Social Science Article #2
Bridgette Chapman
ODU
CYSE201S
3/21/2024
Article Review#2
Title: Cybersecurity When Working from Home During COVID-19: Considering the Human Factors.
Authors: Whitty, Moustafa, & Marthie Grobler.
Source: Journal of Cybersecurity, 10(1).
Relation to the Social Sciences
The topic of the study relates to the social sciences, as it focused on the human-related side of cyber security. It examined how personal behavior, psychological conditions, and social environments influence cybersecurity, which is at the center of such fields as psychology, sociology, and anthropology.
Research Questions
The study has four research questions that asked participants about their lived experiences transitioning from the office to home, their understanding of cybersecurity, and their recommendation about cybersecurity measures.
Research Methods
Research employed a qualitative research design that used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to deeply understand the personal experiences and perspectives of individuals working from home.
Data and Analysis
Data was collected from 27 participants through interviews, and responses were analyzed using a thematic approach to decipher themes related to psychological states, workspace setup, and technology use.
Importance of Study
Concepts from relevant PowerPoint presentations might include the role of human error in security breaches and the importance of user education. The study’s topic is pertinent to marginalized groups as it sheds light on the unique challenges, they face in securing their digital presence, which can be exacerbated by factors like limited access to technology and a lack of cybersecurity awareness. The research contributes to society by highlighting the need for cybersecurity measures that are not only technically sound but also empathetically designed to accommodate the diverse needs and circumstances of all users. It exceeds the traditional technological emphasis in cybersecurity and acknowledges that the protection of systems is not only a technical challenge but a social one as well. Authors recommends cybersecurity strategies that reflect the backgrounds, abilities, and situations of the users, implying that the security measures should be accessible and comprehensible to all people, irrespective of their technical skills.
Conclusion
The article points to the importance of incorporating social science principles into cybersecurity policies, especially in this new remote work environment. It emphasizes a human-focused pattern for protection against cyber threats and the construction of an inclusive and accommodative digital community.
References
Whitty, M. T., Moustafa, N., & Marthie Grobler. (2024). Cybersecurity when working from home during COVID-19: considering the human factors. Journal of Cybersecurity, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/cybsec/tyae001