Why HR and IT departments should talk talk

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact that cyberattacks are having on organizations and the growing need these create for H.R. departments to collaborate more closely with IT departments.

Design/methodology/approach

Current thinking regarding managing cybersecurity suggests that it should be managed holistically, i.e. by the human resources (HR) department and information technology (IT) department working together more closely. This sees the IT department providing the IT security tools and the HR department providing the appropriate processes and procedures that need to be followed, as well as creating a necessarily more “vigilant” culture.

Findings

Several practical steps are outlined that will help HR departments protect themselves against a data breach.

Originality/value

Cyberthreats are amongst the top threats to UK business, according to the government. Managing cybersecurity has long been left almost solely to the technology experts. The continuing number of high-profile data breaches suggests that cybersecurity tools alone will not stop information leaking from companies. There is an important role for HR teams in encouraging and enforcing a more proactive, vigilant culture amongst the workforce and working more closely with IT to improve security practices.

Citation

Pace, C. (2016), "Why HR and IT departments should talk talk", Strategic HR Review, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 118-122. https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-12-2015-0096