Data breach is a security disaster
The latest massive data breach might be the most serious yet. Equifax Inc, a U.S.-based consumer credit reporting agency, announced this month that it had fallen victim to a cybersecurity breach that exposed the personal data of more than $143 million consumers.
The stunning revelation has caused enormous concern across the U.S. and the world. Equifax collects and aggregates information on over 800 million individual consumers and more than 88 million businesses worldwide. To make things worse, it collects more than enough data to make identity thieves salivate: Equifax has personal data from consumers that includes full names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and, in some cases, driver’s license numbers.
The implications go beyond the 143 million people who must now closely monitor their credit indefinitely for any signs of identity theft. It also has possible criminal ramifications, as USA Today reports that some executives at the company are being investigated for allegedly unloading stock before the breach was announced (see “Feds reportedly investigate Equifax executives’ stock sales”).
How can this happen? How can a company responsible for safeguarding the most critical personal information imaginable find itself admitting to such a massive security failure? Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for organisations to fall victim to those who would steal data. While it may be on a smaller scale than Equifax, it happens around the world regularly.
That is why CRI® Group has a team of trained corporate security & resilience experts who are focused on protecting such valuable information on every level. After all, it’s too late after a breach has occurred. An organisation can face criminal and civil penalties, not to mention the loss of trust and reputation among all of its stakeholders. A data breach tells consumers that you cannot protect their data and thus are not to be trusted with their business.
CRI® Group’s corporate due diligence services experts ask the hard questions, especially for any organisation conducting business on a global level. For example:
How do you manage the risks to digital and physical assets? CRI® Group can put measures that provide layers of cybersecurity resilience to thwart hackers and those trying to steal your data.
How quickly can we respond to a serious business crisis? CRI® Group’s corporate due diligence services can help you detect breach attempts before they succeed and have a chance to damage your business.
Can the organisation rely on our third-party business partners to maintain appropriate levels of control? One of your biggest risks is what happens outside of your organisation. Our third party risk management and due diligence services can help detect weaknesses among your partners and alert you to risk areas.
The team at CRI® Group can help you road map these risks and have sufficient action plans to deal with unforeseen threats to your business. Some risk factors cannot be completely avoided. But with the proper response plans in place, we can help bolster your corporate security and resilience and help you protect your stakeholders’ valuable data. Learn more.
Who is CRI® Group?
Based in London, CRI® Group works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence, Compliance Solutions and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are, we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI® Group also holds B.S. 102000:2013 and B.S. 7858:2012 Certifications and is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
AML and Pakistan compliance failures
Pakistan’s biggest lender, Habib Bank Ltd, faces compliance failures. Habib Bank is in trouble with the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS). The DFS is the governing body that regulates financial services and products (including those subject to the New York insurance, banking and financial services laws). According to media reports, the DFS is seeking to impose a fine of up to $630 million for “grave” compliance failures. The accusation relates to anti-money laundering rules and sanctions at Habib Bank’s single U.S. branch.
A Reuter’s article from August 28 reports that such a penalty would be “the largest-ever faced by a Pakistani financial institution.” The DFS said in a filing that HBL’s compliance was “dangerously weak” and that “serious and persistent” failings found at its New York branch appeared to affect the entire Habib banking enterprise, posing “grave risks” to the banking system.
In response, HBL said that it would fight the DFS over the proposed fine.
Nausheen Ahmad, the bank’s company secretary, said in a statement on Monday that DFS did not recognise “the significant progress that HBL has made at its branch in New York” and that the bank would vigorously contest the proposed fine in U.S. courts.
Anti-money laundering (AML) efforts by the DFS and other regulatory bodies worldwide are serious business. Multinational organisations, and especially financial institutions, must employ the toughest AML compliance controls and standards to avoid the risk of even appearing to run afoul of AML laws.
That’s why CRI® Group advises clients to have robust AML controls in place, especially when dealing in business overseas and entering into any new partnerships or mergers.
To have insufficient controls and be charged with engaging in money laundering can have any of the following negative consequences:
- Damaged corporate reputations and brand devaluation
- Eroding employee morale
- Potential consumer boycotts
- Negative investor perceptions
- Possible legal action
- Fines and potential jail terms for directors
CRI® Group’s Investigative Due Diligence services provide the specialised intelligence needed by global financial institutions and multinational corporations to guarantee complete compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and legislation involving trans-national implications.
