Rethinking HR tech – Lessons from the CrowdStrike disaster

In today’s digital world, technology is the backbone of nearly every business operation, especially in HR. We rely on sophisticated systems to manage everything from payroll to recruiting, onboarding, and compliance.?

But what happens when these systems fail?

This question became all too real after the recent CrowdStrike outage—a cybersecurity incident that sent shockwaves across industries, affecting essential services like airlines, banks, and even 911 call centers.?

This wasn’t just a minor hiccup; it was a full-blown IT disaster with significant implications for how businesses think about their technology stacks.?

As recruitment and HR leaders, this incident serves as a crucial reminder that while we strive for streamlined processes and integrated systems, we must also prepare for the unexpected.?

The CrowdStrike incident highlights the importance of diversifying our tech stack, investing in redundancy, and staying proactive with our IT strategies.?

Let’s break down some key lessons and tips for leaders to protect their data and avoid online outages that could disrupt operations and impact employees.?

1. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket?

One of the primary takeaways from the CrowdStrike disaster is the risk of relying too heavily on a single vendor or platform.?

When you consolidate all your functions—payroll, recruiting, benefits learning management—into one system, you create a single point of failure. If that system goes down, your entire operation could come to a standstill.?

Tip: Consider diversifying your tech stack. Using multiple vendors for different functions can add a layer of security and reduce the risk of a total system shutdown.?

2. Invest in redundancy?

Redundancy might seem like an unnecessary expense, but it’s a critical investment in your business continuity.?

Whether it’s regular data backups, duplicate systems, or cloud-based disaster recovery solutions, having redundancy in place ensures that you can quickly recover if something goes wrong.?

Tip: Work with your IT team to develop a redundancy plan. Regularly test your backup systems to ensure they can handle a real-world outage scenario.?

3. Stay ahead with regular updates and testing?

Outdated software or systems can become vulnerabilities, leaving you open to cyberattacks or unintentional outages.?

It’s essential to stay ahead of these risks by ensuring your systems are up-to-date and regularly tested.?

Tip: Schedule routine maintenance and updates with your IT department. Ensure that all software and systems undergo regular testing to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.

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4. Work closely with IT?

Your IT department is your best ally when it comes to protecting your data and ensuring smooth operations.?

Stay closely connected with your IT team to stay abreast of potential issues and make informed decisions about your tech stack.?

Tip: Establish regular check-ins with your IT team. Foster a collaborative relationship where IT is actively involved in HR planning and decision-making.?

5. Embrace automation, but with caution?

Automation can significantly enhance efficiency and reduce errors, but it’s not without risks.?

Automated systems must be carefully managed and regularly reviewed to ensure they function correctly and securely.?

Tip: Begin automating simpler tasks and gradually move to more complex processes. Continuously monitor the performance of your automated systems and make adjustments as needed. Ensure your team is well-trained and updated on any new features or changes.?

6. Protect your data with strong security measures?

With the rise of cyber threats, protecting your data is more critical than ever.?

Implementing strong security protocols, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure access controls, is vital.?

Tip: Regularly review and update your security measures. Conduct security audits and ensure that all employees understand and follow best practices for data protection.?

The CrowdStrike incident is a wake-up call for HR and recruitment leaders everywhere. It underscores the need for a proactive, multi-faceted approach to managing technology.?

As the industry continues to evolve, these strategies will be essential for ensuring your systems are robust, secure, and ready for whatever the future holds.?

If you found these insights helpful, tune in to the latest episode of the Jess Get Hired podcast, where Jessica George dives deeper into the lessons from the CrowdStrike disaster and what leaders can do to protect their organizations.?

Author bio

Jessica (Fiesta) George ?? ?? is a seasoned Talent Acquisition Strategist with over 20 years of experience, specializing in empowering job seekers and coaching private equity-backed companies to achieve success.?

As the host of the Jess Get Hired Podcast, she offers invaluable insights and advice on personal branding, the latest HR technology, industry trends, and more, making it the ultimate resource for professionals at all career stages.?

With the ever-changing job market, Jessica's podcast helps listeners navigate various challenges and offers them the tools necessary to succeed.?

Her mission is to assist others in hiring the best talent, developing world-class recruitment solutions, and helping individuals get promoted or find their next opportunity.

Connect with her on YouTube and learn more about her on her website.

Other links: https://linktr.ee/jessgethired?