What Are the Core Differences Between Human Risk Management & Security Awareness

In 2024, organizations are challenged to address human vulnerabilities—the leading cause of breaches. Two strategies have emerged as critical components in this effort: Security Awareness and Human Risk Management (HRM). Though interconnected, they serve distinct roles in mitigating human-related risks.

The Difference Between Human Risk Management and Security Awareness in Driving Security Behavior

Security Awareness focuses on education. It aims to inform employees about potential threats such as phishing, malware, and social engineering attacks. This is typically achieved through:

• Training sessions that highlight common cybersecurity threats.
• Simulations like phishing campaigns to test employee responses.
• Materials such as posters, emails, and videos that reinforce security best practices.

The goal is to raise awareness and provide employees with the knowledge to recognize and respond to threats. However, Security Awareness often stops at education, leaving gaps in understanding how these lessons translate into actionable, risk-reducing behaviors. See a more detailed article on what security awareness is.

Human Risk Management, by contrast, takes a proactive and holistic approach to reducing human-related risks while driving security behavior and fostering a Security Behavior and Culture Program. It involves:

• Risk assessments to identify behaviors that could lead to breaches.
• Personalized training tailored to individual risk profiles.
• Continuous monitoring to detect and address risky actions in real time.
• Behavioral interventions to foster long-term security-conscious habits.

HRM goes beyond informing employees—it actively mitigates risks by targeting the root causes of unsafe behaviors, reinforcing positive ones, and helping organizations reduce cybersecurity incidents resulting from employee activity. It transforms employees into a line of defense rather than potential liabilities.

See a more detailed blog on What is Human Risk Management (HRM).

Comparison Chart: Security Awareness vs Human Risk Management

Understanding the distinctions between Security Awareness and HRM is important for developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. While both aim to enhance organizational security, they differ in focus, approach, and outcomes. The following table outlines these differences:

Table 1: Security Awareness & Human Risk Management

The Core Roles of Human Risk Managers vs Security Awareness Managers

The distinction between the two roles lies in their scope and methods.

Security Awareness Manager

A Security Awareness Manager is primarily an educator and communicator. Their responsibilities include:

• Designing and delivering training programs to increase awareness of threats.
• Developing resources such as e-learning modules, posters, and newsletters.
• Coordinating simulated phishing attacks to measure employee vigilance.
• Tracking participation and completion rates of awareness initiatives.

The focus is on disseminating information and ensuring employees understand cybersecurity basics.

Human Risk Manager

A Human Risk Manager operates at a broader, strategic level, integrating behavior analysis with risk mitigation. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting assessments to identify high-risk behaviors and roles within the organization.
• Implementing tools to monitor and reduce risky actions in real time.
• Collaborating with other teams (e.g., IT, HR) to create a security-conscious culture.
• Using data analytics to measure and improve the efficacy of human risk interventions.

While the Security Awareness Manager teaches employees what to do, the Human Risk Manager ensures they do it consistently and effectively. Together, these roles complement each other, bridging the gap between awareness and action.

Comparison Chart: Roles of Security Awareness Manager vs Human Risk Manager

Understanding the distinct roles of a Security Awareness Manager and a Human Risk Manager is essential for organizations aiming to bolster their cybersecurity posture. The following table delineates the primary differences between these two positions:

Table 2: Security Awareness Manager vs Human Risk Manager

Security Awareness Managers Show Metrics, and HRM Creates Outcome-driven Metrics to Tell A Story

While both Security Awareness Managers and Human Risk Managers measure metrics, the value and depth of these metrics differ significantly. Security Awareness Managers often provide quantitative metrics such as open, click, and completion rates. These are useful for tracking engagement but only sometimes tell the complete story.

Human Risk Managers, on the other hand, focus on outcome-driven metrics designed to align with business objectives and executive expectations. These metrics help organizations set Protection Level Agreements (PLAs) and deliver measurable business value. Here’s a detailed look at how each role approaches metrics:

Table 3: Security Awareness Managers Show Metrics, and HRM Creates Outcome-driven Metrics to Tell A Story

A Unified Approach: Security Behavior and Culture Program (SBCP) for Human-Centric Cybersecurity

Organizations that integrate both Security Awareness and Human Risk Management reap the benefits of:

• Informed employees who understand threats and their responsibilities.
• Proactive defenses that address risks before they materialize.
• A culture of security where safe behaviors are second nature.

In an era where human error is the weakest link in cybersecurity, blending education with proactive management is no longer optional—it’s essential. By recognizing and leveraging the unique strengths of both strategies, organizations can build a resilient defense against ever-evolving threats.

How Keepnet Helps Human Risk Managers Build a Security Behavior and Culture Program

Keepnet provides comprehensive tools and services tailored to empower Human Risk Managers in establishing and maintaining effective SBCPs. Here's how Keepnet aligns with the principles discussed:

• Outcome-Driven Metrics: Keepnet equips Human Risk Managers with advanced analytics and reporting tools beyond engagement metrics. These tools focus on measuring behavioral changes and the direct impact on organizational risk posture.
• Deep Data Insights: With Keepnet’s outcome-driven metrics managers can dive deep into cybersecurity data to identify patterns, root causes, and high-risk areas. This insight ensures SBCP efforts are targeted where they matter most.
• Protection Level Agreements: Keepnet supports the creation and monitoring of PLAs by providing the data and framework needed to align security goals with executive expectations. Managers can demonstrate how their initiatives minimize employee-driven risks while maximizing business value.
• Business-Centric Narratives: Keepnet’s integrated platform enables Human Risk Managers to craft compelling narratives using data-driven insights. By showcasing tangible benefits such as reduced costs, enhanced productivity, and safeguarded revenue streams, they can effectively communicate the value of their SBCP to stakeholders.
• Tailored Security Culture Programs: Keepnet offers tools to design personalized training and interventions, ensuring that employees receive targeted support to foster long-term security-conscious habits.