Todd Fletcher and Dr Chris Fullwood | Ep 8
The Psychology of CyberSecurity Professionals.
Why do cybersecurity professionals either blatantly or subconsciously disregard standard cybersecurity protocols?
In this episode, we explore how personality and psychology shape cybersecurity roles and how human factors drive defences, risk, and burnout in the digital world.
Connect with the guests
Todd Fletcher
Todd Fletcher: Cyberpsychology PhD student exploring the psychology of cybersecurity professionals, with a rich background spanning IT, networking, and cybersecurity engineering.
Dr Chris Fullwood
Dr. Chris Forwood: Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Birmingham City University and co-author of the Oxford Handbook on Cyberpsychology.
Read more about Chris and his research and watch his podcast episode on how we present ourselves online.
This episode delves deeply into the intersection of psychology and cybersecurity, providing invaluable insights for professionals, students, and parents alike. Whether you’re exploring the field or safeguarding your digital presence, understanding the human element in technology is more crucial than ever.
Cyberpsychology vs Cybersecurity:
- Cyberpsychology: Broad discipline examining human interaction with technology, from motivations to behavioural impacts.
- Cybersecurity: Primarily technical but deeply intertwined with human psychology, focusing on protecting systems and data while understanding user behaviours and vulnerabilities.
Todd’s Research Journey:
- Motivation: Todd’s curiosity about the psychological factors influencing cybersecurity professionals.
- Current Focus: Examining how personality traits, organisational culture, and cognitive behaviours affect decision-making and security compliance among professionals.
- Goal: Developing a “Security Acceptance Model” to better integrate human psychology into cybersecurity practices.
Insights on Personality and Cybersecurity:
- Certain traits, such as curiosity, openness to new experiences, and conscientiousness, correlate with success in cybersecurity.
- Traits like impulsivity and risk-taking can increase susceptibility to breaches, such as falling for phishing scams.
Human Factor in Security:
- Cybersecurity breaches are often linked to human errors rather than technical failures.
- Stress, burnout, and cognitive overload significantly impact professionals’ effectiveness and decision-making.
Challenges in the Cybersecurity Profession:
- High burnout rates due to long hours, constant upskilling demands, and pressure to safeguard against evolving threats.
- Lack of leadership support and understanding of cybersecurity risks within organisations.
Youth and Cybersecurity:
- Encouraging curiosity in technology while guiding ethical practices is vital for fostering a positive interest in cybersecurity.
- Parents should foster open communication and maintain awareness of their children’s online activities to prevent malicious influences.
Pathways into Cybersecurity:
- Multiple routes include certifications, college degrees, and self-learning. Key attributes for success are curiosity, continual learning, and networking with industry professionals.
Favourite Cyberpsychology Resource:
- Oxford Handbook of Cyberpsychology: A foundational text that explores the interplay of human behaviour and digital technology.
