Angel Hernandez
School of Cybersecurity, Old Dominion University
CYSE 201S: Cybersecurity and the Social Sciences
Diwakar Yalpi
November 10, 2025
Introduction
As technology has expanded as has cybercrime, and consequently, cybersecurity. Cybersecurity has become one of the most vital professions in the modern world. Broadly, cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, theft, and damage. Cyberthreats continue to evolve daily which heightens the importance of cybersecurity in modern times. The rise of ransomware, identity theft, and cyberwarfare has created both challenges and opportunities for professionals dedicated to defense and prevention. Cybersecurity law has become the cornerstone of digital governance which has risen to define the boundaries between adequate protection, privacy rights, and accountability. Cybersecurity is not merely a technical discipline but a social one, incorporating social science principles to better understand the human behaviors that contribute to weak security practices and malicious cyber activities.
Principles of Social Sciences and Cybersecurity
Social sciences deeply influence cybersecurity taking it from being solely a technical discipline. Psychological factors, sociology, and criminology all work in helping experts understand human behaviors and reasonings behind cyber actions. This allows cybersecurity experts to understand motivations that drive hackers, insider threats, and ethical decision-making. Khadka and Barkat Ullah (2025) explain that “human behavior has emerged as a major vulnerability, frequently exploited in sophisticated cyberattacks like social engineering and phishing” (p. 118). Avlakulovich, Valijonovich, and Ismatulloyevich (2022) similarly emphasize that “cybercriminals […] can exploit the weakest link in security: the human factor” (p. 34). These perspectives reveal that effective cybersecurity extends beyond coding and encryption, it relies on understanding psychology, sociology, and decision-making.
Psychological and social motivations also play a central role in explaining why cybercrime occurs. Rai and Singh (2025) observe that “cybercrime is motivated by psychological factors, ideological beliefs, financial gain, and anonymity” (p. 166). This underscores the notion that cybercrime is not merely a technical breach. It is a manifestation of human psychology, shaped by factors such as greed, spite, vengeance, mental health, and societal pressures. Social science research allows cybersecurity professionals to anticipate, prevent, and respond to behaviors more effectively and with a clearer understanding.
Social sciences additionally inform cybersecurity through research on human-computer interaction and user behavior analysis. Triplett (2022) emphasizes the importance of effective cybersecurity leadership through education, awareness, and communication. Professionals use these insights to design user-friendly systems, conduct behavioral analysis, and develop educational programs that improve compliance. Awareness campaigns grounded in both social and education psychology encourage individuals to recognize phishing attempts or avoid weak passwords (Triplett 2022). Integrating behavioral research allows cybersecurity professionals to bridge the gap between technology and human vulnerability. Avlakulovich et al (2023) note that “individuals may become more susceptible to scams due to their lack of awareness, carelessness, and limited access to information” (p. 34). Improving cybersecurity requires education and technology. Cybersecurity professionals use psychological insights to design systems that encourage and promote safer behavior, reduce user error, and enhance compliance. Understanding the human cost of cybercrime reinforces why awareness and behavioral training remain central components of the field.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the integration of social science into cybersecurity helps professionals recognize that every digital threat stems from human origin and consequence. Studying motivations and human behaviors, experts can design strategies that defend against attacks and promote better cybersecurity practices that fix the breaking societal trust in technology. Addressing these barriers is essential to creating a cybersecurity ecosystem that is not only secure, but equitable and human-centered. Cybersecurity extends beyond technology, drawing on social science principles to explain how human behavior shapes both cybersecurity vulnerabilities and malicious actions.
References
Avlakulovich, D. M., Valijonovich, T. O., & Ismatulloyevich, R. G. (2023). Understanding of human factors and impact in cybersecurity. Zien Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 20, 34–39. https://zienjournals.com/index.php/zjssh/article/view/3947
Khadka, K., & Ullah, A. B. (2025). Human factors in cybersecurity: An interdisciplinary review and framework proposal.International Journal of Information Security, 24(1), 119. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10207-025-01032-0
Rai, P. K., & Singh, K. D. (2025). Reasons for cyber crimes and cyber criminals. Indian Journal of Legal Review, 5(4), 165–172. Institute of Legal Education.
https://ijlr.iledu.in/reasons-for-cyber-crimes-and-cyber-criminals/ Triplett, W. J. (2022). Addressing Human Factors in Cybersecurity Leadership. Journal of Cybersecurity and Privacy, 2(3), 573-586. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcp2030029