Protecting Personal Data In Recruitment: A Cybersecurity Perspective

You Should Know:

In the recruitment process, personal data such as names, addresses, and professional histories are often shared via CVs. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) mandates that this data should not be retained for more than two years if the candidate is not hired. However, many companies exceed this limit, posing significant cybersecurity risks.

Practical Steps and Commands:

1. Data Encryption:

Use GPG to encrypt sensitive files:
```
gpg -c filename.txt
```
Decrypt the file when needed:
```
gpg -d filename.txt.gpg > filename.txt
```

2. Secure Data Deletion:

Use `shred` to securely delete files in Linux:
```
shred -u filename.txt
```
On Windows, use `cipher` to overwrite deleted data:
```
cipher /w:C
```

3. Regular Data Audits:

Implement scripts to check for old data:

find /path/to/data -type f -mtime +730 -exec ls -l {} \;

Automate deletion of files older than 2 years:

find /path/to/data -type f -mtime +730 -exec rm {} \;

4. Access Control:

Restrict access to sensitive data using chmod:
```
chmod 600 sensitivefile.txt
```
Use `chown` to change file ownership:
```
chown user:group sensitivefile.txt
```

5. Network Security:

Ensure firewalls are configured to protect data:

sudo ufw enable
sudo ufw allow ssh
sudo ufw allow http
sudo ufw allow https

Regularly update your system to patch vulnerabilities:
```
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
```

What Undercode Say:

Protecting personal data in recruitment is not just a legal obligation but a critical cybersecurity practice. By implementing robust data encryption, secure deletion protocols, regular audits, strict access controls, and maintaining network security, organizations can significantly mitigate the risks of data breaches and identity theft. Always stay vigilant and proactive in safeguarding sensitive information to maintain trust and compliance in the digital age.