Data Protection Day: Strengthening Trust Through Human Risk Management

Every year on Data Protection Day (28 January), organizations around the world are reminded that protecting personal data is not just a legal obligation, but a fundamental element of trust. In an era defined by digital transformation, remote work, and increasing regulatory pressure, data protection has become inseparable from how companies manage people, processes, and risk.

In Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) — including dynamic markets such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania — this topic is particularly relevant. The region is experiencing rapid digital growth, strong nearshoring trends, and increasing scrutiny from regulators, making Human Risk Management a strategic priority.

At Validato, we see Data Protection Day as an opportunity to highlight a critical reality: while technology and policies matter, human risk remains one of the biggest vulnerabilities in data protection. This is where Human Risk Management, professional Background Checks, and internationally recognized standards such as ISO 27001 come together.

Why Data Protection Is No Longer Just an IT Topic

Data protection is often associated with firewalls, encryption, and cybersecurity tools. While these are essential, most data incidents still involve people — whether through human error, insider threats, or insufficient vetting of employees and third parties.

Common human-related data protection risks include:

Access to sensitive data by unverified employees or contractors
Inadequate screening of third-party vendors
Lack of awareness of data protection responsibilities
Misuse of privileged access
Insider fraud or data leakage

In the CEE region, where cross-border cooperation and shared service centers are expanding, these risks are amplified by high workforce mobility and multinational vendor networks.

Poland — one of the largest technology and SSC/BPO hubs in Europe — is a strong example of how critical consistent vetting, access control, and compliance frameworks have become.

From a regulatory perspective, frameworks such as GDPR, NIS2, and sector‑specific requirements increasingly emphasize accountability, access control, and due diligence. This means organizations must look beyond technology and focus on the human factor.

Human Risk Management as a Foundation of Data Protection

Human Risk Management (HRM) is a structured approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with people who have access to sensitive information, systems, and assets.

On Data Protection Day, it is important to recognize that HRM directly supports:

Confidentiality of personal and business data
Integrity of systems and information
Availability of critical services

This is especially important in CEE, where many global organizations rely on local teams for IT operations, financial services, cybersecurity, and data processing.

Effective HRM combines policies, processes, and controls throughout the employee lifecycle — from pre-employment screening to ongoing monitoring and offboarding.

At Validato, we help organizations embed Human Risk Management into their compliance and security strategies, ensuring that data protection is addressed proactively rather than reactively.

Background Checks: A Preventive Measure for Data Protection

One of the most effective yet underestimated data protection controls is professional Background Checks.

Pre-employment and ongoing background screening help organizations:

Verify identity, qualifications, and employment history
Identify potential conflicts of interest
Reduce the risk of insider threats
Ensure that individuals handling personal data meet integrity and trust requirements

In markets such as Poland, where organizations compete for skilled specialists and operate under strict internal audit standards, background checks are increasingly becoming a standard part of corporate governance.

Validato delivers compliant, country‑specific background checks across Europe and the CEE region, always respecting local labor laws and data protection principles. Our processes are designed with privacy by design and privacy by default, ensuring that screening itself complies with data protection regulations.

ISO 27001 and the Human Element of Information Security

ISO 27001 is widely recognized as a benchmark for information security management systems (ISMS). While often perceived as a technical standard, ISO 27001 places strong emphasis on people and processes.

Key ISO 27001 controls related to human risk include:

Personnel security before, during, and after employment
Defined access rights based on roles and responsibilities
Awareness and training in information security and data protection
Management of third-party access

In the CEE region, where many companies are undergoing or renewing ISO 27001 certification, demonstrating robust human‑related controls has become essential — especially in regulated sectors such as finance, energy, and healthcare.

Validato supports clients not only with screening services but also with advisory aligned with ISO 27001, helping organizations translate requirements into practical, auditable processes.

Third Parties and Extended Human Risk

Data protection risks do not stop at the boundaries of your organization. Vendors, contractors, and partners often process personal data or have system access, creating an extended human risk landscape.

This is particularly true in CEE, where outsourcing and nearshoring ecosystems are rapidly growing.

Organizations should ask:

Do we know who has access to our data through third parties?

Are background checks applied consistently to external personnel?

Are vendors aligned with our data protection and ISO 27001 requirements?

Validato helps organizations implement risk‑based screening and due diligence for third parties, supporting secure outsourcing, nearshoring, and international cooperation without compromising data protection.

Data Protection as a Competitive Advantage

Strong data protection is no longer just about avoiding fines — it is a competitive differentiator.

Organizations that invest in Human Risk Management, robust Background Checks, and ISO 27001‑aligned processes benefit from:

Increased trust from clients and partners
Stronger employer brand
Reduced likelihood of data breaches
Faster response to audits and regulatory inquiries

In Poland and across CEE, where companies compete for global contracts, strong data protection controls have become a key market advantage.

How Validato Supports Data Protection Every Day

At Validato, data protection is embedded in how we design and deliver our services.

We support organizations with:

Compliant background checks across multiple jurisdictions
Human Risk Management frameworks tailored to business needs
Support for ISO 27001 and regulatory requirements
Secure, transparent, and privacy‑focused processes

By addressing the human factor, we help our clients protect what matters most — their data, their reputation, and their people.

Data Protection Day is a reminder that effective data protection starts with people. By integrating Human Risk Management, professional Background Checks, and internationally recognized standards such as ISO 27001, organizations can turn compliance into resilience and trust into long‑term value.