Psybersecurity: Human Factors of Cyber Defence

Psybersecurity: Human Factors of Cyber Defence

Oliver Guidetti, Mohiuddin Ahmed, Craig Speelman

Human Factors of Cyber Defence is a clarion call to action in the face of a stark over 90% of cyberattacks exploit human vulnerabilities, as highlighted by the 2022 Global Risks Report from the World Economic Forum. This gap between the rapid advancement of cyber security technologies and the slower pace of development in human-centric defences poses a formidable challenge to national security and personal safety. Amidst the dazzling progress of AI technologies like ChatGPT and Microsoft Security Co-Pilot, the human element of cyber security remains critically underdeveloped.

Set against the backdrop of the Australian government's ambitious goal to become the world's most cybersecure nation by 2030, this book embarks on a mission to address the overlooked human factors in cyber defence. It advocates for a balanced approach that not only relies on technological advancements but also significantly enhances the human aspects of cyber security.

Through an interdisciplinary exploration, Psybersecurity delves into how cyberthreats exploit human vulnerabilities and offers innovative solutions for building resilience against these vulnerabilities. It examines the necessity for cyber security strategies that encompass psychological insights, systemic resilience, and the mitigation of human errors, particularly within critical infrastructures and cyber-physical systems (CPS).

Furthermore, this work critiques existing cyber security education frameworks, proposing a comprehensive curriculum that equips individuals with technical skills and the behavioural competencies needed to navigate the cyber landscape ethically and effectively. It also addresses AI's ethical dilemmas and psychological impacts, offering a forward-looking perspective on combating AI-driven harassment and endorsing a new field of "Psybersecurity."

Human Factors of Cyber Defence aims to bridge the gap between cyber security and human sciences, ignite a transformation in understanding, and fortify our digital world. It is an essential read for academics, professionals, and anyone committed to building a safer, more resilient cyber future in alignment with Australia's 2030 vision.

Publisher

CRC Press

Publication Date

9/9/2024

ISBN

9781032664835

Pages

232

Categories

Social SciencesComputer ScienceEducation

Questions & Answers

The book "Psybersecurity: Human Factors of Cyber Defence" addresses the imbalance by emphasizing the importance of human factors in cybersecurity. It argues that while technology has advanced rapidly, human-centric defenses have not kept pace, making human vulnerabilities a primary target for cyberattacks. The book advocates for a balanced approach that integrates psychological insights, systemic resilience, and behavioral competencies. It proposes a comprehensive curriculum for cybersecurity education, incorporating both technical skills and human factors. Additionally, it explores the ethical implications of AI and its potential to exacerbate human vulnerabilities, advocating for responsible AI development and the establishment of 'Psybersecurity' as a new field. By highlighting the significance of human factors, the book aims to bridge the gap between technology and human sciences, fostering a more secure and resilient cyber environment.

The book proposes innovative solutions to enhance systemic resilience and mitigate human errors in critical infrastructures and cyber-physical systems (CPS). It advocates for an integrated cybersecurity framework that addresses both human factors and systemic vulnerabilities. Key solutions include:

  1. Integrated Cybersecurity Framework (ICF): This framework encompasses risk analysis, hazard management, systemic resilience, cybersecurity culture, human factors, and future-proofing, aiming for a holistic defense strategy.

  2. Systemic Resilience: The book emphasizes the importance of building systemic resilience to withstand and adapt to cyber threats. This involves understanding system interdependencies, identifying threats and vulnerabilities, and implementing measures to enhance resilience.

  3. Human Factors: Recognizing the human element as a critical component, the book suggests fostering a cybersecurity culture, providing training, and addressing psychological challenges to reduce human errors.

  4. AI and Automation: Leveraging AI to automate tasks, predict attacks, and model human behavior can mitigate human-related risks and foster a robust cybersecurity culture.

  5. Autonomous Operators: The book proposes autonomous agents, like Autonomous Operators (AOs), to assist human operators in identifying and mitigating cyber-physical attacks, thereby reducing the cognitive load and potential for human error.

The book critiques existing cybersecurity education frameworks for their focus on technical skills at the expense of human factors. It argues that these frameworks often neglect the importance of behavioral competencies, such as ethical decision-making, awareness of cyber threats, and privacy protection. The book proposes a comprehensive curriculum that integrates both technical and behavioral competencies. This curriculum emphasizes the development of digital literacy, the ability to distinguish between ethical and unethical online behavior, and the importance of not sharing personal data online. It also advocates for incorporating psychological insights, systemic resilience, and the mitigation of human errors, particularly within critical infrastructures and cyber-physical systems. The curriculum aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the cyber landscape ethically and effectively.

The book "Psybersecurity: Human Factors of Cyber Defence" addresses ethical dilemmas and psychological impacts of AI, particularly in the context of AI-driven harassment. It highlights concerns like privacy violations, misinformation, and the erosion of trust in digital media. The book proposes a new field of study, 'Psybersecurity,' to bridge cybersecurity and human sciences. It advocates for:

  1. Ethical AI Development: Ensuring transparency, accountability, and user protection in AI systems to prevent misuse and consider societal impacts.
  2. Legal Frameworks: Updating laws to address AI-generated content and its implications, including online harassment, privacy breaches, and digital fraud.
  3. Public Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about AI capabilities and risks, and promoting digital literacy to empower individuals to critically engage with AI-generated content.
  4. Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships between governments, tech companies, and academia to develop effective strategies and regulations for AI governance.
  5. Psybersecurity: Integrating psychological insights into cybersecurity to understand human vulnerabilities and develop more effective defenses against AI-driven threats.

The book "Psybersecurity: Human Factors of Cyber Defence" aims to bridge the gap between cybersecurity and human sciences by emphasizing the critical role of human factors in cyber defense. It advocates for a balanced approach that combines technological advancements with human-centric defenses. The book explores how cyber threats exploit human vulnerabilities and proposes solutions to build resilience against these vulnerabilities, particularly in critical infrastructures and cyber-physical systems.

Its vision for a safer, more resilient cyber future aligns with Australia's 2030 vision to become the world's most cybersecure nation. It suggests a comprehensive approach that includes:

  1. Integrating human factors and systemic resilience in cybersecurity strategies.
  2. Enhancing cybersecurity education with a focus on technical skills and behavioral competencies.
  3. Addressing AI's ethical dilemmas and its psychological impacts.
  4. Promoting the field of 'Psybersecurity' as a bridge between cybersecurity and human sciences.

By focusing on these areas, the book aims to create a cyber environment where human factors are considered alongside technology, leading to a more secure and resilient digital future.

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