Security Awareness Isn’t Enough — It’s Time to Adapt 

October 1st marks the start of Security Awareness Month. A global campaign launched two decades ago to improve cyber security awareness and equip people with the knowledge and resources they need to be secure online. 

But what impact has this campaign truly had in the workplace? Yes, it spotlights the issue and boosts high-level awareness of threats like phishing. However, no matter how much you train your employees, humans will always make mistakes—and malicious actors will always look to exploit these mistakes. 

The limitations of security awareness month 

Security Awareness Month piles on unnecessary pressure for both security teams, who often have to pause their day jobs to deliver extra training or events, and employees, who are under pressure to understand a complicated threat landscape. Is this the best use of anyone’s time? 

There's also the issue that it allows companies to think, "Well, we've done security now," and then shift focus to other matters for the remaining eleven months of the year. However, developing a strong security culture isn't a "one and done" deal. It's a continuous effort to ensure that everyone's first response is the most secure one. 

Furthermore, the effectiveness of such initiatives is often questionable, as they tend to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. Not only does this waste the time of employees who are exhibiting positive security behaviours, but it also doesn't meet specific needs and challenges of those who require targeted coaching. 

Without tailored strategies, awareness month campaigns risk becoming little more than a tick-box exercise, failing to instill genuine behavioural change among employees. 

Going beyond awareness 

Crucially, cyber security isn’t just for October. Short bursts of awareness are insufficient when it comes to addressing the volume and range of modern security threats facing employees. With the level of risk only rising with the widespread adoption of SaaS, GenAI, and collaboration tools opening more vulnerabilities for cyber criminals to exploit. This is the new normal. It requires an enduring shift in mindset, technology, processes, and organisational culture. 

The ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats demands that we look beyond temporary measures and focus on establishing a robust, long-term strategy. This involves integrating security practices into every aspect of an organisation's operations and ensuring that organisations focus on implementing technology that empowers real-time risk quantification and management. 

Automation and AI-driven human risk management platforms can play a significant role in identifying and mitigating threats before they escalate. By harnessing these technological advancements, organisations can enhance their ability to respond to potential breaches swiftly and effectively. 

Time to adapt 

Human-related breaches will persist at alarming levels unless we take meaningful action. It's time to adapt to this new reality where cyber security is a continuous journey rather than a destination. By implementing comprehensive, adaptive strategies for real-time risk management, organisations can significantly lower the chances of breaches and alleviate pressure on employees. 

An effective Human Risk Management Platform should provide a thorough 360° view of employee-related risks, identifying their sources and analysing behaviours that contribute to them. It should enable organisations to prioritise focus and equip them with tools to promptly and effectively mitigate these risks. Moreover, it should utilise real-time teachable moments to educate employees and prevent future occurrences.