Contact CRI® Group today and learn more about how your organisation can remain in full compliance with all applicable AML laws and regulations, giving you, your partners and your clients the confidence of knowing that the organisation, and its reputation, are protected from the negative consequences of money laundering.
Who is CRI® Group?
Based in London, CRI® Group works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence, Compliance Solutions and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are, we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI® Group also holds B.S. 102000:2013 and B.S. 7858:2012 Certifications and is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
Fraud: Ripple effects of the Hurricane Harvey
As Hurricane Harvey devastates the Texas coast and the U.S. megacity of Houston, however its ripple effects go beyond as investigators will be on high alert for another type of threat: fraud.
Disaster fraud is nothing new. Law enforcement, prosecutors and other legal authorities in eight different countries are still dealing with cases from 2012’s Hurricane Sandy, which devastated the Caribbean and eventually wreaked havoc upon the U.S. eastern seaboard. In New Jersey, new indictments reported just last month indicate how long these investigations can take, and how lengthy the process can be.
And that’s just for those who get caught.
According NJ.com in New Jersey, five more individuals face charges for filing fraudulent applications for relief funding, bringing the tally there to 100. As the article reports:
The latest group filed claims for homes they said were primary residences when they were not, the state Attorney General’s Office said.
Most state and federal relief programs are only available to those whose primary residences were damaged by the storm.
But there are other risks as well. Relief organizations have been charged with misappropriating funding meant as direct aid for disaster victims. Materials and supplies earmarked for disaster areas are sometimes horded, sold or otherwise used contrary to their purpose. And sham “charities” can pop up overnight, soliciting cash donations under the pretence of relief, while that money actually lines someone’s pockets.
Now, as another disaster unfolds, CRI Group offers some guidelines for individuals, corporations and non-profit organisations to follow as they seek to provide aid.
Research the charity
Disasters unfold quickly, but some quick checking online can help establish whether a charity or non-profit aid group is legit. Make sure it is tax exempt and rated by an external evaluation site, like GiveWell or Charity Navigator.
Look out for “new” charities
If a charity or non-profit aid group has no history, very little trail on the Internet, no registration with the government nor any testimonials online, it might be fake or fraudulent. It’s better to give your donation to an established, charitable organisation.
Be suspicious of solicitations
Social media posts, mass or spam emails, all requesting quick cash donations could be red flags of fraud. Look for inaccurate or incomplete information about the disaster, the location, and the charity itself. Double check the credibility of the charity and don’t donate through an email link – instead, visit the organisation’s website directly. After doing so, if you’re comfortable that it is a legitimate group, consider making your donation.
When disaster strikes, people need help. The generosity of others can mean the difference between life and death for those who are suffering. But we must always be cognisant of the fact that fraudsters are opportunists. Any situation that creates urgency and chaos is a scenario they will seek to exploit.
As with all other business matters, conducting due diligence investigation will help cut down on disaster fraud – and provide you with the peace of mind that your contribution is going where it can do the most good.
Who is CRI Group?
Based in London, CRI Group works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence, Compliance Solutions and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI Group also holds BS 102000:2013 and BS 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
In 2016, CRI Group launched Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC®) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body established for ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems and ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management, providing training and certification. ABAC® operates through its global network of certified ethics and compliance professionals, qualified auditors and other certified professionals. As a result, CRI Group’s global team of certified fraud examiners work as a discreet white-labelled supplier to some of the world’s largest organisations. Contact ABAC® for more on ISO Certification and training.
Investigation reveals employee embezzlement
What does an embezzler spend their money on? In the case of a New York man’s alleged fraud, just about everything, apparently. A recent investigation reveals comptroller’s spending spree. Recent news articles report that Mark Cina, a comptroller at two companies in Poughkeepsie, New York, is accused of embezzling $2.5 million over six years (2009-2015). In case you are wondering if he stashed the money away somewhere for safe keeping, the answer would seem to be no, according to the feds.
