Jaden Lewis
The Security Analyst Profession and Social Science’s Role
CYSE 201S
4/17/2025
Introduction
In today’s global, connected world, cyber security professionals must understand not only code and infrastructure but human nature, social systems, and cybercrime motivators as well. A Security Analyst is one of the front lines of defending organizations against a wide variety of cyber threats. While technical skills are the foundation, the role of social science principles like sociology, criminology, and psychology cannot be diminished. This paper explains how social science principles like deviance, cybercriminal subcultures, behavioral theories, and human factors are essential to the daily work of Security Analysts. Further, it examines how such a profession impacts marginalized communities and interacts with society in a dynamic manner.
Social Science Principles and Cybersecurity
Security Analysts are constantly observing trends of deviant behavior activities that are opposite to societal norms or laws, e.g., hacking or spreading ransomware. Cybercrime as a field of cyber criminology is not just a technical issue but also a social issue that typically has its origins in motives like revenge, profit, or ideology. Understanding the social structures and subcultures that nurture these activities such as online hacking forums enables analysts to anticipate and detect threats better. In addition, personality theory and behavioral theory aid Security Analysts in identifying probable internal threats, such as workers who are angry with the organization. The Neutralization Theory, for instance, provides light on the way cybercriminals justify unethical actions by denying harm or blaming others; vital understanding while analyzing insider threats or social engineering events.
Use of Class Concepts
There are class concepts that directly pertain to the Security Analyst’s work. For example, social engineering, Security Analysts must be knowledgeable of manipulation tactics based on psychological principles to identify and educate users against phishing fraud. Cybersecurity cultures in organizations, security analysts enable the creation of a cyber culture of awareness by bringing the leadership and training into play, enabling groups and individuals to follow secure behavior. Risk factors and human action, detection of user behavioral patterns like weak password usage or warning ignoring support Security Analysts to mitigate risk. Misinformation and disinformation, professionals also maintain the integrity of information systems by identifying and inhibiting misinformation campaigns, especially during elections or emergencies. By using these principles, Security Analysts not only react to incidents, but also plan preventive measures from human and social understanding.
Marginalized Groups and Challenges
Security Analysts often face issues that disproportionately affect marginalized groups. For instance, low-income individuals can utilize outdated devices and receive no cybersecurity training, making them more vulnerable to scams and malware. In addition, bias in AI driven threat detection technology can lead to discriminatory treatment of users or employees. Three primary issues include digital divide, unequal access to secure technology, algorithmic discrimination, bias within threat detection or hiring platforms, and lack of representation, groups that are underrepresented and in cybersecurity professions face barriers to entrance and career growth. Security Analysts must continually be aware of these issues and advocate for inclusive policies and just protections within web spaces.
Career and Society
The mission of the Security Analyst is closely aligned with society. As data and digital guardians, they protect not just corporate interests but also public faith in digital systems. Structural functionalism would say that every profession has a role to play in keeping society in balance and cybersecurity increasingly is more and more fundamental in this digital age. Conflict theory, however, reminds us that cybersecurity can also be used as a tool of power, where large players can suppress dissent or dominate access. Security Analysts must ensure safety while being ethically accountable in an information is power era.
Conclusion
Security Analysts’ work perfectly illustrates the way in which cybersecurity is both a technical and a social discipline. By using social science theories of deviance, behavior theory, and symbolic interactionism, Security Analysts are better equipped to examine threats and human risk. The profession also has an important part to play in the development of a secure and fair digital society, especially for vulnerable groups. As technology continues to change, so too must the human centered, socially oriented approaches that underpin cybersecurity professionals’ work on a daily basis.
References
Lahcen, R. A. M., Caulkins, B., Mohapatra, R., & Kumar, M. (2020). Review and insight on the behavioral aspects of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42400-020-00050-w
Khan, N. F., Ikram, N., & Saleem, S. (2023). Effects of socioeconomic and digital inequalities on cybersecurity in a developing country. Security Journal. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41284-023-00375-4
Luo, X., Brody, R., Seazzu, A., & Burd, S. (2011). Social Engineering. Information Resources Management Journal, 24(3), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.4018/irmj.2011070101