Humanising cyber – using a risk score to promote a more human-conscious environment
Yes, threats are out there – indeed, according to KnowBe4, nearly half of mid-market and enterprise organizations have experienced four or more ransomware attacks in the last year – but businesses must not only protect themselves against these digital threats but also foster a culture that places human well-being and awareness at its core. One of the most effective tools in achieving this balance is the risk score—a quantifiable metric that evaluates the likelihood and impact of potential security breaches, particularly those stemming from human behaviour.
A risk score allows organisations to focus on creating a human-conscious environment, where the focus isn’t just on technology but also on empowering employees to take an active role in their organisation’s security. Here’s how your organisation can leverage this tool to enhance your overall cybersecurity strategy while fostering a more human-centric approach.
Understanding risk scores
A risk score is a measurable indicator that helps you determine the vulnerability of individual users or departments to security threats. It evaluates the likelihood that a user could fall victim to an attack based on factors like email phishing simulations, password strength, and previous risky behaviours. By calculating risk scores, companies can shift their focus from broad, impersonal security measures to more personalised, human-conscious security initiatives.
Research shows that 91% of organisations rank accountability among their top leadership priorities. By tracking individual scores, companies can create targeted strategies to encourage accountability, making employees more aware of their impact on security while promoting personal responsibility.
This also aligns with McKinsey’s findings that companies using risk scores to track behaviour can more effectively foster a supportive, accountable security culture by targeting specific interventions where they are needed most.
Personalised awareness and training
One of the key benefits of using risk scores is the ability to tailor security awareness training to the needs of individual users. Rather than offering the same blanket training for all employees, organisations can use risk scores to provide targeted education. Those with higher scores can receive additional resources, hands-on training, and real-time feedback to improve their cybersecurity habits.
This approach promotes a more human-conscious environment, where the emphasis is placed on learning, growth, and support rather than punishment. Employees feel engaged and empowered because the training is relevant to their specific needs and risk level. Additionally, companies that prioritise accountability and personalised intervention see much better outcomes when addressing security risks.
Fostering a culture of accountability and support
Risk scores also help foster a culture of accountability. Employees are more likely to adopt secure behaviours when they are aware of their own risk profile and understand how it contributes to the organisation’s overall security posture. By providing regular updates on their risk scores, employees can see the direct impact their actions have on the business.
Moreover, accountability is considered one of the most critical elements in building trust within an organisation. When employees understand their role in security, they are more engaged and proactive, which in turn benefits the entire company’s risk culture.
McKinsey also notes that personalised interventions are key to driving meaningful change in workplace culture, further underscoring the value of risk scores in shaping long-term behaviours.
Prioritising mental well-being and security awareness
Creating a human-conscious environment means recognising that mental well-being and security awareness go hand-in-hand. High-risk users may feel stressed or anxious about their performance, particularly if they perceive the risk score as a threat to their job security. To counteract this, organisations must prioritise mental well-being by ensuring that employees understand the risk score is a tool for personal and organisational growth.
Building a risk-conscious culture also ensures employees feel supported in reducing their scores, rather than overwhelmed. According to ISACA, organisations with a proactive approach to risk culture benefit from greater employee engagement and trust, ultimately leading to improved security practices and reduced risk levels.
Enabling continuous improvement
The ultimate goal of using a risk score is to promote continuous improvement. By regularly evaluating and updating risk scores, organisations can ensure they are keeping up with evolving threats and employee needs. When employees see tangible improvements in their risk profiles over time, it boosts morale and creates a stronger sense of ownership in the organisation’s security efforts.
Furthermore, risk scores enable better decision-making at a leadership level. By identifying high-risk areas, companies can allocate resources more effectively, focusing their cybersecurity budgets on the areas that need it most while also ensuring employees get the support they need to thrive in a secure environment.
Risk scores are the way to go
Using a risk score to promote a more human-conscious environment benefits both the organisation and its employees. By focusing on personalised training, accountability, and mental well-being, businesses can create a culture where security and human-centric approaches are harmoniously balanced. The result is a more resilient organisation, better equipped to handle cybersecurity challenges while prioritising the growth and well-being of its employees.
Ready to learn more about how risk scores can transform your organisation’s security culture? Contact Gamma to explore our personalised risk score solutions and discover how they can help build a safer, more human-conscious environment.