CYSE 201S Career Paper

Cybersecurity Professional Career Paper: Cybersecurity Analyst
Manuel Randolph
School of Cybersecurity, Old Dominion University
CYSE 201S: Cybersecurity and the Social Sciences
Diwakar Yalpi
4/14/2026
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In order to understand human behavior, lower cyber threats, and safeguard enterprises,
cybersecurity experts mostly rely on social science concepts. In addition to dealing with social
and minority group issues, their daily work integrates technological expertise with ideas from
criminology, psychology, and sociology to protect systems and educate users.
Protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber attacks is the goal of the
quickly expanding subject of cybersecurity. The cybersecurity analyst, who keeps an eye on
systems, finds risks and manages security incidents, is one of the most important jobs in this
industry. Cybersecurity is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data, financial systems, medical
records, and national security in today’s digital environment.
This research aims to look into how cybersecurity analysts apply social science concepts
and principles that they have acquired in the classroom to their day-to-day work. It will also look
at how this line of work engages with communities that are underrepresented and benefits society
at large.
In order to understand why individuals, become victims of cyberattacks and why
criminals carry them out, cybersecurity experts rely on social science studies. Analysts analyze
human behavior, including trust, fear, and decision-making, from a psychological position.
Phishing assaults, for instance, are successful because those responsible use feelings of worry
and urgency.
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Sociologists study how social connections and online groups shape behavior. People’s
attention to security procedures, such as creating strong passwords, can be influenced by societal
expectations and peer pressure.
From the point of view of criminology, analysts examine the reasons for online crimes,
such as money, political objectives, or satisfaction with oneself. Analysts are better able to
anticipate and stop attacks when they are aware of these motivations.
By developing simple to use security solutions, developing awareness campaigns, and
enhancing human-computer interaction, cybersecurity experts bring these ideas into their
everyday work. To reduce human error, analysts could, for instance, create training programs
that instruct staff members on how to spot phishing emails.
The cybersecurity analyst position directly relates to a number of important courses of
study ideas, including:
Routine Activity Theory: According to this theory, crime happens when there is an
appropriate target, a motivated criminal, and a lack of care. To reduce the prospects for
cybercrime, analysts use this by increasing security measures (protection).
Risk assessment: Analysts assess an organization’s weaknesses and possible threats. They
assist enterprises in effectively allocating resources by identifying risks and ranking them
according to likelihood and impact.
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Cybersecurity Awareness: One of the primary responsibilities is to educate users. To
raise awareness and decrease harmful behavior, analysts develop training programs.
Deterrence Theory: To deter cybercrime, analysts use security measures like monitoring
systems and disciplinary measures.
These concepts are put into reality by analysts using techniques like firewalls, intrusion
detection systems, and security assessments. They also make sure that organizational policies
and legal requirements are followed.
For communities that are underrepresented, cybersecurity has significant implications.
These demographics are frequently more vulnerable to cyberattacks, including low-income
individuals, the elderly, and those with poor levels of computer knowledge. They might not have
access to digital resources or instruction, which makes them more vulnerable to fraud and scams.
By encouraging inclusive security practices, cybersecurity analysts contribute to the
solution of these issues. Organizations might, for example, provide more straightforward security
tools or offer training courses specifically designed for vulnerable groups.
Concerns around privacy and surveillance are also present, especially in excluded groups
who might already experience discrimination. To uphold justice and safeguard individual rights,
experts in cybersecurity must strike a balance between security and ethical issues.
By bringing different points of view to the area and improving solutions for a larger
variety of consumers, efforts to expand the cybersecurity workforce also aid in addressing
marginalization.
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In order to keep modern civilization safe and stable, cybersecurity experts are necessary.
They safeguard vital systems like government buildings, banking, healthcare, and
communication networks. These systems would be highly vulnerable to attacks in the absence of
cybersecurity experts.
The way analysts carry out their work is impacted by public policies and laws related to
cybersecurity, such as data protection requirements. These regulations seek to maintain
accountability while safeguarding people and organizations. Cybersecurity and society have an
evolving relationship. New risks appear as technology advances, requiring constant adaptation
on the part of analysts. The kinds of risks that arise are also influenced by cultural activities, such
as greater usage of social media and internet services.
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Scholarly Journals Articles
Source 1:
Hadlington, L. (2017). Human factors in cybersecurity. This study highlights how human
behavior contributes to cybersecurity risks. It supports the idea that analysts must understand
psychological factors to reduce vulnerabilities.
Source 2:
Parsons, K., et al. (2017). The human aspects of information security questionnaire. This article
focuses on user behavior and awareness, supporting the role of social science in cybersecurity
training and education.
Source 3:
Leukfeldt, R. (2014). Cybercrime and social engineering. This study explains how criminals
manipulate individuals, reinforcing the importance of criminology and sociology in
cybersecurity practices.
In conclusion, an analyst in cybersecurity must have a solid grasp of social science concepts in
addition to technical expertise. Analysts can more effectively safeguard individuals and
organizations by applying ideas like deterrence, risk assessment, and routine action concept.
Additionally, the job is crucial in helping marginalized groups overcome obstacles and
promoting social stability. The integration of social science and cybersecurity will continue to be
crucial for successful defense as cyber threats continue to change.
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References
Hadlington, L. (2017). Human factors in cybersecurity. Computers & Security, 68, 99–109.
Parsons, K., McCormac, A., Butavicius, M., Pattinson, M., & Jerram, C. (2017). The human
aspects of information security questionnaire. Computers & Security, 42, 165–176.
Leukfeldt, R. (2014). Cybercrime and social engineering. International Journal of
Cybercriminology.