Inside the Breach - CHRO/CPO Edition
Performance, Policy, and People: HR’s Overlooked Role in Cyber Incidents
While the HR department may not be the first phone call during a cybersecurity breach, it undoubtedly has a vital role to play.
Operational Disruption
During a breach, critical systems may be taken offline. Employees may find themselves unable to perform their duties or meet performance objectives. As the lead HR representative, you may need to collaborate with management to revise performance metrics, ensuring fairness in light of the disruption.
Employee Support and Well-Being
On the technology side, your IT or Security team may be working long hours, possibly for several days straight, trying to contain the incident and restore systems. If team members have worked 48 hours without rest, how should that be reflected in time-off policies? HR must consider how to recognize their efforts, support recovery, and ensure compliance with labor guidelines and well-being standards.
Policy Violations and Accountability
If the breach resulted from a policy or procedural violation, HR may need to be involved in the investigation and any disciplinary action. Did the responsible employee complete the required security awareness training? Was the breach caused by an honest mistake, or was company policy intentionally circumvented? HR must help answer these questions with objectivity and consistency.
When IT Is the Source
What if the breach originated within the IT department? If an employee with elevated access violated policy, HR must manage the delicate balance of supporting the investigation while continuing to work with the department to restore systems. This requires coordination with legal, compliance, and leadership teams.
HR's Role in Crisis Management
These are just a few of the complex challenges HR may face during a cybersecurity breach. Such events often create unprecedented and uncomfortable situations, requiring HR to act with flexibility, sound judgment, and a clear understanding of both employee and organizational needs.