CYSE 201S

Cybersecurity and Social Science

The course explores different areas that include the social, political, legal, criminological, and economic disciplines in relation to cybersecurity. Additional topics include how social scientists from these fields approach cybersecurity research and analysis.

Learning Outcomes 

After completion, students will be able to:

  1. Compare psychological, sociological, criminological, political, economic, and legal theories in relation to cybersecurity.
  2. Find the strengths and weaknesses of these theories in the context of human behavior and cybersecurity.
  3. Define main concepts, including cybersecurity, cybercrime, cyber law, and digital forensics.
    Identify how professionals in different cybersecurity careers apply these multidisciplinary concepts in their daily routines.
  4. Describe how hypotheses and research questions are formed in studies addressing cybersecurity through a social science lens.
  5. Describe how data are collected, measured, and analyzed in studies addressing cybersecurity through a social science lens.
  6. Identify how marginalized groups have confronted challenges and concerns related to cybersecurity, as well as how these groups have contributed to our understanding of the topic.
  7. Explain how the application of social science theories, principles, and research strategies has contributed to our understanding of cybersecurity at the societal level.

Reflection

The course has taught me several different topics, which have provided a new perspective in the field of cybersecurity. Instead of focusing on the technical aspects of cybersecurity, there are the human and societal factors that influence the subject of cybersecurity. Some examples come to mind, such as social engineering attacks. By understanding the psychological tactics and risks that can lead to cyber victimization, better security practices can be implemented for others to avoid such conflicts. In addition, the course provided comprehensive explanations of why someone may choose or be influenced to pursue cybercrime.