HRM: The Difference Between Human Risk and Resource Management in Cyber Security

In the world of cybersecurity, people are often the strongest line of defense—or the weakest link. Two key approaches help organisations manage this: Human Resource Management (HRM) and Human Risk Management (HRM). While they both focus on people, they serve different purposes.

Human Resource Management is all about supporting employees—developing skills, boosting engagement, and shaping a strong organisational culture. Human Risk Management, on the other hand, zeroes in on the behaviours that could put your organisation at risk. Combining both approaches is essential to keep your company secure in today’s digital landscape.

What is Human Resource Management (HRM)?

Human Resource Management covers the full spectrum of employee management—from hiring and onboarding to training and performance development. The goal? A productive, engaged workforce that helps your organisation thrive.

In cybersecurity, Human Resource Management plays a crucial role by ensuring employees understand their responsibility to protect sensitive information. For example:

• Hiring practices prioritise trustworthiness and security awareness.
• Onboarding programs include structured cybersecurity training.
• Regular workshops reinforce safe behaviour and organisational policies.
• By building a security-aware culture from the start, Human Resource Management reduces vulnerabilities before they even occur.

What is Human Risk Management (HRM)?

Human Risk Management focuses on identifying and mitigating risks from human behaviour. Think of it as the proactive guard against the “oops” moments that can lead to cyber breaches—clicking phishing links, sharing sensitive data, or using weak passwords. According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, a whopping 82% of breaches involve the human element.

Human Risk Management takes action through:

• Behavioural analysis to spot high-risk patterns.
• Targeted interventions like phishing simulations or password management tools.
• Metrics and human risk scores to track progress and adjust strategies.

Instead of just raising awareness, it delivers measurable outcomes to keep people’s actions in check.

How Human Risk Management Complements Human Resource Management

Think of Human Resource Management as laying the foundation and Human Risk Management as reinforcing it. Human Resource Management brings in the right talent, trains them, and shapes a positive culture. Human Risk Management ensures employees put that training into practice.

For example:

• Human Resource Management might provide general cybersecurity training. Human Risk Management identifies who is most at risk of falling for phishing scams and provides extra, targeted coaching.
• Human Resource Management creates data-handling policies. Human Risk Management ensures compliance through audits and feedback loops.

Together, they align people, processes, and behaviours with organisational security goals.

Building a Comprehensive HRM Strategy

A truly secure organisation integrates Human Resource Management and Human Risk Management into one cohesive strategy:

• Embed Security into Culture: Human Resource Management should promote a security-first mindset through leadership and engagement.
• Monitor Behaviours Proactively: Human Risk Management continuously evaluates actions and mitigates risks.
• Tailor Training: Use human risk insights to deliver role-specific training that addresses real threats.
• Measure and Adapt: Track results from both Human Resource Management and Human Risk Management to ensure continuous improvement.

Take Action: Build a Secure and Resilient Workforce

Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and antivirus software—your people are your frontline defense. Combining Human Resource Management and Human Risk Management creates a workforce that is skilled, engaged, and secure.

• Human Resource Management strengthens employees through development, culture, and leadership.
• Human Risk Management reduces risky behaviours that could compromise security.

Together, they form a comprehensive, proactive cybersecurity strategy that protects your organisation from the inside out. To dive deeper, read our “What Is Human Risk Management” article to understand how it works in practice, and check out our Human Risk Management platform to see actionable tools and solutions you can implement in your organisation today.