Instead, he spent it gambling, paying his rent, dining out and plenty of other expenses. In fact, the Poughkeepsie Journal provides an extended list of alleged expenses in an article published Saturday, “Feds: Dutchess man embezzled millions, spent $457,000 at mini-mart.” Here’s the eye-opening laundry list:
- $457,000 at a mini-mart
- $180,000 at a gas station
- $25,000 for rent
- $125,000 for personal credit card bills
- $599,000 in non-payroll checks, payable to Cina
- $282,000 in checks payable to cash
- $825,000 in cash withdrawals
As if that’s not enough, the Journal adds: “Cina also allegedly spent money at pharmacies, medical and dental facilities and a rental car company.” Cina is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service and Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office. He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
How can this happen? Aside from the staggering amount of the fraud, it’s important to know that employee embezzlement is not rare. Anyone with opportunity and access to an organisation’s funds could potentially steal – sometimes over and over again, for years. It’s often a matter of a trusted employee having too much control over the organisation’s finances, with no checks on that control and no proper fraud prevention measures in place.
At CRI Group, we know that fraudsters, cyber attacks, third-party risks, disrupted supply chains and other unforeseen, uncontrollable factors can pose serious harm to your business and cause major concern. Today, smart business owners and executives are asking hard questions, especially before conducting business on a global level:
- How do we manage the risks to digital and physical assets?
- Does the organisation have the appropriate controls and contingency plans in place to protect our business?
- How quickly can we respond to a serious business crisis?
- Can the organisation rely on our third-party business partners to maintain appropriate levels of control?
The team at CRI Group can help you road map these risks and have sufficient action plans in place to deal with unforeseen threats to your business. Some risk factors cannot be completely avoided. But with the proper response plans in place, we can help bolster your corporate security and resilience, ensuring that your company will overcome such challenges and protect your future success.
Don’t let your organisation become a cash cow for someone else’s gambling expenses, dinner tabs or rent payments. CRI Group’s experts are trained to work with your organisation to find vulnerabilities to fraud, and eliminate or mitigate your risk factors.
Following a thorough fraud risk assessment, we tailor a fraud prevention strategy that’s the perfect fit for your organisation to detect and prevent fraud and corruption. With the proper controls in place, you can avoid unforeseen crises like the one in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Who is CRI Group?
Based in London, CRI Group works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence, Compliance Solutions and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI Group also holds BS 102000:2013 and BS 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
In 2016, CRI Group launched Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC®) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body established for ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems and ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management, providing training and certification. ABAC® operates through its global network of certified ethics and compliance professionals, qualified auditors and other certified professionals. As a result, CRI Group’s global team of certified fraud examiners work as a discreet white-labelled supplier to some of the world’s largest organisations. Contact ABAC® for more on ISO Certification and training.
CRI® meets with HR managers at SHRM17
The SHRM17 Annual Conference & Exposition was a huge success, and CRI® Group was proud to be on hand at the event in New Orleans to meet with human resources managers and specialists to talk about their challenges, best practices and how EmploySmart can help make their jobs easier and more effective. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) holds the annual event to gather the top HR professionals from around the world. CRI® Group knows that HR is in a critical role when it comes to helping organizations prevent fraud.
CRI® Group has participated in the SHRM17 Annual Conference & Exposition in New Orleans (June 18-21). SHRM and their world-renowned annual conference is a must-attend event for HR pros. Human resources managers and specialists are in a unique position when it comes to helping their organizations prevent fraud. An HR team that conducts thorough background screening in the employment process, for example, can help keep potential fraudsters out before they have a chance to damage a company from within.
CRI® Group’s agents discussed how thorough background screening for new and existing staff can help detect red flags, potentially saving companies millions in future losses from fraud and corruption. Using EmploySmart, CRI® Group analyses a job candidate’s claims and credentials, and can complement HR efforts with a “boots on the ground” approach to extensive background checking. With EmploySmart, CRI® Group examines all of the details provided by a potential employee including their identity, criminal background, education credentials, job history, employment references, and financial and credit checks (as permitted by law); among many other details.
If you missed getting a chance to meet with CRI® Group’s experts at the conference, or if you are an HR professional who would like to know more about how EmploySmart can help you, please contact us today! We are always eager to chat about how we can help complement your efforts and make you a hero in fraud prevention at your organization. With EmploySmart, you can make sure your prospective (and current) employees are who they say they are, and that you only hire the best.
Are you ready to EmploySmart?
Let’s Talk!
Don’t leave hiring to chance. Take a proactive stance with the highest level of background screening as a part of your essential corporate strategy. Contact us today to learn more about our full range of services to help your organization stay protected.
About us…
Based in London, CRI® Group works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, TPRM, Due Diligence, Compliance Solutions and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are, we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI® Group also holds B.S. 102000:2013 and B.S. 7858:2012 Certifications is an HRO certified provider and partners with Oracle.
