Introduction
In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are more prevalent than ever, the need for practical cybersecurity training in organizations is undeniable.
The Human Resources (HR) team frequently takes the reins, using a Learning Management System (LMS) for such training programs. This scenario, although well-intentioned, tends to spark discord with cybersecurity teams. These teams find themselves pushed to use a platform that aligns differently with their precise needs or effectively addresses their unique security objectives to reduce human risk, which remains the root cause of 74% of breaches.
We delve into why HR-driven LMS solutions may fall short in delivering the desired outcomes for cybersecurity training and how specialized security solutions can bridge this gap.
We’ll make a solid business case for these solutions, helping you navigate any internal challenges that may arise in the process. In addition, we believe that LMS solutions and Specialized Cyber solutions can co-exist in a world together. After all, the goal is to create an environment where cybersecurity education can genuinely flourish, bolstering the overall security posture of your organization.
Let’s dive in.
Video Summary
Understanding the Scenario
Learning Management System (LMS) and Its Corporate Role
An LMS is an integral part of any organization’s HR toolkit. It is a centralized hub for delivering, managing, and tracking various training programs. This includes onboarding, sexual harassment prevention, and general compliance modules.
In most companies, the HR team is responsible for the LMS. They ensure that employees have access to the necessary training and that completion rates are tracked and recorded.
The Security Team's Perspective
Despite the utility of the LMS, cybersecurity teams often need more support with this platform regarding security training. Their primary concern is that security training tends to lose its emphasis when bundled with other programs in the LMS.
Cybersecurity education is unique. It requires constant updates, real-world scenarios, and active engagement. However, these critical elements often become diluted amidst a sea of other training modules in the LMS.
Moreover, LMSs are not designed to provide functionalities crucial for practical security training. This includes features such as intertwining with phishing exercises, risk scoring, and the ability to identify repeat offenders. The security team is left with a tool that does not optimally serve their needs. This situation can undermine the overall goal of enhancing the organization’s security posture.
Implications of the Conflict
The consequences can be severe when cybersecurity training fails to meet its objectives. Security leaders are often held accountable when breaches occur. These leaders and the business’s financial, operational, and reputational health are left vulnerable by relying on an LMS that doesn’t meet their specific requirements.
Moreover, using an LMS for security training means controlling this critical process resides with HR rather than the security team. This scenario leads to reduced visibility for cybersecurity leaders. It makes it harder for them to make necessary adjustments, measure effectiveness, and ensure that the training addresses the company’s security needs.
The Internal Challenges
Having invested significantly in the LMS, the HR team naturally wants to maximize its use. On the other hand, the security team feels their needs need to be adequately addressed.
If unresolved, this conflict can hinder the organization’s smooth functioning and, more importantly, compromise its security preparedness. We have witnessed this kind of internal friction in several companies we’ve worked with. It can be pretty challenging to manage.
Why Specialized Security Solutions Matter
The Need for Specialized Security Solutions
Cybersecurity is a unique field with its own challenges, meaning a one-size-fits-all approach often falls short. Just as cybersecurity threats are specialized, so should the solutions used to combat them. Specialized security solutions offer features that are explicitly designed to address these challenges.
Such solutions are built to induce behavior change and impart practical knowledge. They include interactive elements that simulate real-world threats and provide immediate feedback, which increases engagement and helps users understand the implications of their actions.
The Shortcomings of Settling for HR-Driven Solutions
While effective for general training needs, HR-driven solutions may need more depth and flexibility to address cybersecurity education adequately. They may lack the capabilities to simulate real threats, intertwine training with phishing exercises, and track risk scores, among other things.
Moreover, the focus of HR is naturally broad, covering a wide array of employee-related issues, which can sometimes mean that specific areas like cybersecurity need to receive the emphasis they require. Relying solely on HR’s preferred tools can thus compromise a company’s ability to respond effectively to cybersecurity threats.
Building the Business Case
Key Points to Consider When Arguing for Specialized Security Solutions
In making a compelling business case for specialized security solutions, aligning your arguments with the organization’s broader goals is crucial. You might consider highlighting the following:
- How specialized security solutions can improve the company’s security posture.
- The potential cost savings in terms of preventing breaches.
- The need for cybersecurity teams to have control over their training tools.
- Incorporating SCORM files into more advanced security solutions rather than uploading SCORM files into the HR LMS.
Presenting Your Case Effectively
When presenting these points to decision-makers, remember to speak their language. Try to translate cybersecurity jargon into tangible business outcomes. Explain how an improved security posture reduces risk and protects the company’s reputation and bottom line.
