Validato

AI, Fraud and Human Risk: Why Background Checks Matter More Than Ever

Generative artificial intelligence has turned forgery into a low-cost, high-speed service. Passports, degrees, compliance certificates – a few prompts now generate visuals with credible watermarks and flawlessly copied signatures. Large language models draft entire employment letters or bank statements, complete with logos and “verifiable” contacts. Because these capabilities are available to anyone with a laptop, fraud is no longer the domain of organised crime alone; any ill-intentioned applicant or opportunistic vendor can exploit them.

Insider Threats in the Spotlight: How Human Risk Management Could Have Helped Prevent the Coinbase Breach

The recent security breach at Coinbase, which compromised more than 69,000 customer records and led to a reimbursement commitment of up to $400 million, has sent shockwaves through the crypto industry. While digital asset platforms are often focused on protecting themselves from external cyberattacks, this incident is a powerful reminder that the most significant threats can come from within.

How Background checks could have prevented the Coinbase Data Breach

“Coinbase, the world’s third-largest cryptocurrency exchange, was hit by a $20 million extortion attempt after cybercriminals recruited "multiple contractors or employees working in support roles outside the United States to collect information from internal Coinbase systems to which they had access", and to leak user data, the company said according to CoinTelegraph.”

NIS2 Directive & Background Checks – What organisations need to know

The NIS2 Directive (EU 2022/2555) aims to improve cyber security and operational resilience in critical and essential sectors within the EU. It places a strong emphasis not only on technical security measures but also on human risk management. One of the key requirements of NIS2 is the need to identify and mitigate risks posed by individuals – including employees, contractors, and third parties – who have access to sensitive systems or data. This is where background checks and structured vetting processes come into play.

Why Human Risk Management Is Essential for Manufacturing and IT Companies

In today’s world, organizations face growing pressure to secure their operations—not only against external threats but also from within. Manufacturing and IT companies, in particular, are highly vulnerable to internal human risks, which often go unnoticed until it's too late.

Human Risk Management and Background Checks: A Critical Safeguard for Financial Institutions

In today’s complex and interconnected financial ecosystem, institutions such as banks, insurance companies, and family offices face growing exposure to human-related risks. Failing to implement robust human risk management practices—including comprehensive background checks—can result in severe consequences: data breaches, corporate espionage, insider threats, and regulatory non-compliance.

AI, Fake Credentials, and the Critical Role of Background Checks in Recruitmen

In the age of artificial intelligence, we’re witnessing incredible advances in automation, productivity, and creativity. Yet with great power comes great responsibility—and risk. One of the lesser-discussed threats AI presents is its ability to help create fake diplomas, certificates, and professional documents that are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.

Warren Buffett Was Right: Integrity Starts with Background Checks

“In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you.” — Warren Buffett

In-Employment Background Checks: A Strategic Imperative, Not Just an HR Formality

In-Employment Background Checks: A Strategic Imperative, Not Just an HR Formality While pre-employment screening helps build a foundation of trust, it’s in-employment background checks that maintain and reinforce it over time.

DORA – A New Storm Front for the Financial Industry?

Since January 2025, the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) has been in effect in the EU – a regulation aimed at strengthening the digital resilience of financial firms. DORA introduces, for the first time, binding EU-wide requirements for managing IT risks.

Insider Threats : Capital One case

One of the most significant insider threat incidents in recent years occurred at Capital One in 2019, resulting in a massive data breach that cost the company dearly in terms of financial losses and reputational damage. The incident involved Paige Thompson, a former Amazon Web Services (AWS) employee, who exploited a badly configurated firewall to access Capital One's cloud-based data.

Understanding Insider Threats in Banking

Understanding Insider Threats in Banking Insider threats pose significant risks to banks, potentially causing severe damage to operations, reputation, and finances. These threats, originating from individuals with authorized access to sensitive information and systems, are particularly challenging to detect and prevent.

Background Checks: A Crucial Defense Against Insider Threats in Oil and Gas

Background Checks: A Crucial Defense Against Insider Threats in Oil and Gas The oil and gas industry, faces numerous security challenges, with insider threats ranking among the most significant. As companies strive to protect their assets, operations, and personnel, background checks have emerged as a critical tool in the fight against insider sabotage and espionage.

Insider Threats in Education

Insider Threats in Education Safety and security of our children have become paramount concerns, especially within educational institutions. As parents and guardians, we entrust schools with our most precious assets - our children - for a significant portion of each day. We place our faith in these institutions to not only educate but also protect and nurture our young ones. However, a critical question arises: How well do we truly know the individuals responsible for this crucial task ? Do the schools know who is working for them ?

Managing Human Risks for External Providers

Managing Human Risks for External Providers In today’s business landscape, companies increasingly rely on external providers for various services, from IT support to facility management. However, failing to conduct thorough background checks on these third parties can expose a company to significant insider threats.

Mitigating the Human Factor: Why Robust Risk Management is Crucial in Healthcare

Mitigating the Human Factor: Why Robust Risk Management is Crucial in Healthcare The healthcare industry, entrusted with individual well-being, faces unique challenges. While technological advancements and regulations improve safety and efficacy, the human element remains a significant risk. Human risk management—thorough background checks and robust internal controls—is crucial for clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare technology firms.

