Every background check starts with trust: between employers, candidates, and the systems that connect them. Background screening involves handling personal and often sensitive data, which is why maintaining strict compliance is essential to keeping that trust intact.
At Dots, data protection is built into the way we work across every screening process. Our systems and platforms are independently certified to global security standards, including SOC 2 Type II and HIPAA, with ISO 27001 confirming our latest achievement in information security. These certifications confirm that every check you run through Dots meets rigorous international standards for information security and privacy.
Our global security standards
Every Dots system is independently tested, audited, and certified to meet global benchmarks for information security, ensuring your data stays protected from end to end. Clients can move forward with confidence, knowing that every check is handled securely and that we uphold the highest standards of compliance in the background screening industry.
ISO 27001 — New for 2025
ISO 27001 is the international gold standard for managing information security. With ISO 27001 in place, our controls are formally audited to prevent data breaches, manage risk, and respond quickly to potential threats, giving clients full confidence that sensitive information remains secure.
Certified in October 2025, this milestone reflects Dots’ commitment to ongoing improvement and independent verification.
SOC 2 Type II
SOC 2 Type II is a U.S. framework that measures how effectively an organisation safeguards client data over time. Unlike a one-off audit, the Type II certification assesses how well those controls perform in practice, proving consistency and reliability. For our clients, this means a dependable, transparent foundation that strengthens trust across every background check.
HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) governs how organisations manage and share health-related information. This certification supports clients in regulated sectors where privacy is critical, offering assurance that all personal or medical data is managed responsibly and lawfully.
Local compliance and accreditation
Beyond international certifications, Dots holds every major South African licence and membership that governs ethical data use, credit reporting, and identity verification.
NCR Credit Bureau Licence (NCRCB38)
Dots is licensed by the National Credit Regulator (NCR) under the National Credit Act, giving us official status as a registered credit bureau. This licence requires full compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), which regulate how consumer information is managed and accessed. This ensures responsible data handling and consistent background screening compliance across every check.
SAFPS Membership
As an accredited member of the Southern African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS), Dots contributes to the fight against fraud, financial crime, and identity theft. By sharing verified fraud data with trusted organisations, we help create a safer financial and employment environment for South African businesses.
SACRRA and the Credit Bureau Association
Membership with the South African Credit and Risk Reporting Association (SACRRA) and the Credit Bureau Association (CBA) reflects Dots’ commitment to accurate data sharing and transparent reporting. These memberships reinforce our ethical approach to credit and risk data management and align us with the country’s most reputable bureaus.
Afiswitch Criminal Database Partnership
As a verified Afiswitch channel partner, Dots provides criminal record checks authenticated directly through the South African Police Service (SAPS). This partnership ensures that results are sourced securely from authorised systems, giving clients confidence that every screening is accurate, compliant, and validated at the highest level.
Together, these accreditations confirm our credibility and accountability at a national level.
Technical safeguards behind every check
Behind every report and verification sits a network of built-in protections designed to keep client and candidate data secure:
- Single sign-on (SSO): Access to the Dots platform (Dots360) is managed through single sign-on using industry-standard authentication. This helps teams control permissions easily while ensuring only authorised users can access sensitive data.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): An extra layer of verification protects accounts from unauthorised access. By requiring a second confirmation step, 2FA helps maintain high security standards without slowing down day-to-day use.
- Data encryption in transit and at rest: All information transferred through Dots360 is encrypted at every stage, from candidate details to completed reports. This ensures data stays secure whether it’s being uploaded, reviewed, or stored for record-keeping.
- Integration with DLP, EMM, and eDiscovery partners: Dots works with trusted partners in Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM), and eDiscovery. These integrations reinforce information governance and give clients confidence that their screening processes are supported by best-in-class technology.
These systems work together to strengthen privacy, support compliance, and maintain trust across all stages of the background screening process.
How strong background screening compliance protects your business
These certifications and safeguards give businesses real protection. Every background check you run through Dots is supported by verified global standards and regulated local frameworks that reduce risk and keep information secure.
Each layer of compliance gives you confidence that your background screening process is lawful, trustworthy, and protected. By investing in world-class systems and continuous auditing, Dots gives clients the confidence to focus on what matters most: hiring the right people, safely and efficiently.
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re proud to keep earning your trust, one verified check at a time.Want to know more about how we keep your data safe? Book a chat to get started with Dots360 today. For ongoing updates, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X.
