In today’s episode of Confessions of a CyberPsychologist, I chat with Todd Fletcher, who is a PhD research student focussing on the psychology of cybersecurity professionals, and Dr Chris Fullwood, who is a senior lecturer in psychology at Birmingham City University and one of Todd’s PhD supervisors.

We talk about the psychology of cybersecurity professionals and why they may intentionally or unintentionally disregard sound cybersecurity practices. We focus on:

01:00 Todd’s background in digital technology and how he became interested in studying CyberPsychology.

06:49 The difference is between CyberPsychology and Cybersecurity.

13:00 Todd’s PhD research on the behavioural influences of Cybersecurity professionals.

20:21 The ‘Big 5’ personality and, how they can either help or hinder a cybersecurity professional in an organisation, and if there are common traits amongst those more likely to become cyber victims.

35:23 The Security Acceptance Model and its practical application in organisational cybersecurity.

37:33 The recent DefCon conference in Las Vegas and the research Todd was doing at the conference.

42:49 The difference between White, Grey and Black Hat hackers.

47:20 What parents should know about teen amateur hacking behaviour.

01:02:43 The future of cybersecurity amongst professionals and the general tech user.

1:08:55 Advice for those starting out in cybersecurity, and

10:15:18 Managing good mental health practices amongst cybersecurity professionals.

Todd’s experience is in the digital realm within business. Having spent time implementing cybersecurity practices, he became interested in the people within the cyber processes, leading him to become interested in the psychology of people within cybersecurity.

If you are a cybersecurity professional, manage a cybersecurity team, or are interested in cybersecurity as a career, this is an episode to watch.