Insider Threats in the Energy Sector

Insider Threats in the Energy Sector The energy sector, encompassing oil, gas, and renewable energy, is vital to global infrastructure and economic stability. However, it faces serious risks associated with insider threats. These threats come from employees, contractors, or partners who misuse their access to sensitive information, damaging the company’s financial standing and operational integrity.

Protecting Prestige: The Crucial Role of Human Risk Policies in Luxury Brands

Protecting Prestige: The Crucial Role of Human Risk Policies in Luxury Brands Luxury brand companies, whether in fashion, services, or jewelry, operate in a high-stakes environment where reputation is paramount. Implementing robust human risk policies and background checks for both new and existing employees is not merely a best practice; it's a critical safeguard against significant financial and reputational damage. The absence of such policies exposes these companies to a multitude of risks.

Strengthening Risk Management: Addressing Insider Threats with Human Risk Management and Background Checks

Strengthening Risk Management: Addressing Insider Threats with Human Risk Management and Background Checks In the contemporary corporate landscape, organizations face a multitude of challenges, among which insider threats stand out as particularly insidious. Often stemming from employees who misuse their access to sensitive data, these threats pose significant risks to a company’s security and reputation. Therefore, effective risk management must integrate strategies designed to tackle these dangers comprehensively.

What do Background Checks have to do with Equestrian Sports?

What do Background Checks have to do with Equestrian Sports? The term "vetting" originally comes from the equestrian sports: Before a race, each horse is thoroughly examined to ensure it is healthy and competitive. This principle of careful scrutiny has long made its way into the business world—especially regarding the verification of individuals who are considered for sensitive positions in companies or for deployment with clients. Why are Background Checks indispensable?

Mitigating Insider Threats: A Blend of Technology and Human Oversight

The threat landscape has evolved, with insider threats posing a significant and often underestimated risk to organizations. While external cyberattacks frequently dominate headlines, the potential damage from compromised insiders—employees, contractors, or third parties—can be equally devastating.

80% of the CV's contain errors or inaccuracies

Based on our data and experience, over 80% of resumes contain errors or inaccuracies. Even more concerning, 1-5% involve significant misrepresentations. These range from minor omissions or embellishments—inaccurately described roles, dates, or responsibilities—to far more serious issues like falsified credentials, identities, or employment histories.

why do a screening as we already collect references from past employers and have an actual criminal record?

I'm often being said by HR, "why do a screening as we already collect references from past employers and have an actual criminal record?". Here is what I tell them :

Mitigating Insider Threats: Lessons from the Mitsubishi Electric Breach

In 2020, Mitsubishi Electric, a leading Japanese multinational in electronics, faced a significant insider threat that underscored the importance of robust security measures and vigilant human resource management. This breach involved a collaboration between a disgruntled insider in the IT department and a group of external cybercriminals. By exploiting their legitimate access, the insider facilitated unauthorized entry into sensitive corporate data, including personal information and critical defense contract details.

Hiring process and Insider Threats

The hiring process is a critical component of organizational success, as making the right choice in selecting candidates can significantly impact a company’s performance. Poor hiring decisions can lead to various adverse consequences, including increased costs, wasted time, and heightened risk.

Addressing the human factor in cybersecurity

According to this article in Gulf Business, the growing human factor in cybersecurity can be hindered by training the employees. Cybersecurity breaches frequently originate from within, and generic employee training often falls short. Relying only on training doesn’t solve the problem like stated in the article. Validato offers a unique, proactive approach that combines advanced risk assessment with thorough background checks, addressing both negligent human error and potential malicious insiders.

The Necessity of Background Checks for Companies and HR Departments

In today's competitive business environment, background checks have become a critical necessity for companies, particularly from an HR perspective. These checks are essential for verifying the integrity and qualifications of potential hires, ensuring that organizations maintain a safe and productive workplace.

Understanding Insider Threats: The Unchecked Risk of Auditors

Usually, the process of hiring auditors often lacks the rigorous screening necessary to safeguard sensitive information. Many companies do not conduct thorough background checks on auditors, granting them unrestricted access to critical data without assessing their trustworthiness. This oversight can pose significant insider threats, particularly if auditors are motivated by malice or external interests.

Understanding Human Risk Management: The Role of Validato

In today’s complex business landscape, managing human risk is crucial for organizations seeking to protect their assets and ensure operational integrity. Validato, a Swiss-based background check company, leads the way in pioneering Human Risk Management solutions. By emphasizing comprehensive background checks, Validato equips businesses with essential tools to mitigate potential risks posed by employees and other stakeholders.

North Korean Hacker infiltrating Companies

Global companies are unwittingly hiring workers with ties to North Korea through deceptive remote work schemes, violating international sanctions and introducing cybersecurity threats.

Kuwait : forged certificates to head to public prosecution

The Kuwaiti government has intensified its crackdown on the use of forged academic certificates within the public sector, a significant move aimed at preserving the integrity of its workforce and maintaining public trust.

An Enemy Hiding In Plain Sight: Tackling Insider Threats

Today’s businesses face relentless risks from various external factors such as political upheaval and technological shifts. However, a often underestimated danger lies within—insider threats, including fraudsters and data thieves.

Majority of Companies have Insider Threat problems...

According to Cybersecurity Insiders’ recent 2024 Insider Threat Report, 83% of organizations reported at least one insider attack in the last year. Even more surprising than this statistic is that organizations that experienced 11-20 insider attacks saw an increase of five times the amount of attacks they did in 2023 — moving from just 4% to 21% in the last 12 months.

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