Leadership Trends: Elevating Human Risk Management through ISO Standards
Warren Atkinson
Cyber Community Connector | Podcast Host | Head of Information & Cyber Security Recruitment | ECS & GTM Team Builder
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In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, Human Risk Management (HRM) has become a pivotal element not just in securing organisations, but in enhancing overall business resilience. Through conversations with industry leaders, cyber security experts, and risk managers, I’ve learned that HRM is increasingly seen as a strategic lever that drives growth, reduces vulnerabilities, and fosters a culture of security across the board. When applied through established ISO standards such as ISO 27001, ISO 33001, and ISO 22301, HRM becomes not just a safety net but a key differentiator—transforming potential weaknesses into significant competitive advantages.
What’s crucial to understand is that the human element is the number one threat to security, business continuity, and overall organisational risk. And while technology can safeguard against many types of cyber threats, no tool or system can fully mitigate the risks posed by human error, which often leads to breaches, downtime, and reputational damage. That’s why the integration of HRM into the fabric of ISO frameworks is not just a compliance necessity; it’s a core strategy that enables businesses to proactively manage human risks before they escalate into full-blown crises.
By integrating HRM into ISO 27001, 33001, and 22301, organisations can create a fortified security posture, elevate operational resilience, and build a culture where human risks are seen not just as hazards to mitigate but as opportunities to enhance trust, agility, and overall performance.
What are the ISO standards:
1. ISO 27001: Combating Human Error ISO 27001 helps organisations secure sensitive data, but human errors—such as weak passwords or phishing attacks—are often the root cause of breaches. By integrating HRM, businesses can reduce these risks through awareness training and active monitoring.
2. ISO 33001: Proactively Assessing Human Risk ISO 33001 focuses on managing organisational risks, with human errors often at the centre. Regular assessments of employees and vendors can uncover potential vulnerabilities early, helping to mitigate risks before they escalate into serious problems.
3. ISO 22301: Building Resilience in Crisis ISO 22301 focuses on business continuity, and human resilience is key to weathering crises. Proper crisis management training ensures employees can handle disruptions effectively, ensuring minimal downtime.
The Strategic Importance of Human Risk Management
The value of HRM cannot be overstated. It is no longer sufficient to simply address human risks as they arise; organisations must proactively build a culture that anticipates, manages, and minimises these risks before they cause major disruptions. In today’s digital-first world, where organisations are exposed to an ever-growing array of external and internal risks, managing human factors is more crucial than ever. It’s about recognising the human element as both a risk and a strategic asset.
Integrating HRM into ISO frameworks transforms risk management from a reactive measure into a dynamic force for business improvement. By turning human vulnerabilities into strengths, organisations can not only avoid breaches, incidents, and reputational damage, but can also foster trust, build a resilient workforce, and become more competitive in a crowded market.
The Competitive Advantage of Effective HRM
Organisations that excel at human risk management enjoy numerous benefits, not least of which is the reputational advantage. Customers, stakeholders, and partners gravitate toward businesses that are seen as secure, resilient, and trustworthy. When employees are trained to handle security, compliance, and crisis situations with agility and confidence, the organisation becomes a trusted partner, able to weather storms and bounce back stronger. By embedding HRM into ISO standards, businesses are not only managing risk but leveraging it to gain a strategic advantage—fostering a reputation for security, agility, and trustworthiness that sets them apart from competitors.
Top 5 Strategies for Effective Human Risk Management in ISO 27001, 33001, and 22301
Key Takeaways
By integrating HRM into ISO standards, organisations not only safeguard themselves against human-related risks but also position themselves as forward-thinking, resilient, and trusted in the eyes of customers and stakeholders. Embrace HRM as a strategic opportunity to grow, innovate, and stay ahead in an increasingly complex risk landscape.
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Introducing Gary Hibberd
Gary Hibberd FCIIS is a trusted cyber security expert and the founder of Consultants Like Us , specialising in simplifying complex cyber security frameworks like ISO 27001 and ISO 22301 and many other standards. With over 25 years of experience, Gary’s human-focused approach to security empowers organisations to not just meet regulatory requirements, but to build a culture of resilience that drives business continuity, improves client trust, and reduces the risk of cyber incidents. As a thought leader Gary advocates for a practical, human-centric approach to cyber security that resonates across the C-Suite and boardrooms.
Why Our Latest Podcast Episode is a Must-Listen
In this episode of the SECURE | CYBER CONNECT Community & Podcast , Gary Hibberd joins hosts Justin (Jay) Adamson and Warren Atkinson to discuss "Beyond Technology: The Human Element in Cyber Security." This episode is crucial for CEOs, CTOs, CISOs, and board members looking to understand how to integrate human behaviour, leadership, and cyber security frameworks like ISO 27001 into their corporate strategy. Learn how to build a culture of cyber security resilience, navigate GDPR compliance, and make security an integral part of your organisation’s growth strategy.
With a focus on real-world applications and actionable insights, this episode offers practical solutions that you can implement today, to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and regulatory changes. Whether you’re leading a large organisation or advising one, this conversation provides key takeaways for improving security while driving business performance
Introducing Consultants Like Us , Gary Hibberd FCIIS , Lee Scorey , Sue Hibberd , 🐝 Suze Phillips & the rest of the team provide expert cyber security consultancy, specialising in frameworks like ISO 27001 and ISO 22301 and many more, helping businesses navigate risk, compliance, and security challenges. They also started the The Real Cyber Awards celebrating excellence and innovation in the cyber security sector, recognising the individuals and organisations driving meaningful change in digital security. From all of us the SECURE | CYBER CONNECT Community & Podcast & SECURE | CYBER CONNECT - we would like to commend & thank you for your on going contributions to the industry!
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A really enjoyable piece, thanks for sharing Warren Atkinson
Interesting how although everything is digitalised - it always comes back to humans! Thanks for sharing your 5 strategies for effective human risk. 💡