In 2016, CRI® Group launched the Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC®) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body that provides education and certification services for individuals and organizations on a wide range of disciplines and ISO standards, including ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management- Guidelines; ISO 37000:2021 Governance of Organisations; ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management System; ISO 37301:2021 (formerly ISO 19600) Compliance Management system (CMS); Anti-Money Laundering (AML); and ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems ABMS. ABAC® offers a complete suite of solutions designed to help organizations mitigate the internal and external risks associated with operating in multi-jurisdiction and multi-cultural environments while assisting in developing frameworks for strategic compliance programs. Contact ABAC® for more on ISO Certification and training.
MEET THE CEO
Zafar I. Anjum is Group Chief Executive Officer of CRI® Group (www.crigroup.com), a global supplier of investigative, forensic accounting, business due to diligence and employee background screening services for some of the world’s leading business organizations. Headquartered in London (with a significant presence throughout the region) and licensed by the Dubai International Financial Centre-DIFC, the Qatar Financial Center – QFC, and the Abu Dhabi Global Market-ADGM, CRI® Group safeguard businesses by establishing the legal compliance, financial viability, and integrity levels of outside partners, suppliers and customers seeking to affiliate with your business. CRI® Group maintains offices in UAE, Pakistan, Qatar, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, China, the USA, and the United Kingdom.
Contact CRI® Group to learn more about its 3PRM-Certified™ third-party risk management strategy program and discover an effective and proactive approach to mitigating the risks associated with corruption, bribery, financial crimes and other dangerous risks posed by third-party partnerships.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Zafar Anjum, MSc, MS, CFE, CII, MICA, Int. Dip. (Fin. Crime) | CRI® Group Chief Executive Officer
37th Floor, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AA United Kingdom
t: +44 207 8681415 | m: +44 7588 454959 | e: zanjum@crigroup.com
COVID-19: 5 ways is changing business
COVID-19 has significantly changed the business landscape. With budgets slashed, events cancelled, and consumer behavior shifting, businesses are having to change too. PwC’s 2020 Global Consumer Insights survey shows a shift in the consumer’s priority with 69% saying that they are caring more about their mental health and physical fitness and 63% want to eat healthier as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Filip Lozie, Partner at PwC Belgium, says: “While certain trends have been on the upswing for quite some time, our research shows that the pandemic has sharpened consumers’ desire for transparency, sustainability and convenience. Consumers now expect their health and safety to be prioritized. In our 11 years of surveying consumers around the globe, we have never documented such a clear convergence of themes around transparency, sustainability, and social consciousness. At such a pivotal moment, the need for consumer-facing companies to establish trust with potential customers could not be any clearer.”
Here are six ways the COVID-19 is changing business as we know it.
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New ways of working
More than 1.54 million people are currently working from home (WFH). With 60% of the UK’s adult population WFH during the lockdown, each of these workers will save £44.78 (on average) by cutting out things like commuting and buying lunch out. Adding to this, many people are also currently working on reduced pay or furloughed. This period has given people the opportunity to reflect and access their priorities and old habits. With 92% of workers believing that they are well equipped to WFH and four in 10 London buyers already considering moving to the countryside, employees are sold on the benefits of WFH.
With two-thirds of employers reporting increased productivity for remote workers compared to in-office workers, businesses are also discovering the benefits of a remote and flexible workforce. From a recruitment perspective, when hiring and keeping top talent, be able to offer a flexible working culture will become a crucial factor, whilst from a revenue perspective, flexible working means less office space and more money saved. From a productivity perspective and with 83% of employees feeling that they do not need an office to be productive and 65% feeling more productive at home, businesses seem to be sold on WFH.
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Going digital
Being a digital-first brand isn’t a new concept, but with people no longer be able to pop to the shops, it’s now critically important to any business. COVID-19 has automatically put digital-first businesses ahead of the competition. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online purchases via smartphones have increased by 45%, and sales via laptop have increased with 41% so being digital-first is key to getting people talking, reaching new audiences, and continuing to grow.
On top of their existing digital offerings, some brands are even taking a step further by creating immersive experiences, entirely online. From the National Theatre streaming live critically acclaimed performances to Joe Wicks’ PE workouts, even Carlsberg, Budweiser and Rémy Martin have partnered with e-commerce giant JD.com to provide online clubbing.
In fact, 86% of consumers say they’ve changed their behaviour as a direct result of Covid-19. Now that in-person events have been cancelled to no date for a come back; the only way businesses can survive is taking a digital-first approach.
