A Career as a Cybersecurity Awareness Specialist
What is a career as a Cybersecurity Awareness Specialist?
Cybersecurity awareness experts have a responsibility, in educating both individuals and organizations. To deal with dangers. Reduce their impact effectively by meeting the requirements of various groups involved in the field of Cybersecurity Awareness Specialists lean significantly on social science research and principles for support and guidance in their work routines, for engaging with marginalized communities and society, as a whole.
What social science principles & research are used within this profession?
What social science theories and studies are applied in this field of work?
Based on information, from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) being knowledgeable, about cybersecurity is important. (NIST, 2020). Cybersecurity Awareness Specialists use social science principles, such as social cognitive theory, to design programs that are engaging, relevant, and effective (Bandura, 1986). For instance, they may use storytelling techniques to convey complex cybersecurity concepts in a relatable and memorable way. Cybersecurity Awareness Specialists also rely on social science research to understand the needs and concerns of marginalized groups, such as the elderly, low-income communities, and individuals with disabilities. For example, a study by the Pew Research Center found that older adults are more likely to fall victim to online scams, due to them having a lack of familiarity with digital technologies (Pew Research Center, 2020). Given this knowledge, Cybersecurity Awareness Specialists can design targeted programs to address the specific needs of these groups.
How are the social science principles applied in this career?
Furthermore, Cybersecurity Awareness Specialists apply social science principles to promote inclusive and equitable cybersecurity practices. For example, they may use the principles of social justice to advocate for policies and practices that address the disproportionate impact of cyber threats on marginalized communities (Klein, 2017). By doing so, they can help create a more just and equitable cybersecurity landscape. Another social principle they apply in their career is ethical consideration. Ethical considerations within this career include ensuring privacy, transparency, fairness, responding to threats, implementing security measures, and taking accountability with handling data.
How does this career affect or contribute to marginalized groups and society?
Being a Cybersecurity Awareness Specialist contributes to marginalized groups and society by promoting online safety. Doing so also contributes to social justice, by protecting marginalized groups from cyber-threats. It protects individual’s and organization’s data from theft and damage. It also fosters a more secure environment digitally for everyone. Another way they contribute to society is by safeguarding sensitive information. Without safeguarding, individuals and organizations would be at risk of cybersecurity issues, privacy being breached, and risking the integrity of critical systems and infrastructure. Without Cybersecurity Awareness Specialists, data would be at a higher risk of theft and/or risk damaging data. This includes data such as, personal information, protected health information, and governmental & industry information systems.
References
Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice Hall.
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1985-98423-000
National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2020). Cybersecurity awareness and training. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167404822001493
Pew Research Center. (2020). Older adults and technology use. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2014/04/03/older-adults-and-technology-use/#:~:text=Internet%20use%20and%20broadband%20adoption%20among%20seniors%20each%20fall%20off,among%2075%2D79%20year%20olds.