Current Issues in Cyberpsychology – Serie

Human Factors and Cybersecurity examines the intricate interplay between human behaviour and digital security, offering a comprehensive exploration of how psychological, dispositional, and situational factors influence cybersecurity practices.Bringing together information that is both research-informed and practical in nature, the book highlights how human behaviour and decisions can impact cybersecurity infrastructure. It covers a wide range of topics, including the foundations of cybersecurity, the risks posed by insider threats, and the importance of a human-centered approach. It examines the cognitive pitfalls and decision-making processes that can lead to security breaches and provides strategies for reducing human error. The book also includes case studies and real-world examples of cybersecurity breaches, and practical strategies and guidance for enhancing cybersecurity at an individual and organisational level.Presenting state-of-the-art thinking related to the human factor in the context of cybersecurity, this book offers a clear grounding for researchers, professionals and students alike, and valuable insights for anyone looking to protect against threats in the digital world.

Human Factors and Cybersecurity examines the intricate interplay between human behaviour and digital security, offering a comprehensive exploration of how psychological, dispositional, and situational factors influence cybersecurity practices.Bringing together information that is both research-informed and practical in nature, the book highlights how human behaviour and decisions can impact cybersecurity infrastructure. It covers a wide range of topics, including the foundations of cybersecurity, the risks posed by insider threats, and the importance of a human-centered approach. It examines the cognitive pitfalls and decision-making processes that can lead to security breaches and provides strategies for reducing human error. The book also includes case studies and real-world examples of cybersecurity breaches, and practical strategies and guidance for enhancing cybersecurity at an individual and organisational level.Presenting state-of-the-art thinking related to the human factor in the context of cybersecurity, this book offers a clear grounding for researchers, professionals and students alike, and valuable insights for anyone looking to protect against threats in the digital world.

This book takes a fresh look at the underappreciated role of human psychology in cybersecurity and information technology management. It discusses the latest insights from practice and scholarly work on the role of cognitive bias and human factors in critical decisions that could affect the lives of many people.Written by an experienced chief information security officer (CISO) and an academic with over two decades of lived experience dealing with cybersecurity risks, this book considers the psychological drivers and pitfalls of the four key personas in cybersecurity – from hackers and defenders, to targeted individuals and organisational leaders. It bridges state-of-the-art research findings with real-world examples and case studies to show how understanding the psychological factors in cybersecurity can help people protect themselves and their organisations better.Full of advice on security best practices that consider the human element of cybersecurity, this book will be of great interest to professionals and managers in the cybersecurity domain, information technology, and governance and risk management. It will also be relevant to students and those aspiring to grow in this field.

This book takes a fresh look at the underappreciated role of human psychology in cybersecurity and information technology management. It discusses the latest insights from practice and scholarly work on the role of cognitive bias and human factors in critical decisions that could affect the lives of many people.Written by an experienced chief information security officer (CISO) and an academic with over two decades of lived experience dealing with cybersecurity risks, this book considers the psychological drivers and pitfalls of the four key personas in cybersecurity – from hackers and defenders, to targeted individuals and organisational leaders. It bridges state-of-the-art research findings with real-world examples and case studies to show how understanding the psychological factors in cybersecurity can help people protect themselves and their organisations better.Full of advice on security best practices that consider the human element of cybersecurity, this book will be of great interest to professionals and managers in the cybersecurity domain, information technology, and governance and risk management. It will also be relevant to students and those aspiring to grow in this field.

This book provides readers with an insightful and nuanced look at the human component of cybercrime. James McDowell delves into the intriguing domain of forensic cyberpsychology by exploring the complex relationship between humans and technology in the realm of cybercrime.This groundbreaking work provides the first unifying theory of forensic cyberpsychology, weaponized affective vulnerability engineering (WAVE) theory, to illuminate the motivations, behaviors, and thought processes of both perpetrators and their targets using psychological analysis and real‑world case studies. As the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds continue to blur, understanding and addressing this topic demands a nuanced approach. This book demystifies the multifaceted nature of cybercrime, investigates the duality of technological innovation, and provides practical strategies to mitigate cybercrime in an ever‑evolving threat landscape. From explaining the tactics underpinning common schemes to discussing the emotional impact of exploitation, it delivers an extensive and innovative analysis of the human factor in cybercrime to support combating digital threats in an increasingly connected world.This book is a vital resource for forensic psychologists, law enforcement professionals, business leaders, and the public in their efforts to better predict, mitigate, and respond to complex threats in the cyber arena.

