Human Risk Management Vendor Identification: Choosing the Right Partner for Success

Cybersecurity isn’t just about securing networks and devices—it’s about securing people. In 2024, human error played a role in 68% of breaches, reinforcing the need for organizations to prioritize Human Risk Management (HRM). Without the right HRM strategy, businesses remain vulnerable to phishing, social engineering, and other human-driven threats.

Selecting the right HRM vendor is significant to building a security-aware culture and reducing risk. In this guide, we’ll explore the key features to look for in an HRM solution and how the right tools can transform your cybersecurity resilience.

Why Human Risk Management Is Essential

Employees remain the primary target for cyberattacks like phishing, social engineering, and credential theft. Traditional security tools focus on technology, but HRM solutions focus on equipping employees to recognize and respond to threats effectively.

HRM solutions combine behavior-driven training, automated simulations, and real-time insights to reduce vulnerabilities and improve organizational resilience.

Key Criteria for Evaluating Human Risk Management Vendors

Selecting the right Human Risk Management (HRM) vendor is essential for strengthening cybersecurity resilience. The best solutions go beyond basic training, offering real-time insights, adaptive learning, and proactive risk mitigation to combat human-driven threats.

Look for a vendor that provides a comprehensive, data-driven approach with phishing simulations, AI-powered training, behavioral analytics, and gamification to build a security-aware culture. Below are the key factors to consider.

1. Comprehensive Tools for Managing Human Cyber Risks

A strong Human Risk Management (HRM) solution should do more than just train employees—it should actively reduce human cyber risks. The best platforms offer a well-rounded approach that combines education, engagement, and analytics to create a security-aware workforce.

When evaluating vendors, look for key features such as:

• Realistic phishing simulations that mimic actual cyber threats.
• AI-driven adaptive training that personalizes learning based on individual risk levels.
• Gamification elements like leaderboards and rewards to keep employees engaged.
• Advanced reporting dashboards for tracking progress and making data-driven security decisions.

For instance, the Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform goes beyond standard training by simulating real-world attacks, identifying high-risk employees, and providing tailored security awareness training and reinforcement to strengthen an organization’s cybersecurity culture with measurable results.

2. Email Threat Simulation for Continuous Security Testing

Email is the most targeted attack vector, yet many security systems fail to detect 82% of soft threats, according to Keepnet. These "soft threats" include credential phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and stealthy social engineering attacks that bypass traditional security filters.

A strong Human Risk Management (HRM) solution should include:

• Continuous Breach And Attack Simulation – Regularly tests your email security to uncover weaknesses and improve defenses.
• Soft Threat Detection – Simulates hard-to-spot threats, helping organizations enhance their ability to recognize and stop phishing attempts.

Impact: Ongoing testing ensures your email security remains resilient, proactively identifying risks and preventing breaches before they happen.

3. Automated Segmentation for Targeted Training

Not all employees face the same cyber threats. Effective Human Risk Management (HRM) solutions use automated segmentation to group employees based on:

• Risk profiles – Identifying employees more vulnerable to phishing and social engineering.
• Job roles – Customizing training for departments handling sensitive data, like finance and HR.
• Behavioral patterns – Adapting training based on past interactions with phishing simulations and security incidents.

For instance, high-risk users, new hires, and employees in sensitive roles receive focused training tailored to their specific vulnerabilities.

Impact: Targeted training helps reduce phishing susceptibility among high-risk individuals, strengthening the organization’s overall security posture and lowering the chances of human-driven breaches.

To dive deeper into the role of segmentation in security awareness, explore Keepnet’s blog on Why CISOs Need Segmentation for a Security Behavior and Culture Program.

Also, read our guide and learn how to implement role based security awareness training.

4. Hyper-Personalized Training for Real-World Impact

Training programs should adapt dynamically to employees’ needs. Advanced HRM platforms use adaptive, behavior-based training tailored to employees' roles and previous interactions with phishing simulations.

For instance:

• Finance teams learn to identify fake invoice scams.
• HR teams practice spotting credential phishing attempts.

Impact: Employees are prepared for the threats they’re most likely to face, reducing phishing susceptibility by up to 30% within the first 90 days.

For a stronger adaptive, behavior-based training plan, organizations should use real-world phishing simulations that evolve with employee responses. Explore Keepnet’s blog on The Role of Adaptive Phishing Simulations in Building a Secure Culture to see how this approach enhances security awareness.

5. Security Behavior and Culture Program Dashboard

A security behavior and culture dashboard is essential for monitoring and reducing human risk in cybersecurity. This data-driven platform provides real-time visibility into key employee risk metrics, including:

• Phishing Risk Score – Measures employees' likelihood of falling for phishing attacks.
• Phishing Dwell Time – Tracks how long a phishing email remains unreported.
• Repeat Offenders – Identifies employees who frequently engage in risky behaviors

With these insights, organizations can:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of their security awareness programs.
• Prioritize high-risk employees for targeted training and interventions.
• Continuously improve security culture based on measurable data.

