The Role Behavioral Science In Understanding And Improving Cybersecurity Posture In A Technological Society | A Conversation with Jason Nurse | Redefining Society with Marco Ciappelli

Guest: ✨ Jason Nurse, Reader in Cyber Security, University of Kent, UK [@UniKent]

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrcnurse

On Twitter | https://twitter.com/jasonnurse

____________________________

Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli
_____________________________

This Episode’s Sponsors

BlackCloak 👉 https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb

Bugcrowd 👉 https://itspm.ag/itspbgcweb

_____________________________

Episode Introduction

In a recent captivating episode of the "Redefining Society" podcast, host Marco Ciappelli engaged in an insightful conversation with Dr. Jason Nurse, an associate professor of cybersecurity at the University of Kent and director of science and research at CyberSafe. The dialogue delved deep into the realms of cybersecurity, its implications on modern society, and the pivotal role of human behavior in enhancing digital security.

The Human Aspect of Cybersecurity

The podcast highlighted an often overlooked aspect of cybersecurity – the human element. Despite the rapid evolution of technology and cyber threats, the conversation reiterated the significant impact human behavior has on cybersecurity. Dr. Nurse emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of cybersecurity, touching on its relevance not only to technical domains but also to individuals, homes, and society at large. His research on smart home security, IoT security, and cyber psychology underscores the necessity to consider the human side as integral to understanding and improving cybersecurity measures.

Generational Perspectives on Cyber Risks

A thought-provoking part of the discussion revolved around the generational differences in the perception and handling of cyber risks. Dr. Nurse pointed out how digital natives, despite being more technologically adept, might not fully grasp the tangibility and severity of online threats. This generational gap underlines the importance of educating all demographics about cyber risks and the necessary precautions to mitigate them.

The Rise of Social Engineering and Ransomware Attacks

One significant threat highlighted in the podcast is social engineering, particularly phishing attacks, which have become a common method for cybercriminals to breach systems. Adding to the concern is the alarming increase in ransomware attacks, crippling businesses and even vital public sectors such as healthcare and education. These attacks underline the critical need for continuous vigilance and education to protect against these ever-evolving threats.

Facing Cybersecurity Helplessness

The conversation touched on a concerning trend - a growing sense of helplessness among individuals regarding their online security. This sentiment arises from the continuous news of data breaches and cyberattacks, despite individual efforts to secure their digital presence. The podcast emphasized the importance of combating this learned helplessness by empowering individuals with knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their data.

Redefining our Cyber Societal Framework

Towards the conclusion, Marco raised a compelling question on what needs to be redefined in our society to address cybersecurity challenges more effectively. The consensus leaned towards emphasizing the human aspect of cybersecurity in organizational strategies. Understanding and integrating the human perspective in cyber defense mechanisms is crucial in crafting more effective, inclusive, and adaptive cybersecurity strategies.

In essence, the "Redefining Society" podcast with Dr. Jason Nurse sheds light on the critical intersection of human behavior and cybersecurity. As our society becomes increasingly intertwined with technology, addressing cybersecurity from a human-centric perspective becomes indispensable in creating a safer digital world for everyone.

_____________________________

Resources

____________________________

To see and hear more Redefining Society stories on ITSPmagazine, visit:
https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-society-podcast

Watch the webcast version on-demand on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTUoWMGGQHlGVZA575VtGr9

Are you interested in sponsoring an ITSPmagazine Channel?
👉 https://www.itspmagazine.com/advertise-on-itspmagazine-podcast