Words Matter: Why Human Risk Management is More Than Just a Term

Words shape how we understand and respond to challenges, particularly in cybersecurity where language directly influences defensive approaches. For a decade, “security awareness” dominated the field, successfully highlighting digital threats. However, the industry has evolved beyond simple awareness into something requiring deeper engagement.

Consider an analogy: individual bricks become a building only through combination with mortar, wood, and glass. Similarly, “security awareness” alone fails to capture the complete picture. The term alerts organizations to dangers and defenses but lacks the capacity to drive behavioral change or establish a culture of security.

“Human risk management” provides a more comprehensive framework. Unlike its predecessor, this terminology encompasses the full spectrum of human factors in cybersecurity — beyond the initial alert to potential threats, it encompasses proactive strategies that manage and mitigate risks through understanding and influencing organizational behavior and culture.

The shift presents challenges. Confusion arises from similarity to human resource management terminology, with professionals questioning why HR involvement has suddenly increased. Industry reliance on acronyms further complicates navigation of an already intricate field.

A critical concern involves distinguishing genuine strategic evolution from vendor-driven rebranding. Adopting new terminology requires accompanying substantive methodological changes, not merely surface-level cosmetic shifts.

Moving forward demands precision in language matching technological sophistication. Clear terminology benefits everyone — from employees to executives — and likely requires oversight from neutral bodies establishing cybersecurity standards rather than vendor-driven initiatives alone. Effective communication remains essential for building resilient organizations.