Resistance is assumed when proposing change. To manage this, empathize with the other party’s concerns, provide clear explanations, and be open to dialogue. If the resistance is due to budget constraints, demonstrate how preventing breaches can lead to significant cost savings in the long run.
Sample Dialogue for Making the Case to HR
A well-prepared script or talking points can help you navigate this conversation more effectively. Here are some additional examples that can be adapted to fit your specific context:
Addressing the Limitations of LMS for Cybersecurity Training
“Considering the evolving nature of cyber threats, our training approach needs to be as dynamic and specialized as our challenges. While our LMS is highly efficient for general training, it may need more flexibility or specific tools to meet our cybersecurity training needs. A specialized security solution can fill these gaps and provide a more targeted approach to managing cyber risks.”
Highlighting the Benefit of Specialized Tools for Cybersecurity Outcomes
“Specialized security solutions provide us with functionalities not present in our current LMS, such as real-world threat simulation, phishing exercises, and risk scoring. These critical aspects of effective cybersecurity training can help us identify areas where we need improvement.”
Discussing the Importance of Autonomy for Cybersecurity Teams
“Our cybersecurity team needs autonomy in managing and executing security training. They understand our organization’s unique vulnerabilities and can adjust the training per our evolving needs. A tool managed by the cybersecurity team would give them the visibility and control required to protect our organization better.”
Stressing the Potential Cost Savings
“A data breach can cost us significantly, not just in terms of financial loss but also damage our reputation. Investing in a specialized security solution now is a proactive step to strengthen our defenses and could save us substantial costs in the future.”
Framing it as a Collaborative Effort
“I believe that our HR and cybersecurity teams can collaborate effectively. By leveraging our LMS for general training and a specialized solution for cybersecurity training, we can maximize both strengths and provide comprehensive training to our employees.”
Remember, these scripts are a starting point. Adapting them based on your organization’s culture and the people involved in the conversation is essential.
The Role of Right-Hand Human Risk Management Solution
Introduction to the Right-Hand Platform
Right-Hand offers a specialized human risk management solution that focuses on the human aspect of cybersecurity. It is designed to supplement LMSs, explicitly addressing the gaps in cybersecurity training within traditional systems.
Key Features and Benefits
How Right-Hand Complements Your LMS
Right-Hand’s solution is intended to be something other than replace your existing LMS but rather to work alongside it. You can continue to use your LMS for general training, while the Right-Hand solution can be utilized for focused, effective cybersecurity education.
Transition Support and Onboarding
Right-Hand offers comprehensive support during the transition and onboarding process. We understand the potential challenges of adopting a new system, and our team is committed to making this process as smooth and seamless as possible for your organization.
Conclusion
While an LMS is a valuable tool for many aspects of organizational training, it often needs to improve when delivering specialized cybersecurity training. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, companies must adapt their cybersecurity training approach accordingly.
Specialized security solutions like the Right-Hand Human Risk Management Solution can fill the gap, providing comprehensive, targeted, and engaging cybersecurity training beyond what an LMS can offer. By supplementing your LMS with such a tool, you can optimize your training strategy, strengthening your organization’s security posture.
It’s vital to understand that this isn’t a matter of choosing one tool over the other but finding a balance that utilizes both strengths. As cybersecurity professionals, you need the autonomy and the right tools to safeguard your organization effectively. Stand firm in this belief, make a compelling case, and build a collaborative bridge with your HR team for the best possible outcome.
After all, your common goal is ensuring the safety and success of your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While LMSs are excellent for general training, they often lack the specialized tools for practical cybersecurity training. For instance, they may be unable to simulate real-world threats, intertwine training with phishing exercises, or track risk scores – all critical components of effective cybersecurity education.
While there is an upfront cost to implementing a specialized security solution, it is an investment. The potential cost savings from preventing a single data breach far outweigh the initial expenditure. Moreover, dedicated solutions often offer more value regarding the quality of training they provide.
Read More in the “Why Specialized Security Solutions Matter” Section >
The key is to align your arguments with your organization’s broader goals. Highlight how a specialized security solution can improve your company’s security posture, potentially save costs, and why it’s crucial for the cybersecurity team to have control over their training tools. Remember to be empathetic, patient, and ready to address any concerns or objections that may come up.
The Right-Hand solution complements, not replaces, your existing LMS. You can continue to use your LMS for general training while leveraging the Right-Hand solution for cybersecurity education.
Read More in the “The Role of Right-Hand Human Risk Management Solution” Section >
Right-Hand offers comprehensive support during the transition and onboarding process. Their team works closely with your organization to ensure a smooth and seamless transition, addressing any challenges that might arise.
Read More in the “The Role of Right-Hand Human Risk Management Solution” Section >
