Building a cyber-resilient workforce through HR and IT Collaboration

Eke, Diana Ussher (2025) Building a cyber-resilient workforce through HR and IT Collaboration. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 27 (2). pp. 706-716. ISSN 2581-9615

In an era marked by increasing cyber threats and digital transformation, organizations must prioritize the development of a cyber-resilient workforce. This paper explores the strategic collaboration between Human Resources (HR) and Information Technology (IT) departments in fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, preparedness, and responsiveness. Cybersecurity is no longer solely a technical issue but a multidimensional challenge that requires integrated approaches involving people, processes, and technology. HR plays a critical role in shaping employee behavior through recruitment, training, performance management, and policy enforcement, while IT provides the technical frameworks and tools necessary for cybersecurity. The study investigates how joint efforts between HR and IT can lead to more effective cybersecurity training programs, proactive risk management, and the alignment of cybersecurity goals with organizational culture. Its further highlights how cross-functional coordination can facilitate early threat detection, reduce insider threats, and promote compliance with cybersecurity regulations. Empirical evidence is drawn from case studies and industry best practices, demonstrating that organizations with strong HR-IT synergy tend to experience fewer security breaches and respond more effectively to incidents. The paper also discusses the barriers to collaboration, such as siloed operations and communication gaps, and provides practical recommendations to overcome these challenges. Building a cyber-resilient workforce requires continuous learning, adaptive policies, and leadership commitment at all levels. The findings underscore the importance of embedding cybersecurity into the core human capital strategies of organizations, enabling them to not only protect critical assets but also thrive in the digital economy. By integrating HR and IT functions, organizations can cultivate a proactive and resilient workforce capable of defending against evolving cyber threats and sustaining long-term digital trust.