IT Support Provider Landscape: MSP Background Checks
It may surprise you that over 77 million Americans hold a criminal record. This accounts for roughly one-third of adults in the United States, and those are the ones who got caught! (Source: CNN Business,) While serving time, prisoners can take online college courses to help with reform, and one of the most common classes taught in prison is computer coding.
Information Criminals Want on Your Network
While 95% of Americans agree with prisoner reform, handing the keys of the kingdom to an ex-convict is quite another thing. And that is precisely what you do when you make someone an administrator on your account. For example, they have access to the following:
- Confidential Company Information –Intellectual property, such as client lists, inventions, patents, etc., can be sold to competitors.
- Human Resource Information– Your HR records hold employees’ social security numbers, contact information, and payroll documents that can quickly be sold on the black market.
- Stored Passwords – All the passwords stored in your Google Chrome are easily accessible by your IT administrator and can be sold for a good profit on the dark web.
- Email Correspondence – Your IT administrator can view every email you send and receive and use that information for selfish purposes.
- Financial Information – An IT administrator acan also access your company bank accounts, retirement funds, and financial trading records.
Whether you use an MSP or have an internal IT department, you must ensure background checks have been performed. Interestingly, an employee is more likely to have an interest in your company data than an outside party like an MSP. For this reason, it is just as vital for you to do background checks on your own internal IT staff.
Background Checks and Government Regulations
The government also insists on background checks. However, they are not just interested in criminal records; but also credit records. The background investigation ensures federal employees are “reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct, and character and loyal to the United States.” They also require background checks for mandatory regulations such as:
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) & their Business Associates
- Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS)
- Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX)
- Gramm Leach Bliley Act (GLBA) and their Secure Service Providers
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Therefore, you are legally responsible for ensuring all your employees and IT personnel have background checks if you fall into these categories.
Your IT Support Provider in Marietta and Atlanta GA
INSI performs IT support and cybersecurity for small- and medium-sized businesses in Atlanta Metro, GA. We take this responsibility very seriously and perform background checks on all employees who access client data.
About INSI: The Best MSP in Atlanta!
Innovative Network Systems, Inc. has a unique approach to integrating IT support and cybersecurity. Our month-to-month programs range from basic support to proactive support, managed support, and customized support. Each program is tailored to the client’s needs and internal IT strengths.
For more information about cybersecurity dangers and the preventative measures for your company, connect with the top MSP in Atlanta; Contact INSI: 770-387-2424, option 2 or click the link below. In addition, we offer 16 different cybersecurity programs to protect you and your data.
About the Author
Deborah Frazier is the author of IT Outsourcing Secrets – A Small Business Guide to Compare IT Support Companies. With nearly 20 years of experience consulting small and medium-sized businesses on their IT support needs, she brings a wealth of knowledge to INSI as Head of Marketing and Sales. If you like this article and want to be notified when a new article is posted, click here.
