In the high-stakes game of cyber security, technology alone is not enough to win. It's humans that often tip the scales between vulnerability and resilience.
While it may be difficult to envision a world where machines and human minds work in harmony to outsmart cybercriminals, constructive collaboration between the two is exactly what’s needed for robust defence in today’s digital age.
In part one of my two-part article, I explored one side of the equation, namely the critical role of human behaviour in risk management. Here, in part two, I explain how a combination of technological solutions and human judgement strengthens an organisation's ability to manage risk.
How technology and human judgement combine to safeguard businesses
Sophisticated technological tools form the foundation of defence. But it's the nuanced application of human judgement that truly fortifies an organisation's security posture. When integrated, technology and people enhance threat detection and response and ensure a balanced and layered approach that supports broader business goals.
The following two examples illustrate how this powerful combination can be applied to safeguard your overall business operations and fuel both protection and productivity.
Assessing incident severity
Integrating technologies such as Data Loss Prevention (DLP) systems is crucial for protecting sensitive information by automatically detecting and preventing unauthorised data access or sharing. However, by combining these technologies with human judgement, businesses can ensure that the controls and actions in response to certain activities are proportionate to the level of risk posed.
For example, while DLP systems can flag potential data breaches, human analysis is needed to assess how severe the incident is and the right course of action to be taken. This allows factors such as data sensitivity, regulatory restrictions, and the potential commercial impact to be considered before determining an appropriate response.
In this case, integrating technology and human judgement not only improves DLP control effectiveness, but it also limits unnecessary interruption of business processes. Moreover, human involvement offers a high degree of accountability and oversight, ensuring that decisions relating to data loss incidents are consistent with organisational objectives and wider regulations.
Distinguishing between false positives and genuine threats
Tools such as User Behaviour Analytics (UBA) analyse behaviour patterns to help businesses detect anomalous activity and potential insider threats. Continuous monitoring using UBA will alert security teams to any suspicious activities.
But does every alert merit a response? Not always. Human judgement is necessary to investigate any alerts in further detail, understand the intent behind activities, validate findings, and establish the difference between false positives and genuine threats.
For example, a UBA platform can flag a user who is trying to access sensitive data outside of normal working hours. But only human analysis can distinguish between legitimate or malicious access by said users. By combining human intelligence with technology-driven monitoring, companies are better able to effectively identify and respond to security-related issues, reducing the risk of data breaches and insider threats.
In summary
The traditional human risk strategy model must adapt to effectively manage increasing cybersecurity complexity. This starts with a cultural shift. Rather than expecting employee compliance as a matter of course, organisations need to acknowledge the critical role human behaviour plays in both increasing and decreasing risk.
Organisations should also assess their technology deployment in parallel. It’s no longer enough to solely rely on technological solutions. Instead, they embrace the value and importance of human judgement in evaluating the criticality of risks and responding appropriately.
By recognising the power of both people and technology – setting up practices, investing in training, and prioritising a more security-engaged workforce – organisations will be better prepared to avoid disruption and achieve resilience.
Are you ready to optimise your business’s risk management practices? Start by understanding your human risk maturity level. Our self-assessment takes only 90 seconds and provides you with instant benchmarking and action steps for improvement.
To talk more about improving your risk posture, contact us at info@turnkeyconsulting.com.
