Human Risk Management (HRM) vs. Security Behavior & Culture Program (SBCP)

Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, yet human error remains the leading cause of security breaches. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), human mistakes contribute to 95% of all cybersecurity incidents (Source). Whether it’s falling for phishing attacks, misconfiguring security settings, or using weak passwords, employees often become the weakest link in an organization’s security posture.

To address these risks, organizations rely on two key approaches: Human Risk Management (HRM) and Security Behavior & Culture Program (SBCP). While both focus on reducing security risks caused by human actions, they differ significantly in their methodology, scope, and how they measure success.

In this blog, we'll break down the differences between HRM and SBCP, explore their impact on security, and analyze how they fit into an organization's overall cyber defense strategy.

1. Human Risk Management (HRM)

Human Risk Management (HRM) is a data-driven cybersecurity approach that identifies, analyzes, and mitigates risks posed by human behavior. It leverages automation, AI, and behavioral analytics to quantify human-related threats and provide proactive risk reduction.

Key Characteristics of HRM

HRM leverages automation and analytics to proactively identify and reduce human-related security risks. Unlike traditional security awareness programs, it emphasizes measurable risk reduction through technology and behavior analysis. This approach includes:

• Risk Identification – Uses metrics and analytics to assess phishing susceptibility, security violations, and risky user behavior.
• Automation & AI – Automates phishing simulations, risk detection, reporting, and response.
• Personalized Training – Adjusts security awareness programs based on individual risk levels.
• Risk Remediation – Integrates with SIEM, SOAR, and other security tools to proactively mitigate threats.

How HRM Measures Success

HRM's effectiveness is assessed through measurable improvements in security behavior and risk reduction. By utilizing automation, analytics, and targeted training, organizations can track progress and strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Key success indicators include:

• Reduction in security risk scores – Fewer incidents caused by human error.
• Improved security behavior analytics – Increased phishing reporting rates and secure login practices.
• Enhanced operational efficiency – Decreased time spent on manual risk mitigation.

2. Security Behavior & Culture Program (SBCP)

A Security Behavior & Culture Program (SBCP) is a psychology-driven approach designed to influence long-term security habits and create a security-conscious workplace culture. It focuses on changing how employees think about security through behavioral science, gamification, and real-time engagement strategies.

Key Characteristics of SBCP

SBCP focuses on shaping long-term security habits and fostering a security-conscious culture within organizations. By leveraging behavioral science, psychological principles, and continuous reinforcement, it encourages employees to adopt secure behaviors. Key characteristics include:

• Behavioral Science-Based – Uses nudging, gamification, and psychological principles to drive secure behaviors.
• Cultural Transformation – Encourages leadership buy-in and peer influence to integrate security into workplace culture.
• Continuous Reinforcement – Moves beyond one-time training by using micro-learning, storytelling, and real-time nudges.
• Human-Centric Approach – Focuses on understanding why employees engage in risky behaviors and how to correct them.

How SBCP Measures Success

The success of SBCP is evaluated through long-term changes in security behavior and employee engagement. Unlike HRM, which focuses on risk reduction through automation, SBCP emphasizes cultural transformation and habit formation. Key metrics include:

• Adoption of secure habits – Employees consistently lock screens, use MFA, and verify suspicious emails.
• Cultural engagement – Employees proactively report security concerns and participate in awareness initiatives.
• Sustained interaction – Increased participation in security awareness training and cybersecurity-related discussions.

Examples of SBCP Strategies

SBCP employs a variety of techniques to reinforce security awareness and encourage safe behavior. These strategies are designed to engage employees and integrate security into daily routines. Common approaches include:

• Nudging – Real-time pop-ups reminding employees to verify email links before clicking.
• Gamification & Rewards – Leaderboards and incentives for completing security awareness training.
• Behavior-Based Training – Adaptive phishing simulations based on past behavior.

Key Differences: HRM vs. SBCP

While both HRM and SBCP aim to reduce cybersecurity risks caused by human actions, they take fundamentally different approaches. HRM leverages automation, analytics, and AI-driven risk management, whereas SBCP focuses on long-term behavioral change through psychological reinforcement and cultural transformation. The table below outlines the key distinctions between these two strategies.

Table 1: Key Differences Between HRM and SBCP

Where Keepnet Stands

Keepnet combines HRM and SBCP elements, offering an Extended Human Cyber Risk Management Platform that integrates:

• HRM Capabilities – AI-driven risk management, phishing simulation, automated response, risk scoring.
• SBCP Strategies – Storytelling-based training, real-time nudging, and behavioral reinforcement techniques.

Unlike other vendors that specialize only in HRM analytics or SBCP-driven behavior change, Keepnet provides a comprehensive solution that addresses both measurable risk reduction and long-term security awareness.

Is Security Behavior & Culture Program (SBCP) Part of Human Risk Management (HRM)?

Yes. Security Behavior & Culture Programs (SBCP) are a component of Human Risk Management (HRM), but HRM extends beyond behavior change to include automation, analytics, and risk-based policy enforcement.

