Key Points
- CHROs should actively lead efforts to protect HR data as AI and automation are increasingly used in HR.
- Gartner recommends four priorities: embed security into HR automation, hunt for threats, manage vendor risk, and cultivate a security-minded workplace.
- Recent breaches affecting HR vendors and employers expose how vulnerable recruiting and workforce systems can be.
- HR must partner with IT, legal, procurement and vendor-management teams for audits, controls and incident planning.
- Psychological safety helps employees report security concerns early, improving organizational resilience.
Immediate concern: HR systems face growing digital risk
As HR systems adopt artificial intelligence and automation, Gartner warns that chief human resources officers must become more engaged in protecting employee data. The analyst firm’s Sept. 3 report frames this as a strategic responsibility for HR leaders, not only a technical one for IT.
Why inaction is risky
Gartner points to a string of incidents in recent years — including a 2024 ransomware intrusion affecting ManpowerGroup and 2025 breaches involving HR technology providers and employer associations — that resulted in exposure of personally identifiable records.
These events demonstrate how a compromised HR process, such as automated hiring, can create legal exposure, damage employer reputation and erode employee confidence.
Practical steps for HR leaders
The report outlines four priority actions for CHROs: incorporate security considerations into HR automation projects from the start; conduct proactive threat assessments and audits of AI tools; formalize third-party risk reviews with procurement and legal; and promote employee practices that surface security concerns.
Gartner’s survey in May 2025 found fewer than half of organizations regularly audit AI tools for security compliance, underscoring the gap.
Culture and collaboration matter
Security experts speaking to HR industry outlets emphasize that HR teams should bolster organizational defenses through anti-phishing education, clear incident response plans and tight vendor oversight.
Ultimately, Gartner recommends CHROs work across IT, security, legal and vendor-management functions to reduce risk while fostering an environment where staff feel safe to report potential problems before they escalate.
Preparing HR leaders for the future
As digital threats grow, HR leaders will need stronger technical and strategic skills. Pursuing professional certifications can help build the expertise required to safeguard employee data while aligning HR practices with organizational goals:
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PHR (Professional in Human Resources): Focuses on operational HR skills, including compliance and policy implementation, helping professionals manage HR processes securely and effectively.
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SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources): Geared toward strategic leadership, it equips HR leaders with advanced knowledge to develop policies, manage risk, and align HR strategy with business objectives.
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SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management – Certified Professional): Provides practical knowledge for handling HR operations while fostering a culture of trust, compliance, and security awareness.
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SHRM-SCP (Society for Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional): Designed for senior HR leaders, emphasizing strategic decision-making, global HR issues, and integrating technology securely into HR practices.