The Importance of Social Science for Cybersecurity Analyst
Ayanah Hanks
November 24, 2024
Introduction
What is a cybersecurity analyst? Cybersecurity analyst or also known as cyber
defense analyst’s job is to protect the security and integrity of data and data systems
using network firewalls, data encryption, and other various methods (Thomas et al.,
2018). They are seen as the guardians of the digital realm, and while their jobs do
include data encryption and firewalls it also includes something else, understanding
human factors. Understanding the psychological and social aspect in cybersecurity is
very important to having effective defense strategies. By using and depending on social
science research and principles, cybersecurity analysts can gain a better understanding
of human’s vulnerabilities, threats, and how to reduce them. This essay will delve into
how social science research helps cybersecurity analyst and how they impact society
and marginalized groups.
Body
The role of a cybersecurity analyst is related to social science because it has an
important in preventing breaches by understanding human factors engineering. Human
factors are important in cybersecurity as it emphasizes the systems and process human
capabilities and limitations (The Role of Human Factors Engineering in Cybersecurity,n.d.). By doing so this reduces human error, which plays a huge role in security
breaches. For example, organizations implemented the two-factor authentication method
which is effective in preventing in unauthorized access. Focusing on human factors
strengthens security measures and encourages responsible behavior.
Social science principles also come into during security awareness training. Awareness
training is not just about training nontechnical employees about phishing and online
scams (Bhaskar, 2022). By using the adult learning theory and behavioral psychology,
cybersecurity analyst is often seen as security awareness trainers. They design training
that uses real world scenarios and promote long-term behavioral change. (WJAI
Podcast – Applying the Science of Human Behavior to Cybersecurity | sans Institute,
2024). By understanding how people learn and make decisions gives cybersecurity
analysts a chance to create a place of security awareness in organizations and reducing
the weakness that could be exposed to potential threats.
The impact of cybersecurity also extends beyond just protecting data, cybercrime
also affects marginalized groups that has limited resources. Ensuring that everyone has
access to resources and the knowledge to protect themselves online is also a role that
cybersecurity analysts have. Moreover, data breaches can potentially expose personal
information about marginalized groups which could lead to identity theft or
discrimination. By emphasizing strong security practices, cybersecurity analysts
contribute to the digital society by keep it more secure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cybersecurity analyst does more than just protecting data systems.
Social science research plays an important role in their work as is helps them
understand human weaknesses, create productive training programs, and advocate for
a safe digital environment.
References:
Bhaskar, R. (2022, May 18). Better Cybersecurity Awareness Through Research.
ISACA. https://www.isaca.org/resources/isaca-journal/issues/2022/volume-3/better-
cybersecurity-awareness-through-research
The Role of Human Factors Engineering in Cybersecurity. (n.d.). ISACA.
https://www.isaca.org/resources/isaca-journal/issues/2023/volume-4/the-role-of-human-
factors-engineering-in-cybersecurity
Thomas, L., Vaughan, A., Courtney, Z., Zhong, C., & Alnusair, A. (2018, July 1).
Supporting Collaboration Among Cyber Security Analysts Through Visualizing Their
Analytical Reasoning Processes. IEEE Xplore.
https://doi.org/10.1109/ICMEW.2018.8551497
WJAI Podcast – Applying the Science of Human Behavior to Cybersecurity | SANS
Institute. (2024, May 16). Sans.org. https://www.sans.org/podcasts/wait-just-an-
infosec/applying-the-science-of-human-behavior-to-cybersecurity/
Zhang, E. (2023, May 6). What is a Security Analyst? Skills, Salary, Certifications &
More. Digital Guardian. https://www.digitalguardian.com/blog/what-security-analyst-
responsibilities-qualifications-and-more