Impact: A security behavior dashboard enables organizations to proactively reduce human risk, strengthen security awareness, and boost overall workforce engagement.

For a deeper insight, explore Keepnet’s blog on Security Behavior & Culture Program Template.

6. Gamification for Employee Engagement

Cybersecurity training doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Gamification makes learning more engaging by incorporating competition, rewards, and interactive challenges to keep employees motivated.

Key gamification features include:

• Leaderboards – Encourage friendly competition among employees.
• Badges & Points – Reward participation and recognize security-conscious behaviors.
• Challenges – Reinforce learning through interactive exercises.

Impact: Gamification boosts employee engagement, increases phishing reporting rates, and cultivates a proactive security culture, making cybersecurity awareness both effective and enjoyable.

To explore how gamification enhances security awareness, check out Keepnet’s blog on The Power of Gamification in Security Awareness Training.

7. Comprehensive Executive Reporting

The success of any Human Risk Management (HRM) program depends on its ability to demonstrate value to leadership. Executive reporting translates cybersecurity metrics into actionable business insights, helping organizations measure progress and justify security investments.

Key benefits of executive reporting include:

• Reduced incidents and breaches – Tracks improvements in security posture over time.
• Improved operational efficiency – Identifies trends and optimizes security initiatives.
• Alignment with strategic goals – Ensures cybersecurity efforts support broader business objectives.

Impact: Business leaders gain clear visibility into how HRM reduces risk, supports data-driven decisions, and guides future investments in security awareness initiatives.

For deeper insights into risk assessment and reporting, explore Keepnet’s blog on Executive Reports: Companies with the Highest Risk Scores.

8. AI-Driven Simulations and Adaptive Training

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming Human Risk Management (HRM) by delivering personalized, real-world cybersecurity training that evolves with employee behavior. AI-powered platforms analyze individual risk levels and learning patterns, ensuring each employee receives targeted training that addresses their specific vulnerabilities.

Key AI-driven features include:

• Realistic phishing simulations – Automatically adapts to emerging threats, mimicking real-world attacks employees are most likely to encounter.
• Behavior-based training – Customizes lessons based on job roles, past mistakes, and phishing simulation results.

Impact: AI-driven adaptive training helps employees quickly recognize and respond to cyber threats, while reinforcing positive security behaviors and improving long-term retention of cybersecurity best practices.

9. Phishing Reporting, Analysis, and Response

An effective Human Risk Management (HRM) solution should empower employees to report phishing attempts quickly and with confidence. However, reporting alone isn’t enough—organizations also need automated threat analysis and rapid response capabilities to mitigate risks effectively.

Key features include:

• Automated Phishing Analysis – Instantly examines reported emails to determine if they are malicious.
• Rapid Response – Detects, isolates, and neutralizes phishing threats before they spread.

Impact: Faster threat detection and response help reduce potential damage, while reporting trends provide valuable insights to improve future training and strengthen defenses

Why Choose the Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform?

Keepnet stands out as a leading Human Risk Management (HRM) solution, offering a data-driven approach to reducing human cyber risks.

• Comprehensive Tools – AI-powered phishing simulations, adaptive training, gamification, and real-time dashboards.
• Email Threat Simulation – Continuous testing enhances security; organizations using Keepnet report a 92% increase in phishing detection rates.
• Automated Segmentation – Targets high-risk individuals with tailored training.
• Realistic Phishing Campaigns – Access 6,000+ phishing templates to create engaging, real-world training simulations.
• Culture Program Dashboard – Tracks key risk metrics like Phishing Risk Score and Repeat Offenders for measurable security improvements.
• Gamification – Leaderboards, badges, and rewards drive employee engagement.
• AI-Driven Simulations – Realistic phishing scenarios adapt to evolving threats.

Keepnet is highly rated on Gartner and G2, with 95% of users recommending the platform, making it a trusted partner in cybersecurity awareness.

Steps to Identify the Right HRM Vendor

Choosing the right Human Risk Management (HRM) vendor requires a structured approach to ensure it meets your organization’s security needs. By following these steps, you can identify a vendor that effectively reduces human risk and enhances security awareness:

• Define Your Needs – Identify your key risk areas and security awareness goals.
• Evaluate Features – Look for critical capabilities like gamification, adaptive training, and AI-driven simulations.
• Compare Vendors – Use a scoring system to assess their effectiveness.
• Request Demos – Test the platform’s usability and relevance to your needs.
• Measure ROI – Select a vendor that provides clear, measurable security improvements.

Building a Resilient Workforce Through Advanced HRM Security

The right HRM solution can transform your employees from a vulnerability into a powerful defense against cyber threats. By prioritizing advanced capabilities like email threat simulation, adaptive training, and gamification, organizations can foster a culture of security and achieve measurable risk reduction.

Ready to elevate your HRM strategy? Explore Keepnet’s cutting-edge AI powered platform and see how we can help your organization build a resilient workforce.