Course Description

Cybersecurity is often viewed as a technical field; however, it is inherently multidisciplinary. Many of today’s most significant cybersecurity challenges involve human behavior, social interactions, public policy, law, crime, economics, and international relations.

This course explores cybersecurity through a social science perspective. Students will examine the social, political, legal, criminological, psychological, and economic dimensions of cybersecurity. Throughout the course, students will explore the human factors that influence cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, cybercrime, and cyber incidents.

The course will also examine the political and legal frameworks designed to address cybersecurity risks. Students will learn how scholars and professionals in fields such as psychology, sociology, criminology, political science, economics, law, and international studies approach cybersecurity research and analysis.

By the end of the course, students will better understand how social science theories, principles, and research methods contribute to cybersecurity and how we understand it at the individual, organizational, and societal levels.

-Syllabus by: Professor Dr. Trinity Woodbury

CYSE 201S: Cybersecurity and the Social Sciences

Throughout this course, I have learned that cybersecurity involves much more than protecting computers, networks, and personal information. Before taking CYSE 201S, I mainly thought cybersecurity focused on preventing hackers from gaining access to systems. However, this course has helped me understand how human behavior, social science, and technology are connected.

One of the most interesting things I learned was how people’s everyday decisions and online activities can increase their chances of becoming victims of cybercrime. I also learned about the importance of understanding why individuals commit cybercrimes and why some victims choose not to report them. These topics helped me realize that technology alone cannot solve every cybersecurity problem.

Another important part of this course was learning how social science research can help us better understand cybersecurity issues. Through my article reviews and research assignments, I gained a better understanding of how researchers use evidence, observation, and data to study human behavior and cybersecurity threats.

As I continue my education at Old Dominion University, I plan to apply what I have learned to my future career in cybersecurity. This course has encouraged me to think beyond technology and consider the people affected by cybercrime. I believe understanding both the technical and human sides of cybersecurity will help me become a more knowledgeable and effective cybersecurity professional.