Privacy Policy & Data Security Protocol

1. Introduction & Acceptance of Terms

Proficiency Background Services (PBS) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the personal and biometric information we collect. As a credentialed Third-Party Administrator (TPA) and Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), we adhere to strict federal and state guidelines regarding data encryption, transmission, and permissible purpose.

This policy outlines our physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards designed to protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and ensure absolute regulatory compliance for our corporate partners and individual applicants.

2. SSL Data Security & Infrastructure Protocol

Because we process highly sensitive biometric data, criminal histories, and federal channeling requests, our data architecture is engineered to exceed standard commercial security requirements.

• AES-256 Encryption: All data transmitted through our web portals, including document uploads and applicant details, is secured using end-to-end 256-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption protocols.
• SOC-2 Type II Data Centers: Our proprietary software and channeling platforms (including the RefCheck Portal) are hosted in SOC-2 Type II and ISO 27001 compliant cloud environments, ensuring maximum physical and digital sovereignty.
• Zero-Data Retention Firewalls: To mitigate breach liability, no criminal history records, biometric fingerprints, or PII are permanently hosted on local PBS marketing web servers post-transmission. Data is routed directly to our secure operational infrastructure or federal clearinghouses.
• CJIS & FBI Alignment: Fingerprint data submitted for FDLE, AHCA, or FBI background checks is processed in strict accordance with the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy.

3. Information We Collect

We classify the data we collect into two distinct categories to ensure proper handling and legal compliance:

• Corporate Client Information: Data collected during the B2B sales and credentialing process, including corporate email addresses, NAICS codes, billing details, and End-User Agreements.
• Consumer / Candidate Information: Personally Identifiable Information (PII) such as full legal names, dates of birth, Social Security Numbers (SSNs), driver's license numbers, and biometric data collected explicitly for the purpose of executing a legally authorized background screening report.
• Automated Telemetry: Standard non-identifying web analytics, cookies, and IP addresses used to monitor portal uptime, prevent fraud, and optimize user experience.

4. FCRA Permissible Purpose & Data Usage

PBS does not sell, rent, or monetize consumer data to third-party marketers.

We only furnish consumer reports to credentialed enterprise end-users who have certified a legally recognized "Permissible Purpose" as defined by Section 604 of the FCRA (e.g., employment purposes, tenant screening, or occupational licensing). Furthermore, we require that our clients obtain clear, conspicuous, and legally compliant written authorization from the consumer prior to initiating any screening request.

5. Candidate Rights & FCRA Disputes

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumers have the right to know what is in their file, the right to request a copy of their completed background report, and the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information.

If you are a consumer and wish to exercise these rights, initiate a dispute, or request a free copy of your file, please visit our dedicated Candidate Support Center. Our compliance team will promptly open a reinvestigation at no cost to you.

6. Contact Our Compliance Office

If you have questions regarding this policy, our data security infrastructure, or our corporate data compliance practices, please contact our compliance and security department directly: