Human Factors in Cybersecurity - Technology + Human = Real Resilience

When it comes to cybersecurity, many first think of firewalls, zero trust, or the use of artificial intelligence. However, one realization is becoming increasingly clear: It is not just the technology that is decisive - but the people who use it and make the right decisions in crisis situations.

Insight from Practice: CISO Alliance, ISACA™ & qSkills™

Building on the industry expertise of ISACA™ and an impulse from CISO Alliance, qSkills™ has developed a unique training concept that combines technical know-how with practical leadership expertise. The target audience is those who bear responsibility in case of emergency: CISOs, information security officers, IT managers, and executives in security and crisis management.

Ralf Kleinfeld, CISO Alliance, puts it succinctly:
"Based on the experiences of our members, we know that soft skills such as communication, personal resilience, and leadership strength are success factors for modern CISOs and related professions in crisis situations. qSkills™ picks up on our impulse and the professional profile of the CISO Alliance, offering practical training in this regard."

Why Human Factors Are Crucial

In times of increasingly complex attacks, expertise alone is no longer sufficient. Often, it is communication, team coordination, stress management, or the ability to make clear decisions under pressure that determine the security of entire organizations. These "human factors" have often been neglected in traditional security training - even though they significantly shape the resilience and decisiveness of an organization.

Two Trainings - One Goal: Empowerment

To develop these skills purposefully, qSkills™ has created two practical formats that focus on different aspects but complement each other:

• SC221 combines traditional preparation for the internationally recognized ISACA™ CISM certification with topics such as self-leadership, communication, and decision-making under pressure.

• SC520 delves into the practice of crisis management and uses methods from aviation's Crew Resource Management to systematically incorporate team dynamics and psychological factors into decisions.

Both formats complement each other: They not only impart technical knowledge but also foster the soft skills that make modern security organizations resilient.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue. Those who bear responsibility need not only expertise in systems, processes, and frameworks but also the ability to assess and control human factors correctly in critical moments.

It is precisely this bridge that makes the new qSkills™ trainings so valuable. They not only impart knowledge but also real empowerment.

Learn more:

• SC221 ISACA™ CISM Human Factors Edition

• SC520 Human Factors in Cyber Security