How HRM & SBCP Fit Together

HRM is the overarching strategy that integrates:

• Security Behavior & Culture Program (SBCP) – Shaping employee habits and security awareness.
• Human Risk Analytics – Measuring risk levels based on user actions.
• Automated Phishing & Response – Identifying and mitigating threats in real-time.
• Threat Intelligence & Risk Reduction – Analyzing attack trends to predict emerging threats.
• Incident Response & Policy Enforcement – Automating security protocols based on risk scores.

HRM as the Umbrella Strategy

HRM is a comprehensive approach that goes beyond behavior change by integrating automation, analytics, and real-time threat mitigation. It encompasses:

• Security Behavior & Culture Program (SBCP) – Encourages secure habits and builds a security-conscious workplace culture.
• Human Risk Analytics – Monitors and quantifies security risks based on user behavior.
• Automated Phishing & Response – Detects risky actions and automatically mitigates phishing threats.
• Threat Intelligence & Risk Reduction – Uses real-time threat data to predict and prevent attacks.
• Incident Response & Policy Enforcement – Automates security policies and remediates human-related risks.

SBCP is just one component of HRM, focusing on long-term behavior change, while HRM also incorporates automation, analytics, and proactive risk reduction.

How Competitors Are Positioned

Most HRM vendors incorporate elements of SBCP, but their focus varies. Some prioritize data-driven risk analytics and automation, while others emphasize behavioral change through training and engagement. The table below outlines how key competitors position themselves within the HRM and SBCP landscape.

Table 2: HRM vs. SBCP Focus Among Competitors

While most vendors offer some degree of HRM and SBCP, Keepnet stands out by integrating risk analytics, automation, and behavioral training. Further enhancing nudging and gamification could strengthen its SBCP capabilities.

Examples of What Human Risk Management (HRM) Does That Security Behavior & Culture Program (SBCP) Doesn’t

While SBCP focuses on shaping security behaviors and building a security-conscious culture, HRM goes further by integrating risk analytics, automation, and real-time security response. Below are key capabilities that HRM provides but SBCP does not.

1. Automated Phishing & Risk Remediation

• HRM: Detects and removes phishing emails using AI and automation, preventing potential attacks.
• SBCP: Trains employees to recognize and report phishing but does not take direct action.
• Example: Keepnet’s Incident Responder automatically analyzes, removes, or quarantines phishing emails in real-time.

2. Human Risk Scoring & Analytics

• HRM: Assigns human risk scores based on user behavior, such as clicking phishing links or reusing passwords.
• SBCP: Focuses on training and awareness but does not use AI-driven risk scoring.
• Example: CybSafe and OutThink track risky employee behavior, allowing security teams to intervene proactively.

3. Integration with SIEM, SOAR, and Incident Response Tools

• HRM: Connects with SIEM (Security Information & Event Management) and SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) to automate security responses.
• SBCP: Educates employees but does not integrate with security operations tools for automated risk mitigation.
• Example: Keepnet integrates with SIEM platforms like Splunk and Microsoft Sentinel to trigger investigations when high-risk behaviors are detected.

4. Threat Intelligence & Attack Prediction

• HRM: Uses threat intelligence to analyze real-time attack trends and predict new threats.
• SBCP: Focuses on employee awareness but does not utilize external threat intelligence.
• Example: Keepnet’s Threat Intelligence integration analyzes phishing attacks across industries and alerts organizations to new threats.

5. Proactive Risk-Based Policy Enforcement

• HRM: Dynamically applies security policies based on risk scores, such as forcing password resets or restricting access for high-risk users.
• SBCP: Encourages secure behavior but does not enforce policies based on risk levels.
• Example: An HRM platform can automatically revoke access for employees who repeatedly fail phishing tests.

6. Continuous Risk Monitoring & Real-Time Alerts

• HRM: Monitors user behavior in real time and alerts security teams about risky actions, such as downloading malicious files or accessing high-risk websites.
• SBCP: Focuses on security awareness but does not provide real-time monitoring or alerts.
• Example: A bank using HRM detects an employee uploading sensitive data to personal cloud storage and alerts security teams immediately.

HRM provides automated, data-driven risk reduction, while SBCP focuses on shaping security behavior and culture. Organizations seeking a comprehensive security strategy should integrate both approaches to mitigate human-related cybersecurity risks effectively.

Final Comparison: HRM vs. SBCP Capabilities

HRM and SBCP serve different functions in managing human-related cybersecurity risks. HRM focuses on proactive risk reduction through automation, analytics, and security enforcement, while SBCP emphasizes behavioral change and security awareness. The table below highlights the key differences in their capabilities.

Table 3: HRM vs. SBCP Feature Comparison

Bridging HRM and SBCP for Stronger Security

HRM and SBCP tackle human-related cyber risks in different ways—HRM focuses on automation and risk analytics, while SBCP strengthens security behavior and culture. To build a resilient cybersecurity strategy, organizations need both approaches to mitigate risks in real time and drive long-term security awareness.

Check out Keepnet’s Extended Human Risk Management Platform to integrate risk scoring, automated threat response, and behavior-driven security training.