Automated and enhanced background checks for the defence industry
Companies in the defence industry operate in a significantly elevated threat landscape, with increased risks of espionage, sabotage, and activism. At the same time, they are subject to stringent security requirements, placing high demands on the proper screening of employees, suppliers, and partners, as well as audit-ready documentation. With automated background checks from P-Secure, the entire process is handled digitally — from initial hiring to continuous re-checks — with full traceability and in compliance with GDPR.
Defense suppliers that use our platform
Compliance in the defence industry
Companies that supply to the defence industry are increasingly being assessed on their overall level of security, where both internal security measures and requirements related to potential company approval play a role. Suppliers will typically be required to provide documentation of background checks on employees and partners, as security is now weighted on par with price and quality in defence procurement.
It is therefore recommended to align with recognised frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001 and the principles of NIS2. Automated background checks with P-Secure provide a way to meet these expectations even before a formal security clearance process, which can be time-consuming with the Danish Defence Intelligence Service.
In this way, companies can strengthen their security maturity and be better prepared to meet the requirements of the defence industry.
Useful features for defence suppliers
P-Secure automates the verification of identity, CV, criminal records, and references — ensuring accurate and timely background checks while reducing the risk of human error.
ID and CV check
Automates ID verification and CV checks based on verified public and official sources
Re-check
Easily schedule and conduct periodic re-checks of employees and subcontractors
Audit
Share cases for digital audit with the Danish Armed Forces, the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (FE), or internal auditors
Pre-screening prior to security clearance
Conduct structured background checks while the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (FE) security clearance process is ongoing — reducing risk during the waiting period
Verify ID and document CV
Easily plan and manage annual re-checks
Share cases for digital audits
Recommended screening categories for background checks
In collaboration with stakeholders in the defence sector, P-Secure is working to establish a common standard for screening and background checks that can be applied across the sector. Download our recommended screening categories for the defence sector.
Regulatory framework
Regulatory framework and requirements
Requirements for suppliers to the defence industry do not explicitly mandate background checks. However, the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (FE) conducts an overall assessment of a company’s security maturity, including physical security, governance, and personnel security.
At the same time, the Danish Armed Forces operate in line with the principles of ISO/IEC 27001 and align with the intentions of the NIS2 Directive, particularly regarding the management of employees and suppliers in critical functions.
Working systematically with these principles is not a formal requirement, but in practice a significant — and often decisive — factor in the approval process.
On this basis, P-Secure recommends the following screening prior to a potential security clearance:
- Personal data
- CV
- Education
- Criminal record
- Residence and work permits
- Stays abroad exceeding 6 months (within the past 5 years)
- Business roles
- Photo ID (passport or driver’s licence)
NIS2 and CER
P-Secure also supports compliance with the NIS2 Directive and the CER Directive, both of which set requirements for how organisations manage personnel security and associated risks.
The need for modern background checks
Implement automated and compliant background checks
Security requirements for defence suppliers are tightening — increasing the need to modernise background screening processes accordingly.
The benefits of automated background checks:
• Reduce administrative workload
• Accelerate onboarding processes
• Increase transparency and ensure consistent documentation
• Strengthen audit readiness
• Ensure compliance
• Cover both employees and the supply chain
Continuous compliance
Move beyond one-time checks with:
Automated ID and CV verification
Automated sanctions list checks
Centralised, audit-ready documentation
Ensure GDPR compliance
Ensure alignment with ISO 27001, the CER Directive's chain-of-responsibility requirements, and the Danish Armed Forces' security requirements at all times.
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