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Increased demand for direct-to-consumer brands
Over the past few years, Direct to Consumer (DTC) brands have exploded. Forbes reported in their article (2019) DTC Brands Are Getting A Lot Of Attention And Growing Fast that DTC advertising increased 50% in the past year. Cutting out the middleman empowers businesses to build stronger customer relationships by offering more competitive prices. DTC brands ability to adapt has seen DTC businesses thrive during COVID-19.
While many traditional businesses are (still) struggling to manage the complexity of international supply chains, DTC brands have modified theirs to continue running smoothly. For example, Bloom & Wild stopped relying on growers from the continent and are now outsourcing entirely from the UK.
As more consumers discover the benefits of going direct, DTC brands from beauty to biotech will continue to gain prominence post-COVID-19. With time passing and brand loyalty, sinking in demand is likely to continue post-COVID-19. Retailers with extensive supply chains need to review and refine their models in order to compete in today’s environment and tomorrow post-COVID-19.
As Cheryl Calverley, chief marketing officer of e-commerce retailer Eve Sleep, told The Drum: “The reason we sell directly to consumers online is that it is the most efficient way, and it is never to be gimmicky. Brands that don’t do it properly will get found out.”
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Sustainable growth
With one third (36%) of worldwide consumers spending less because of the COVID-19 outbreak, many businesses have seen their budgets disappear, and they have had to rethink their strategies, customer acquisition and retention strategies. There’s more scrutiny than ever on ROI – for many businesses, untraceable campaigns no longer are viable options. Instead, brands are turning to less traditional channel but more measurably effective ways, such as referral programmes.
Prior to COVID-19, 44% of businesses focused primarily on new customer acquisition, despite it being five times more expensive than focusing on existing customers. The current climate is prompting more leaders to realise the untapped value of their existing customers. Businesses are focusing on brand-building and customer retention strategies that engage with happy existing customers for long-term results.
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Living brand values
Brands have got away with simply saying the right things. However, COVID-19 has changed what consumers expect. Companies that helped during the COVID-19 crisis are getting far more attention in the press and on social media than any clever or expensive business strategy stunt could achieve. Equally, those falling short are being called out – i.e. Virgin Atlantic and Victoria Beckham.
The importance of brand values is reiterated by how supporting the public has been towards local businesses. COVID-19 has shifted consumers loyalties to support the small business more than ever. Small acts such as ordering food from a family-run restaurant or following a Zoom workout from a local instructor have a lasting impact, and brands should quickly understand that if they want to success post-COVID-19.
In April, the importance of brand-building in the current climate was evident with an increase of almost 40% on spending at local off-licences, greengrocers and convenience stores.
Preparing for the times ahead
It takes 21 days to form a habit, and after six months of COVID-19 lockdowns, quarantines and self-isolations, consumer buying habits are certainly different from where they were before the pandemic hit. COVID-19 has forced businesses to rethink their offerings, strategies and brand. As we emerge from this crisis, effective long-term strategies will be key to any business success in the post-COVID-19 competitive landscape. With most companies believing they could be ready to restart business as normal with just three weeks’ notice, the key to success is to reactivate their customer acquisition and retention strategies now.
Who is CRI Group?
Based in London, CRI Group works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence, Compliance Solutions and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI Group also holds BS 102000:2013 and BS 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
In 2016, the CRI Group launched the Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC®) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body established for ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems and ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management, providing training and certification. ABAC® operates through its global network of certified ethics and compliance professionals, qualified auditors and other certified professionals. As a result, CRI Group’s global team of certified fraud examiners work as a discreet white-labelled supplier to some of the world’s largest organisations. Contact ABAC® for more on ISO Certification and training.
Happening now: CRI® at SHRM17 in New Orleans
The 2017 SHRM Annual Conference & Exposition kicked off yesterday in New Orleans, and CRI® Group is proud to be participating as an exhibitor and telling top human resource managers about EmploySmart.
SHRM is the Society for Human Resource Management, and their world-renowned annual conference is a must-attend event for HR managers and specialists. Those professionals, by the way, are in a unique position when it comes to helping their organisations prevent fraud.
By conducting thorough background screening for new hires, for example, HR can help keep fraudsters out of a company before they can do damage from within.
At SHRM17, CRI® Group’s agents are meeting with attendees to tell them all about EmploySmart, our pre-employment background screening process.
