In the realm of cyber security, two HRMs stand out: Human Resource Management and Human Risk Management. While they share a focus on people, their objectives and methods are distinct. Human Resource Management revolves around employee development, engagement, and organisational culture, while Human Risk Management targets behaviours and actions that could compromise security. Understanding and leveraging both approaches is critical to safeguarding organisations in today’s complex digital environment.
What is Human Resource Management (HRM)?
Human Resource Management deals with the broader management of employees, from recruitment and onboarding to performance evaluation and development. It is about creating a productive, engaged workforce that contributes to organisational goals.
In the context of cyber security, Human Resource Management ensures employees are aware of their role in protecting sensitive information. From hiring practices that prioritise trustworthiness to structured training programs that align with company policies, Human Resource Management lays the foundation for a secure workplace. For example, ensuring that all new hires receive comprehensive onboarding that includes security awareness training can significantly reduce early-stage vulnerabilities.
What is Human Risk Management (HRM)?
Human Risk Management focuses on identifying and mitigating risks posed by human behaviour. Whether it’s clicking on phishing emails, using weak passwords, or accidentally sharing sensitive information, human actions are often the entry points for cyber attacks. According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 82% of breaches involve the human element.
Human Risk Management takes a proactive approach by:
- Analysing behaviours to identify patterns of risk.
- Providing targeted interventions to reduce those risks, such as phishing simulations or password management tools.
- Using metrics like human risk scores to track progress and adapt strategies.
This approach goes beyond awareness, focusing on measurable actions and results to minimise human-driven vulnerabilities.
How Human Risk Management Complements Human Resource Management
The relationship between these two HRMs is complementary. Human Resource Management builds the foundation by hiring, training, and engaging employees, while Human Risk Management ensures those employees act securely.
For instance, while Human Resource Management might deliver general security awareness training, Human Risk Management could identify employees who are more likely to fall for phishing attempts and provide additional, targeted training. Similarly, Human Resource Management might create policies around data handling, but Human Risk Management ensures adherence through regular audits and feedback loops.
This dual approach ensures that people, processes, and behaviours are aligned with organisational security goals.
Building a Comprehensive Strategy
To create a truly secure organisation, both Human Resource Management and Human Risk Management need to be integrated into a broader strategy. Here are key steps:
- Embed Security into Culture: Human Resource Management should promote a security-conscious culture through leadership and engagement.
- Proactive Behavioural Monitoring: Human Risk Management should continuously evaluate behaviours and address risks as they emerge.
- Tailored Training: Use insights from Human Risk Management to deliver role-specific training that addresses real-world risks.
- Measure and Adapt: Regularly assess the effectiveness of both Human Resource Management and Human Risk Management efforts to ensure continuous improvement.
Take Action with HRM: Building a Secure and Resilient Workforce
Managing human risk is no longer optional in today’s threat environment. By combining the strengths of Human Resource Management (HRM) and Human Risk Management (HRM), organisations can build a workforce that is both skilled and secure.
Human Resource Management focuses on employee development, engagement, and organisational culture through onboarding, training, and leadership. However, to achieve full resilience, it must align with Human Risk Management strategies, which address risky behaviours that lead to security vulnerabilities. This combination creates a comprehensive and proactive security strategy.
To strengthen HRM and enhance your organisation’s security, explore the following:
- Human Risk Management in Cyber Security: Learn actionable strategies to identify and address risks posed by human behaviours.
- How to Reduce Human Risk in Your Organisation: Discover proven methods to monitor and minimise employee-driven vulnerabilities.
- What is a Human Firewall and How to Build One? Understand how a human firewall can act as a line of defence against cyber threats.
Additionally, learn how MetaCompliance can support your organisation with customised cyber security training solutions. Request your demo today.
