What are Human Risk Management (HRM) Companies: An Overview

According to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Cybersecurity Outlook Report, 72% of organizations report that their cyber risks have increased in the past 12 months. Additionally, 45% of security leaders rank ransomware as the top organizational cyber risk, while 20% identify phishing and business email compromise (BEC) as their primary concern. These figures highlight a growing cybersecurity crisis, in which human error continues to be a major contributing factor to data breaches, accounting for 95%.

Despite significant investments in security technologies, attackers continue to exploit human vulnerabilities through social engineering, phishing, and insider threats. As cyber threats evolve, organizations need a more proactive approach to mitigate human risk. This is where Human Risk Management (HRM) companies come in.

In this blog, we’ll explore what HRM companies are, their role in cybersecurity, and how they help organizations build a security-first culture.

What are the Core Components of HRM Companies?

Human Risk Management (HRM) companies focus on enhancing cybersecurity awareness and reducing human-related security risks. One of the key components of HRM solutions is Adaptive Security Awareness Training, which ensures employees are continuously educated on evolving threats.

Adaptive Security Awareness Training

• Security Awareness Training Content: HRM companies offer security awareness training programs in various formats (online courses, interactive modules, posters, infographics, screensavers, and microlearning) that teach best practices in cybersecurity.
• Content Focus: Topics include phishing recognition, password management, data protection, compliance training, and safe internet behavior.

AI Phishing Simulations

• Email Phishing Simulation: Many HRM platforms simulate phishing attacks to assess employee susceptibility.
• Expanded Attack Simulation Vectors: Some platforms extend simulations beyond email to include other channels like SMS, Voice, QR, MFA, Callback, Microsoft Teams, Slack.

Risk Assessment & Analytics

• User Phishing Susceptibility Assessments: Through behavioral testing and simulations, evaluate how likely employees are to fall prey to cyber-attacks.
• Data-Driven Insights: Provide metrics that help organizations identify and address weak points in their human defenses.

Policy and Compliance Support

• Best Practices: Guidance on developing and maintaining cybersecurity policies that account for human risk.
• Regulatory Alignment: Ensuring the organization meets relevant industry standards and compliance requirements.

Cultural Change and Engagement

• Building a Security Culture: Continuous engagement programs to ensure cybersecurity is an everyday priority for all stakeholders.
• Adaptive Training: Utilizing modern techniques like nudging and gamification to keep training engaging and effective.

Metrics and Business Outcome Connection

Quantifiable Impact: Some HRM solutions tie security metrics directly to business outcomes, helping executives understand the return on investment (ROI) for cybersecurity initiatives.

For further insights, check out our blog to learn what is Human Risk Management?

Why is Keepnet an Extended Human Risk Management Company?

Keepnet stands out among HRM companies by extending the traditional scope of human risk management. Here’s what sets Keepnet apart:

1. Comprehensive User Coverage

Cyber threats extend beyond employees, affecting contractors, stakeholders, and supply chain partners. By adopting a broader risk management approach, HRM companies can ensure that every potential weak link is addressed, creating a more secure organizational ecosystem.

Beyond Employees:

• Inclusive Approach: While many HRM companies focus solely on employees, Keepnet expands its intelligence segment to include contractors, stakeholders, and supply chain partners.
• Wider Risk Landscape: This broader scope ensures that every potential weak link in the organization’s ecosystem is addressed.

2. Multichannel Phishing Simulations

Modern phishing attacks go beyond email, using SMS, voice calls, QR codes, and MFA exploits to trick employees. A multichannel phishing simulation approach helps organizations train users in real-world attack scenarios, ensuring a comprehensive security assessment.

Extended Capabilities:

• Beyond Email: Whereas most HRM companies are limited to email phishing simulations, Keepnet extends these capabilities to include simulations via SMS, Voice, QR codes, Callback, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
• Real-World Simulation: This multichannel approach reflects the diverse ways attackers might target individuals, offering a more realistic and comprehensive assessment.

