In 2013, Edward Snowden, who previously held a position as a subcontractor with the National Security Agency (NSA), leaks confidential information about the NSA’s surveillance activities. Another troublesome incident in 2013 occurred at the headquarters for the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, D.C.: Military Contractor Aaron Alexis went on a killing spree that left 12 dead and 14 injured. Alexis was shot and killed by the police.
Recent Morgan Stanley Hack Intensifies Focus on Post-Hire Screening
The 2015 Morgan Stanley hack has intensified the focus on post-hire insider threats. These threats range from fraud, embezzlement, child molesters, theft and active shooters. Employees, temporary workers and contractors have access to the workplace: An insider threat can come from any of these individuals.
Post-Hire Screening Can Assist in Preventing Insider Threats
Diligently performing post-hire screening can identify previously overlooked information or discover new threats that arise due to changes in circumstances.
Negligent Hiring Lawsuits
Employers who disregard properly screening their candidates may be at risk of a negligent hiring lawsuit. Ride-sharing service Uber is the defendant in a lawsuit filed by two women who claim they were sexually assaulted by their driver. The plaintiffs state that Uber markets its services to young women who have been drinking and passengers are put at risk due to Uber’s lax background checks. The Uber driver who allegedly sexually assaulted these women has a previous criminal conviction that was missed due to a lax background check.
The increase in negligent hiring lawsuits, in conjunction with concerns about terrorism has led to an increase in the number of employers who perform thorough background checks on potential and current employees.
Disclaimer Statement: All information presented is never intended as legal advice and is for information purposes only.
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