Human Resource Professionals' roles are exceeding traditional boundaries in today's quickly changing digital environment. Lieutenant Colonel Godphey Sterling began his presentation by recognizing how the HR industry is changing and commended the audience for persevering through difficult times to finish their education. He emphasized that Human Resource Management today serves as the guardian of organizational trust, particularly when it comes to managing sensitive employee data, and that it is no longer just responsible for hiring and payroll. He emphasized that Human Resource professionals need to take the lead in establishing a security first culture since cyber threats like phishing, ransomware, and social engineering are becoming more prevalent. He warned the audience that human error such as using weak passwords, using unsecured networks or having inadequate off boarding procedures is often the source of data breaches rather than technical malfunctions.

He stressed that data protection is an ethical duty as well as a compliance requirement. To highlight the actual and increasing risk landscape, he provided real world scenarios such as the recent cyberattacks in the Caribbean and the mounting expense of data breaches. In order to implement multi-layered security measures, such as multi-factor authentication and secure cloud systems, he urged Human Resource Management workers to embrace continuous learning, acquire cybersecurity certifications and collaborate closely with the IT department. Lieutenant Colonel Godphey Sterling advised Human Resource Management directors to handle each data record carefully, only gather information that is required and make sure that safe storage and disposal procedures are followed as an organization's digital footprint expands. The presentation framed data protection and cybersecurity as opportunities for HR to lead organizations transformation.  In an increasingly digital age, HR professionals can create safer, more resilient businesses while safeguarding the integrity of both employees and the organization by integrating ethical decision-making, encouraging innovation and using technology responsibly.