EmploySmart analyses a job candidate’s claims and credentials, and can complement HR efforts with a “boots on the ground” approach to extensive background checking. With EmploySmart, CRI® Group examines all of the details provided by a potential employee including their identity, criminal background, education credentials, job history, employment references, and financial and credit checks (as permitted by law); among many other details.
If you are attending SHRM17 (which runs through Wednesday, June 21), please come by and visit with us in the exposition. CRI® Group would love to talk about your goals and challenges in helping your company stay better protected from fraud and corruption.
Every successful business owner knows that your greatest resources are your employees. Make sure they are who they say they are, and that you only hire the best.
Are you ready to EmploySmart?
Who is CRI® Group?
Based in London, CRI® Group works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, TPRM, Due Diligence, Compliance Solutions and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are, we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI® Group also holds B.S. 102000:2013 and B.S. 7858:2012 Certifications is an HRO certified provider and partners with Oracle.
In 2016, CRI® Group launched the Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC®) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body that provides education and certification services for individuals and organisations on a wide range of disciplines and ISO standards, including ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management- Guidelines; ISO 37000:2021 Governance of Organisations; ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management System; ISO 37301:2021 (formerly ISO 19600) Compliance Management system (CMS); Anti-Money Laundering (AML); and ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems ABMS. ABAC® offers a complete suite of solutions designed to help organisations mitigate the internal and external risks associated with operating in multi-jurisdiction and multi-cultural environments while assisting in developing frameworks for strategic compliance programs. Contact ABAC® for more on ISO Certification and training.
CRI® Group invites you to schedule a quick appointment with us to discuss in more detail how our risk management solutions can help you and your organisation.
European regulators face-off with Facebook
Facebook is discovering, along with other companies, that Europe is serious about data protection and privacy rules. The massive social media corporation is being fined by France, and is under investigation in several other European countries, for how it handles individuals’ information. Facebook European regulators face-off
At the heart of the issue is how it tracks both users and non-users, and how it uses data for advertising purposes. According to an article in the Guardian, “Facebook facing privacy actions across Europe as France fines firm €150k,” the company is being investigated in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain. It stands to reason that additional probes could be on the way.
Facebook is arguing that the Irish data protection authority should be the superseding authority since the company’s European headquarters are located in Dublin. This defence is not likely to fly among regulators in various EU countries that are enacting stricter data and privacy protections on behalf of their citizens.
Data protection and information security is a huge issue right now in Europe and around the world. Major breaches have caused loss of trust and subsequent financial loss among large corporations. The failure to protect consumers’ data can cause serious reputational harm to any company, not to mention lead to legal liability and possible fines.
The Facebook case exemplifies another angle to the privacy issue: What happens when a company’s own policies run counter to what regulators have determined are fair and reasonable privacy protections? Essentially, investigators in France and elsewhere allege that Facebook’s practices exploit their own users’ information and violate their right to privacy.
As the Guardian article states:
From data privacy to heavy criticism over how the social network takes down objectionable and extremist content, Facebook has found itself in the centre of a EU-US storm that is likely to rage for the next few years.
The storm won’t settle down anytime soon. The fine in France is arguably just a pittance for a corporation like Facebook. But fines could increase dramatically if new legislation takes effect:
A new EU data protection law is set to enter into force in 2018 that could fine companies up to 4% of their global turnover. Countries including France also want to give domestic data regulators more teeth through increased maximum fines.
Companies of any size should pay attention, especially if they conduct business in Europe or across international borders in general. Data protection and privacy will continue to drive new debate and likely evolving rules on what is fair play, and what constitutes a violation.
There will also continue to be an intense focus on what companies are doing to protect their users’ information from security breaches. Experts at CRI Group can help any organisation evaluate their current system and help implement robust protections that meet compliance standards and instil confidence among their consumers. Customers expect the highest level of protection, and companies must deliver on that promise.
Who is CRI Group?
Based in London, CRI Group works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence, Compliance Solutions and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI Group also holds BS 102000:2013 and BS 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
In 2016, CRI Group launched Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC®) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body established for ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems and ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management, providing training and certification. ABAC® operates through its global network of certified ethics and compliance professionals, qualified auditors and other certified professionals. As a result, CRI Group’s global team of certified fraud examiners work as a discreet white-labelled supplier to some of the world’s largest organisations. Contact ABAC® for more on ISO Certification and training.
