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Author(s):
Julie L. Marble Ranjeev Mittu W. F. Lawless Joseph Coyne Ciara Sibley Myriam Abramson
Secondary Title
Springer International Publishing
Abstract

we review the pervasiveness of cyber threats and the roles of both attackers and cyber users (i.e. the targets of the attackers); the lack of awareness of cyber-threats by users; the complexity of the new cyber environment, including cyber risks; engineering approaches and tools to mitigate cyber threats; and current research to identify proactive steps that users and groups can take to reduce cyber-threats. In addition, we review the research needed on the psychology of users that poses risks to users from cyber-attacks. For the latter, we review the available theory at the individual and group levels that may help individual users, groups and organizations take actions against cyber threats. We end with future research needs and conclusions.

Concluding remarks
In our discussion, we first agreed that cyber threats are making cyber environments more complex and uncomfortable for average users; second, we concluded that various factors are important (e.g., timely actions are often necessary in cyber space to counter the threats of the attacks that commonly occur at internet speeds, but also the ‘slow and low’ attacks that are difficult to detect, threats that occur only after pre-specified conditions have been satisfied that trigger an unsuspecting attack). Third, we concluded that advanced persistent threats (APTs) pose a risk to users but also to national security (viz., the persistent threats posed by other Nations). Fourth, we contend that using “red” teams to search cyber defenses for vulnerabilities encourages users and organizations to better defend themselves. Fifth, the current state of theory leaves many questions unanswered that researchers must pursue to mitigate or neutralize present and future threats. Lastly, we agree with the literature that cyber space has had a dramatic impact on American life and that the cyber domain is a breeding ground for disorder.

Reference details

DOI
10.1007/978-3-319-14039-1_9
Resource type
Miscellaneous
Year of Publication
2015
ISSN Number
1568-2633
Publication Area
Civilian cybersecurity
Date Published
2015

How to cite this reference:

Marble, J. L., Mittu, R., Lawless, W. F., Coyne, J., Sibley, C., & Abramson, M. (2015). The Human Factor in Cybersecurity: Robust & Intelligent Defense. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14039-1_9 (Original work published 2015)