The Future Human and Behavioural Challenges of Cybersecurity

Abstract

This chapter explores the future human and behavioural challenges that are likely to have an impact on cybersecurity. It identifies some general challenges that will need to be overcome. The first challenge will be to accept that cybersecurity practitioners are not average end users. It is important to understand cybersecurity as a social practice that is carried out in specific and variable contexts if we are to design successful behavioural and social interventions. The second challenge is to improve the levels of creativity and innovation demonstrated by cybersecurity practitioners. Finally, the third challenge is to look at how we address cybersecurity risk. Meeting these challenges will depend on developing a skill set among cybersecurity practitioners that puts soft skills on a par with technical skills, and establishes trust relationships through genuine dialogue realized through participative approaches to cybersecurity.