Protecting Data: Businesses Needs GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force in Europe in just over a year. This sea change in data privacy aims to improve protections for individuals within the European Union, providing them with more control over how their personal data is used.
It will also clarify and standardise how businesses are expected to operate regarding data protection from a legal standpoint. With this in mind, smart business owners and directors are already preparing for its implementation.
There is much work to be done, however. According to a whitepaper from the DMA, a membership-based network of more than 1,000 companies, over a quarter (26 per cent) of marketers feel their business is unprepared for the GDPR.
That’s a problem. But there is time for organisations to take steps now and ensure they are ready for the GDPR when it took effect on May 25, 2018.
First, they should understand what the GDPR will require. According to “GDPR compliance: what organisations need to know” from the information age, the following are requirements of the new regulation:
- Extended jurisdiction: Regulations will apply to any company collecting and/or processing EU citizen’s personal data regardless of where the company’s physical offices are located.
- Consent: Companies will be required to obtain individual’s consent to store and use their data and explain how it is used.”
- Mandatory breach notification: Companies will now be required to notify the supervisory authority within 72 hours of discovering a security breach unless it is unlikely to “result in a risk to the rights and freedom of individuals.
- Right to access: Companies must be able to provide electronic copies of private records to individuals requesting what personal data the organisation is processing, where their data is stored and for what purpose.
- Right to be forgotten: EU citizens will be able to request the controller to delete their personal data and stop sharing it with third parties – who are then also obligated to stop processing it.
- Data portability: The new regulation gives individuals the right to transmit their data from one controller to another. As a result, upon request, organisations must be able to provide an individual’s personal data in a ‘commonly used and machine-readable format.
- Privacy by design: Security must be built into products and processes from day one.
- Data protection officers (DPO): Both data controllers and data processors are now required to appoint a DPO.
On a disturbing note, several reports indicate that some companies in the UK have stopped preparing for GDPR due to Brexit. According to MarketingTech’s “24% of UK businesses have stopped preparations for EU Data Protection Regulations,” fully 44 per cent of respondents to a survey believed – likely in error – that they will not fall under its jurisdiction. This is a dangerous assumption, as the article notes:
‘Firstly, it is likely to be in place before any Brexit,’ said director of information management at Crown Records, John Culkin. ‘Secondly, although an independent Britain would no longer be a signatory, it will still apply to all businesses that handle European citizens’ personal information. The fines associated with EU GDPR are significant. They can be as high as €20 million or 4% of global turnover.” Looking ahead at the GDPR, it is far better to be safe than sorry. In this case, that means being prepared – or risk serious consequences.
Who is CRI® Group?
Based in London, CRI® Group works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, TPRM, Due Diligence, Compliance Solutions and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are, we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI® Group also holds BS 102000:2013, and BS 7858:2012 Certifications is an HRO certified provider and partners with Oracle.
In 2016, CRI® Group launched the Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC®) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body that provides education and certification services for individuals and organisations on a wide range of disciplines and ISO standards, including ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management- Guidelines; ISO 37000:2021 Governance of Organisations; ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management System; ISO 37301:2021 (formerly ISO 19600) Compliance Management system (CMS); Anti-Money Laundering (AML); and ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems ABMS. ABAC® offers a complete suite of solutions designed to help organisations mitigate the internal and external risks associated with operating in multi-jurisdiction and multi-cultural environments while assisting in developing frameworks for strategic compliance programs. Contact ABAC® for more on ISO Certification and training.
Brexit Could Damage UK’s Fight Against Corruption, Says OECD
From the Guardian brexit corruption
Brexit could damage the UK’s efforts to tackle corruption and give multinationals leverage over the British government in bribery cases, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has warned.
Business pressure to weaken bribery laws and an inability by the government to focus on non-Brexit issues are both risks associated with leaving the European Union, according to a new report by the group.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][accordion_father caption_url=””][accordion_son title=”About CRI Group”]Based in London, CRI Group works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence, Compliance Solutions and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI Group also holds BS 102000:2013 and BS 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
In 2016, CRI Group launched Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC®) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body established for ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems and ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management, providing training and certification. ABAC® operates through its global network of certified ethics and compliance professionals, qualified auditors and other certified professionals. As a result, CRI Group’s global team of certified fraud examiners work as a discreet white-labelled supplier to some of the world’s largest organisations. Contact ABAC® for more on ISO Certification and training.[/accordion_son][/accordion_father][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Email: info@crigroup.com
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