A single cyber incident can halt production, delay registrations, and disrupt global supply chains. As a leader, one of the questions you should be asking is not only whether people risk belongs in your cyber strategy – but also, it’s how quickly you can address it. Recent events in the automotive sector show that resilience depends not just on firewalls and software, but on the people who have access to your most critical systems and data.
The Hidden Risk: Insiders and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Insider threats remain one of the most underestimated risks in business today. Research from 2024–2025 shows insider incidents are increasing, with remediation costs often exceeding €900,000 (£780,000) per event for many organisations. And it’s not just malicious insiders – organised groups are actively targeting employees for access, blending espionage, fraud, and cybercrime.
HR and Talent leaders now play a critical role in managing this risk. Regulations like NIS2 in Europe require organisations to demonstrate proportionate security measures, including workforce vetting and supplier diligence. These aren’t optional anymore – they’re becoming board-level priorities.
Why This Matters Now: Regulatory and Commercial Pressures
The NIS2 Directive, now being enforced across EU Member States, sets clear expectations for risk management, incident reporting, and supply chain security. Penalties can reach up to €10 million or 2% of global turnover for essential entities, and €7 million or 1.4% for important entities. Even UK organisations operating in EU markets or through EU suppliers may face indirect obligations and scrutiny.
Importantly, NIS2 guidance highlights the “people perimeter” – supply chain due diligence and HR security measures. This puts background screening, identity verification, and role-based access controls at the heart of compliance.
From Compliance Requirements to Competitive Advantage
Screening isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about protecting your business and creating measurable value. In today’s landscape, organisations may face significant risks, and background screening can mitigate certain risks.
One of the most pressing concerns is the rise in insider incidents. Nearly half of organisations report increased insider attacks, with some facing multiple incidents each year. Preventing just one high-risk hire could save upwards of €900,000 (£780,000) in remediation costs, highlighting the financial impact of effective screening.
Operational continuity is another critical area where screening plays a vital role. Production outages can cost millions in lost revenue and reputational damage. By combining screening with identity verification, businesses can reduce the risk of credential misuse and support NIS2 objectives around access governance.
Moreover, extending vetting to contractors and critical service providers may be essential. By implementing contractual screening standards, organisations can demonstrate compliance and reduce audit risk, helping verify that all parties involved meet the necessary requirements.
ROI for Leadership
The return on investment (ROI) for leadership is significant. Preventing just one insider breach can offset screening program costs many times over. Furthermore, avoiding operational downtime may safeguard quarterly revenue and customer commitments, while demonstrating screening and supplier diligence mitigates regulatory risks and reputational exposure.
In summary, effective screening is not merely a compliance requirement; it is a strategic advantage that can protect and enhance your company’s value.
Why Partner with First Advantage
First Advantage delivers globally consistent screening programmes tailored to role and jurisdiction, identity verification to prevent credential fraud, and integrations with HR and access systems to promote security without slowing hiring. For organisations aligning to NIS2, FA provides audit-ready evidence and scalable solutions for workforce and supplier assurance.
Partnering with FA means supporting you for addressing your compliance requirements in your hiring program.
- Speed and consistency across markets – Reduce onboarding delays while maintaining standards globally.
- Integrated risk controls – Connect screening with your HRIS (Human Resource Management System) and ATS (Applicant Tracking System) systems for seamless “screen-to-access” workflows.
- Audit-ready reporting – Demonstrate due diligence to regulators and customers with defensible, automated records.
- Future-proof your strategy – Stay ahead of evolving regulations and insider threat trends with FA’s continuous innovation.
Take the next step and speak to our experts today to understand your current screening strategy and discover how FA can help you.
Cyber risk is a people, process, and technology challenge. Closing the human attack surface – inside your workforce and across suppliers – with risk-based screening is essential for resilience. Done well, it protects revenue, facilitates compliance, and delivers a measurable return on trust.
For more on NIS2, read our blog here: Navigating the NIS2 Directive: Implications for Hiring and Background Screening Practices.
