blog post

What’s up with Human Risk Management?

If the labyrinth of terms that often accompany “Risk Management” has you feeling lost, you’re not in the minority. A frequent criticism of these systems is their tendency to point fingers at employees as the main reason risk management is even necessary. But there’s a fresh angle taking root in this field, one that’s stirring up the traditional narrative.

The Emergence of Human Risk Management in Cybersecurity

Enter Human Risk Management (HRM), a fresh perspective in cybersecurity. This isn’t about casting your team as the culprits in your security woes. Instead, HRM is about empowering them, transforming them into a key part of the solution. It zeroes in on the human side of the equation, identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that stem from how people interact with technology. The old view of employees as liabilities? HRM turns that on its head, portraying them instead as a crucial, front line of defense.

Why Managing Human Cyber Risk Matters

In a landscape where over 80% of breaches are linked to human error or negligence, the importance of HRM becomes crystal clear. Tech safeguards have their place, sure, but they can’t do it all. HRM recognizes this gap and fills it by reframing the human factor—from a weakness to a strength. It’s about equipping your people with the training and support they need, making them active players in your cybersecurity game.

HRM’s Strategic Playbook

  1. Building Allies with HRM: At the heart of HRM is the mission to create a workplace where everyone is clued in and engaged with cybersecurity practices. This approach doesn’t just curb risks; it fosters a profound shift in behavior, morphing your workforce into a group of aware, vigilant partners in your security strategy.
  2. Synchronizing Your Cybersecurity Arsenal: The challenge for many cybersecurity teams is managing a mishmash of tools. HRM advocates for a more integrated approach, marrying these tools together for better cost-efficiency and smoother operation. It’s about making every piece of the cybersecurity puzzle fit just right.
  3. Embracing Automation in HRM: Cybersecurity moves at a breakneck pace, often leaving security professionals juggling more than they can handle. HRM endorses automating certain tasks, particularly in areas like security awareness training, to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
  4. Making Decisions with Data in HRM: Proving the ROI of cybersecurity efforts has always been a tough nut to crack. HRM arms teams with tools to measure the impact of security awareness training and similar initiatives, providing the hard evidence needed to justify ongoing investment in these areas.

The CyberEd SmartHRM™ Solution: A Holistic HRM Tool

To truly get a grip on the human aspect of risk, you need the right tools for the job. SmartHRM™ steps up to the plate here, offering a comprehensive HRM solution that stitches together data from across your security tech landscape. This tool provides:

  • Human Risk Index (HRI) Scoring: Pinpointing which employees pose the most risk and focusing your efforts accordingly.
  • Targeted Employee Training: Custom-tailored training recommendations based on each employee’s risk factors, ensuring that learning is both relevant and effective.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: A bird’s-eye view of risky behaviors and the effectiveness of your interventions, all in one place, making reporting a breeze and showing off the ROI of your security efforts.

Starting Your HRM Journey

Keen on giving HRM a go? Kick things off with a solid plan. Dive into our Website. Message me directly – all contact information is up on LinkedIn and my email is sking@ismg.io. I would be honored to walk you through how you can transform your team from a perceived liability to a valuable cybersecurity asset.

Author

Steve King

Managing Director, CyberEd

King, an experienced cybersecurity professional, has served in senior leadership roles in technology development for the past 20 years. He has founded nine startups, including Endymion Systems and seeCommerce. He has held leadership roles in marketing and product development, operating as CEO, CTO and CISO for several startups, including Netswitch Technology Management. He also served as CIO for Memorex and was the co-founder of the Cambridge Systems Group.

 

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