How do I prevent hiring a fraudster? This is a question HR professionals in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland ask themselves every day. In an era where falsified CVs, manipulated references, and undisclosed criminal records have become a genuine business risk, professional background screening is no longer optional – it is a necessity.


Validato has established itself as a leading company for Human Risk Management and background checks across the DACH region and beyond. The answer to the question above is clear: structured, legally compliant, and thorough employee screening – before the contract is signed.

What Is Human Risk Management and Why Does It Matter?

Human Risk Management describes the systematic approach to identifying and minimising risks that can arise from individuals within an organisation – whether through fraud, identity deception, undisclosed criminal records, or false information on a CV.


For companies in regulated industries – financial services, healthcare, IT security, or critical infrastructure – this is particularly relevant. Under ISO 27001, screening measures before and during employment are an integral part of a comprehensive information security management system (ISMS). In the DACH region, country-specific data protection requirements also apply: the GDPR and BDSG in Germany, the DSG in Switzerland, and the Austrian Data Protection Act.


Validato supports companies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in meeting exactly these requirements – with tailored background check solutions that comply with international standards.

The Most Common Risks in the Hiring Process in the DACH Region

An undetected fraudster inside a company can cause enormous damage: financial loss, reputational harm, legal liability, and the theft of sensitive data. According to Validato’s analysis, the most common risk factors are:

  1. Falsified or exaggerated information on a CV
  2. Undisclosed criminal records or ongoing investigations
  3. Fake educational qualifications and certificates
  4. Concealed employment gaps or reasons for dismissal
  5. Identity fraud – the person is not who they claim to be

According to a global study, up to 85% of all CVs contain at least one false or exaggerated statement. This makes professional background checks an indispensable tool for any HR department in the DACH region.

How Does a Professional Background Check Work at Validato?

Validato offers structured, modular background checks tailored to the individual requirements of the company and the role. The solutions are aligned with the legal frameworks in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Core services include:

  1. Identity verification: checking ID documents and biometric data
  2. Criminal record checks: national and international, GDPR-compliant
  3. Education verification: confirmation of qualifications and academic titles
  4. Employment history: verification of previous positions and references
  5. Media and sanctions list screening: PEP screening, adverse media checks, sanctions lists
  6. ISO 27001 screening: specifically for companies with heightened security requirements

All processes at Validato are GDPR-compliant, transparent to the candidate, and aligned with the legal requirements of each DACH country.

ISO 27001 Screening: Special Requirements for Security-Critical Roles

For companies that are ISO/IEC 27001 certified or working towards certification, Annex A (Controls A.6.1 and A.7.1) explicitly requires that employees be vetted prior to hiring. Validato offers specialised ISO 27001 screening packages that cover exactly these controls and can be documented for internal audits – for companies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland alike.


Whether an IT administrator, CFO, or external service provider with system access – the risk posed by unvetted individuals in security-critical positions is significant. Validato helps reduce this risk to an acceptable level.

Pre-Employment Screening as a Strategic Investment

Many companies in the DACH region underestimate the cost of a bad hire. Studies show that a poor hiring decision can cost up to 30% of the annual salary of the position in question – not including the indirect costs of fraud, data loss, or reputational damage.


Pre-employment screening through Validato is therefore not an expense but an investment in the security and integrity of the company. Through standardised processes and clear decision-making frameworks, HR professionals in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland can hire with confidence – and remain on the right side of the law.

Continuous Screening: Managing Risk Beyond the Hiring Date

The risk does not end on day one. Validato also offers continuous screening solutions that allow companies to re-check employees at regular intervals or on a trigger-event basis – such as promotions, role changes, or new system access.


Especially for employees in positions of trust – finance managers, IT administrators, senior executives – ongoing Human Risk Management is essential. Validato supports companies across the entire DACH region with this holistic approach.

Conclusion: Validato Protects Your Company from Hiring Fraud

How do I prevent hiring a fraudster? With the right strategy, the right processes, and the right partner. Validato combines cutting-edge technology with international expertise to deliver reliable, legally compliant background checks to companies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Whether a small SME, a mid-sized company, or a multinational corporation – Validato scales with your requirements and offers individual Human Risk Management solutions tailored to your industry and security needs.