journal 11

The role of a cybersecurity analyst, while primarily focused on protecting systems from digital
threats, inherently intersects with social behaviors. Cybersecurity analysts often analyze
cyberattack patterns that exploit human vulnerabilities, such as phishing schemes, social
engineering, and misinformation campaigns. These attacks rely on understanding human
psychology and social dynamics—knowing how people think, what might prompt them to click a
link, or how to exploit trust within social networks. As a result, cybersecurity analysts must have
technical skills and an awareness of social behavior patterns and vulnerabilities. Social themes
like trust, influence, and risk perception play a significant role, as attackers often aim to
manipulate these factors to bypass technical defenses. In essence, a cybersecurity analyst
must understand the “human layer” of security, as protecting systems is increasingly about
recognizing and mitigating socially engineered threats that exploit psychological tendencies.