DBS Checks and Cybersecurity

Why DBS Checks Are More Relevant Than Ever

In a world where data breaches and insider threats dominate headlines, cybersecurity starts with people, not just technology. UK businesses are increasingly recognising that Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are more than a compliance formality- they’re a cornerstone of secure hiring.

Whether you’re bringing in an IT contractor with system-level access or a cybersecurity analyst handling sensitive personal data, knowing who you’re hiring is just as important as knowing what tools they use. DBS checks help employers confirm that individuals don’t have disqualifying criminal histories, reducing the risk of internal fraud, data misuse, or deliberate breaches.

What Is a DBS Check?

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is a UK government body that screens individuals for criminal records. There are four main levels of DBS check:

1. Basic DBS check – shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions; available to any individual or employer.

2. Standard DBS check – includes both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.

3. Enhanced DBS check – adds relevant local police information to the Standard level report.

4. Enhanced with barred list check – also checks the children’s and/or adults’ barred lists, required for regulated activity roles.

Employers choose the level of check depending on the sensitivity of the role. In cybersecurity or IT, Standard or Enhanced checks are often preferred when the role involves high-level access.

The Cybersecurity Connection

DBS checks and cybersecurity are two sides of the same coin. While firewalls and encryption protect your systems from external attacks, DBS checks help protect you from internal risks by ensuring you hire trustworthy individuals.

• Insider threat prevention: Employees with privileged access can do significant damage if malicious. DBS checks help screen for red flags.

• Regulatory compliance: In sectors like healthcare, finance, and government, DBS checks support compliance with strict data protection requirements.

• Confidence for clients and partners: Demonstrating a robust vetting process can strengthen your organisation’s reputation.

Cybersecurity is about people, processes, and technology working together. DBS vetting is one part of a layered security approach.

Recent Changes in 2025 You Should Know About

1. Digital ID verification for DBS checks

Employers can now verify candidates’ identities remotely using certified Identity Service Providers (IDSPs). This means faster, paperless checks without needing to see physical documents in person.

2. Cost transparency and scam awareness

A Basic DBS check through official channels costs £21.50- but some third-party providers charge significantly more. Businesses should ensure they’re using either the official GOV.UK service or an accredited umbrella body.

3. Fairness in disclosure

Recent reports revealed that over 35,000 people in the last decade were required to disclose offences from decades ago, even from childhood. This has sparked calls for reform to make DBS checks more proportionate and focused on relevant information.

How to Use DBS Checks Effectively in Cybersecurity Hiring

1. Select the right level of check

• Use Basic DBS for entry-level IT roles without sensitive data access.

• Use Standard or Enhanced DBS for positions with administrative privileges, system-level control, or regulated data handling.

2. Use official or trusted channels

Apply via GOV.UK or an accredited umbrella company to avoid inflated costs.

3. Combine DBS with technical vetting

A clean criminal record does not automatically mean technical competence- or immunity to future risk. Supplement DBS checks with:

• Technical assessments

• Cybersecurity certifications (e.g. CISSP, CEH)

• Reference checks and probationary monitoring

4. Balance security with fairness

Not all criminal history is relevant. Consider the nature, seriousness, and age of any offences when making hiring decisions.

5. Educate your HR and IT teams

Ensure recruiters and managers understand what DBS checks reveal (and what they don’t) to prevent over- or under-reliance on them.

Best Practices for a Secure Workforce

• Document your vetting policy: Make it clear which roles require which type of DBS check.

• Review checks regularly: A one-time check may not be enough for long-term employees in sensitive roles.

• Leverage digital tools: Use the new Digital Scheme to streamline the identity verification process.

• Communicate openly with candidates: Transparency about why checks are done builds trust.

Quick FAQ

What is the cost of a DBS check in 2025?

• A Basic DBS check is £21.50 via GOV.UK. Standard and Enhanced checks are usually paid for by the employer at higher rates.

Do all IT and cybersecurity roles require Enhanced DBS checks?

• Not always. Enhanced checks are generally reserved for roles with privileged system access or work in regulated sectors such as healthcare or finance.

Can DBS checks be done completely online?

• Yes. With the new Digital ID Scheme, employers can verify candidates remotely through certified IDSPs.

Do DBS checks show spent convictions?

• Standard and Enhanced checks do; Basic checks show only unspent convictions.

Final Thoughts

DBS checks are no longer just about safeguarding children and vulnerable adults- they are a frontline defence in modern cybersecurity. As insider threats grow and digital hiring expands, combining robust criminal record screening with technical assessments and digital identity verification is the smartest way to build a trusted workforce.

By embedding DBS checks into your hiring strategy, you’re not just meeting compliance- you’re sending a clear message to clients, partners, and employees: security starts here.