The Human Factor in Cybersecurity: Managing Risk Through Screening

Cybersecurity investments continue to grow. Organisations deploy firewalls, data encryption, endpoint monitoring, and AI-driven detection. Yet despite technical sophistication, one variable remains unpredictable: humans.

Studies show that over 80% of security incidents involve human error, negligence, or insider actions. This is true for Slovakia too, where digitalisation, remote work, outsourcing, and regulatory requirements are increasing the need for strong Human Risk Management strategies.

Why Human Risk Is Rising

With more Slovak companies adopting cloud systems and remote access tools, the number of people with privileged access has grown — employees, contractors, and IT suppliers alike.

Recent anonymized media cases in Slovakia illustrate the risks: industrial, technology, and public sector organisations experienced data leaks and unauthorized access due to inadequate screening and control of personnel. Investigations showed the same pattern: technology existed, but people were not properly vetted or monitored.

These examples highlight that insider threats are real business risks.

Background Checks in Slovakia

While background screening is standard in much of Europe, it is still emerging in Slovakia. For organisations handling personal data, financial information, or operating critical infrastructure, structured Background Checks reduce risk significantly. Typical checks include:

  1. Identity and employment verification
  2. Education and credential validation
  3. Legally justified criminal record checks
  4. References and reputational screening
  5. Sanctions and watchlist checks

Screening is not about distrust — it’s informed risk management.

Integrating Human Risk Management with NIS2 and ISMS

With the NIS2 requirements coming into force across the EU, including Slovakia, companies managing critical infrastructure or digital services must adopt stricter risk management and incident reporting.

Integrating Human Risk Management and background screening into an ISMS (ISO 27001-certified) framework ensures both technical and human risks are systematically addressed. This reduces insider threats, strengthens compliance, and enhances overall cybersecurity resilience.

Validato: Modern Human Risk Management

Validato provides a secure, ISO 27001-certified platform for automated and compliant background checks in Slovakia. Organisations can:

  1. Standardise and automate screening
  2. Ensure consistent hiring decisions
  3. Strengthen Human Risk Management and compliance
  4. Reduce insider threat risk

Screening becomes part of cybersecurity — not just HR.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is not only a technical challenge — it’s a human one. Slovak organisations combining technical controls with systematic screening and ISMS integration will be more resilient to insider threats and regulatory risks.

Validato helps you build safer hiring and access processes from day one.