Cyber background checks are the more thorough background checks that employers and companies run on cybersecurity professionals. They are aimed to ensure that applicants are well-qualified for a cybersecurity position and that their background report is free from disqualifying items, such as criminal history issues or a lack of credentials.
Our article tells you what you need to know about cyber background checks.
What Is a Cyber Background Check?
A cyber background check is a background check that is performed specifically for cybersecurity professionals. This type of background check will review criminal records and employment history in addition to educational history and credentials to ensure that an applicant is suited for a cybersecurity position.
Cyber background checks tend to be more in-depth than other background checks, and they are vital to ensuring that employers avoid bad hires or hires that could compromise data and other sensitive information.
Why Are Background Checks Performed for Cybersecurity Professionals?
Background checks are performed for cybersecurity professionals to ensure that job applicants are well-qualified and capable of working in secure environments or handling sensitive data. Cybersecurity positions tend to require the proper qualifications and employees who are able to pass background checks in order to ensure the safety of data.
What Is an Employer Looking for With a Cyber Background Check?
When a potential employer asks for a background check for a cybersecurity professional, they are trying to ensure that the information listed on a job application is correct and that the applicant is well-qualified to work their job and at the company.
Background checks for cybersecurity professionals are performed as a way to ensure that employees are able to handle sensitive data and perform their jobs properly.
Things an employer may review on your cyber background check include:
- Criminal record history
- Educational history
- Work experience and previous job titles
- Credentials and professional qualifications
- Credit history
An employer may also check references and ensure that the details on a cyber background check report match the information that a job applicant initially provided; it is important to be accurate and honest on all job applications because of this.
Is It Possible to Fail a Cyber Background Check?
It is possible to fail a cyber background check, and whether or not you fail depends on your personal history and what an employer is looking for on your background check. In general, the following issues may cause someone to fail a cyber background check:
- Criminal convictions, including disqualifying crimes like hacking or dishonesty about a criminal record, even if the criminal conviction itself might not be disqualifying
- Inaccurate or falsified educational experience or falsified credentials
- Inaccurate, falsified, or misleading work history, including work experience, clearance levels, and job titles
Additionally, job applications that fail to meet certain qualifications and required certifications for a cybersecurity position may be passed over for a job in favor of someone who has a more extensive qualification and credential history on their report. It’s a good idea to view your background check yourself before one is performed on you so you can prepare for any issues.
How Long Does a Cyber Background Check Take?
Cyber background checks tend to be more in-depth and thorough than other types of background checks, and these reports may take between a few days and a couple of weeks to come back.
Generally, cyber background checks that look through many years of history and require looking into someone’s history and records in multiple states will take longer, as will federal cyber background checks.
How Far Back Does a Cyber Background Check Look?
How far back a cyber background check looks depends on the company conducting the check and state laws.
In general, a cyber background check will look back at between seven and ten years of personal, criminal, and civil court history, though more in-depth checks, such as background check requests by the federal or state government could look at around 20 years of personal history.
Understanding Cyber Background Checks
Background checks for cybersecurity professionals are an essential prerequisite for this career field, as employers and companies need to know that their employees are qualified for the job and able to handle classified and sensitive data.
Cybersecurity professionals looking for jobs should be prepared to submit background checks as part of the hiring process in addition to being prepared to explain any items on their report that a potential employer asks about.