What is a Human Security Officer (HSO)?

Simply, a HSO is someone who specializes in handling human-related security vulnerabilities and opportunities within organizations.

What can a HSO do for me?

Helps you identify different attack vectors and vulnerabilities involving people within your organization
Assists you in mitigating repeat clickers and security policy violators
Helps you coordinate efforts to reduce human-related vulnerabilities and improve positive employee engagement
Analyzes business processes and aids you in determining effective technology and operational processes
Guides the security awareness team in developing meaningful metrics and tracking progress

Our Engagement Levels

Initial Diagnostic

Often triggered by additions to or changes in cyber leadership, imminent audits, or security breaches, we assist organizations in discovering the key components in their human-element portfolio and help effectively prioritize those elements.

Analyses and Recommendations

Through advanced analytic and root-cause analyses, we provide valuable insights on current conditions and advise cyber leaders on implementing successful strategies for engaging operational-level employees as well as top management teams/boards.

Continuous Improvement and Strategic Advising

With meaningful human-element metrics established, we guide cyber leaders on continual improvement efforts, helping them track results from these targeted initiatives while providing regular access to an expert-level, human-element 'think tank.'

Required Human Security Officer Expertise Areas

Given the critical role employees play in maintaining security, having seasoned professionals dedicated to tackling the unique challenges and seizing the opportunities stemming from the human element is crucial. Enhance your organization's security today with our expertise.

The virtual human security officers (HSOs) at Beyond Layer Seven are experts in the following:

HSOs should have a strong foundation in security and risk management. This foundation includes knowledge of security principles, risk assessment methodologies, human-threat analysis, and security frameworks and standards, among others. HSOs should be able to help develop, implement, and human-first security policies and procedures. Finally, HSOs' knowledge of industry regulations, data protection laws, and compliance frameworks will help organizational leaders align their efforts with regulatory requirements.

It is absolutely essential for HSOs to have a solid understanding of human behavior and psychology for addressing human-related vulnerabilities and opportunities. Specifically, HSOs must have extensive knowledge of social engineering techniques, cognitive biases, human error, and factors influencing human decision-making. These factors are then integrated into all recommendations and organizational actions.

As technology evolves, so too do the security threats. HSOs need a deep understanding of these advances and how they could impact an organization. Also, HSOs must recognize and believe that issues arising at the technology-employee intersection are rarely rectified through additional technology.

HSOs are strong communicators who can effectively engage and educate individuals on security matters. They contribute to developing impactful security programs and meaningful program metrics.

Far too often, the security function gets in the way of business, and vice versa. HSOs must have a strong understanding of an organization's business processes and operations, its hierarchy, and its overall culture to help tailor security measures to the specific needs and context of the organization, ensuring practical and effective implementation.

Discover the
advantages of
partnering with us

Expertise and Specialization

With over three decades of experience, our founders are recognized thought leaders in the human element of security, both as practitioners and as scientists conducting original research.

Cost effectiveness

For a fraction of the cost of hiring a subject matter expert as an employee, you can hire a team of subject matter experts who will help you find the right solution for your organization.

Employee-Focused Solutions

If you are reading this right now, then chances are that the solutions that you have been trying are not working. We bring an employee-centric perspective to security solutions so that employees are working with security policy not in conflict with it.

Fresh Perspective

Imagine achieving compliance by reducing friction between productivity and security while also making your employees a key asset in your effective security management.

Tailored Strategy

Every organization is different. Different objectives, different employees, different cultures. 'Blinky boxes' that plug into your network do not care about any of these differences. Our solutions are customized for each client.

Ready to transform your organization's security?

Schedule a no-obligation discovery meeting with one of our human-security experts and take the first step toward meaningful change beyond layer seven in your organization.

Book a free consultation