3. Diverse and Flexible Training Content Marketplace

Effective cybersecurity training requires customization and variety. Instead of relying on one-size-fits-all content, a flexible training marketplace allows organizations to choose from multiple providers and formats, ensuring content aligns with their unique security needs.

Collaborative Content Curation:

• Integration of Multiple Providers: Instead of relying solely on internally developed training materials, Keepnet collaborates with various security training content providers.
• Unlimited and Flexible Options: This marketplace model gives customers access to various training materials, allowing for greater customization and flexibility in meeting specific organizational needs.

4. Advanced Phishing Reporting and Response

Phishing detection is only part of the solution—rapid response is equally critical. Advanced phishing reporting solutions analyze and mitigate phishing threats up to 168 times faster than traditional methods, enabling organizations to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

Beyond Traditional Reporting:

• Rapid Analysis and Response: While many HRM companies improve phishing reporting behavior, Keepnet analyzes and responds to reported phishing emails up to 168 times faster than traditional methods.
• Enhanced Incident Response: This rapid turnaround helps mitigate threats before they can escalate, reducing the window of vulnerability.

5. Connecting Security Metrics to Business Outcomes

Cybersecurity investments must align with business objectives to gain executive support. By linking security metrics to tangible business benefits, organizations can bridge the gap between CISOs and top executives, making it easier to justify investments and drive strategic decisions.

Business-Centric Approach:

• Demonstrating Value: Connecting cybersecurity investments to tangible business outcomes is critical in today's business environment.
• Executive Communication: Keepnet is unique in its ability to connect HRM metrics to business benefits, bridging the communication gap between CISOs and top executives. This approach makes it easier to justify investments and drive strategic decisions.

Read our article to learn how executive involvement plays a significant role in cybersecurity awareness program.

6. Threat Sharing Communities

Collaboration is key to staying ahead of cyber threats. Threat-sharing communities enable organizations to exchange anonymized threat intelligence, fostering a collective security mindset where "one safe, all safe" becomes a shared goal.

Collaborative Defense:

• Anonymized Threat Sharing: Keepnet offers a unique feature where customers on the platform can share threat information anonymously with each other.
• Collective Security: The principle of “one safe, all safe” means that the entire community becomes better protected against emerging threats by sharing intelligence.

For further insights, read our article to learn how collaborative defense helps to protect organizations from cyber attacks and importance of Threat Intelligence Sharing.

7. AI-First Approach

Artificial intelligence is transforming Human Risk Management (HRM) by enabling advanced phishing scenario creation, intelligent user segmentation, and automated security training. An AI-first approach ensures organizations stay proactive in detecting and mitigating evolving cyber threats.

AI Native HRM Solution:

• Comprehensive AI Integration: Keepnet is built on an “AI first, everywhere” philosophy, leveraging artificial intelligence across the platform.
• Phishing Scenario Creation: AI is used to design realistic and evolving phishing scenarios.
• User Segmentation: Intelligent segmentation of users based on risk profiles.
• Enhanced Reporting: Automated analysis of reported phishing attempts.
• Customer Service and Support: AI-driven support for rapid assistance and documentation.
• Adaptive Training: Continuous improvement of training programs based on user behavior and threat trends.

The Future of Human Risk Management

Human Risk Management companies play an important role in cybersecurity by addressing the human factors that often lead to breaches. They provide training, simulations, risk analytics, and policy guidance to help organizations secure their human networks.

Keepnet differentiates itself as an extended HRM company by:

• Expanding the target audience beyond just employees
• Offering multichannel phishing simulations
• Creating a flexible marketplace for diverse training content
• Providing rapid analysis and response to phishing incidents
• Connecting security metrics to business outcomes
• Facilitating threat sharing within a community, and
• Embracing an AI-first approach throughout its platform.

By integrating these advanced features, Keepnet mitigates human risk. It bridges the gap between technical security measures and strategic business outcomes—empowering organizations to build a robust and adaptive defense against modern cyber threats.