This book provides readers with an insightful and nuanced look at the human component of cybercrime. James McDowell delves into the intriguing domain of forensic cyberpsychology by exploring the complex relationship between humans and technology in the realm of cybercrime.This groundbreaking work provides the first unifying theory of forensic cyberpsychology, weaponized affective vulnerability engineering (WAVE) theory, to illuminate the motivations, behaviors, and thought processes of both perpetrators and their targets using psychological analysis and real‑world case studies. As the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds continue to blur, understanding and addressing this topic demands a nuanced approach. This book demystifies the multifaceted nature of cybercrime, investigates the duality of technological innovation, and provides practical strategies to mitigate cybercrime in an ever‑evolving threat landscape. From explaining the tactics underpinning common schemes to discussing the emotional impact of exploitation, it delivers an extensive and innovative analysis of the human factor in cybercrime to support combating digital threats in an increasingly connected world.This book is a vital resource for forensic psychologists, law enforcement professionals, business leaders, and the public in their efforts to better predict, mitigate, and respond to complex threats in the cyber arena.

Privacy in the Age of Social Media: Beyond the Like explores the hidden dynamics of social media and the ways our online behavior is tracked, analyzed, and monetized, offering an accessible overview of the interaction between social media engagement and personal data privacy.The book dives into the heart of social media’s greatest paradox: the pursuit of connection versus the protection of personal privacy. It reveals how everyday online interactions drive engagement, targeted advertising, and predictive analytics; build detailed user profiles; shape the content we encounter; and influence how platforms operate.The book explores ethical considerations, regulations, and practical strategies for protecting personal and organizational data, while identifying emerging trends in social norms and technology that may shape the future of privacy and social media. Through case studies, expert insights, real-world examples, and accessible explanations, readers are equipped to understand the hidden mechanics of social media, engage online with awareness, and safeguard their digital footprint. The authors also illustrate how the simple ‘Like’ button transformed the digital landscape—what began as a quick tap of approval has become one of the most powerful tools in the online ecosystem.This compelling book is essential reading for marketers, business professionals, and those working in the fields of social media, cybersecurity, and data privacy, as well as organizations seeking to understand how platforms operate behind the scenes. It will also be of interest to students and researchers in the fields of social media, marketing, cyberpsychology, data privacy, digital media and business management.

Privacy in the Age of Social Media: Beyond the Like explores the hidden dynamics of social media and the ways our online behavior is tracked, analyzed, and monetized, offering an accessible overview of the interaction between social media engagement and personal data privacy.The book dives into the heart of social media’s greatest paradox: the pursuit of connection versus the protection of personal privacy. It reveals how everyday online interactions drive engagement, targeted advertising, and predictive analytics; build detailed user profiles; shape the content we encounter; and influence how platforms operate.The book explores ethical considerations, regulations, and practical strategies for protecting personal and organizational data, while identifying emerging trends in social norms and technology that may shape the future of privacy and social media. Through case studies, expert insights, real-world examples, and accessible explanations, readers are equipped to understand the hidden mechanics of social media, engage online with awareness, and safeguard their digital footprint. The authors also illustrate how the simple ‘Like’ button transformed the digital landscape—what began as a quick tap of approval has become one of the most powerful tools in the online ecosystem.This compelling book is essential reading for marketers, business professionals, and those working in the fields of social media, cybersecurity, and data privacy, as well as organizations seeking to understand how platforms operate behind the scenes. It will also be of interest to students and researchers in the fields of social media, marketing, cyberpsychology, data privacy, digital media and business management.

This highly topical book provides an integrated framework for understanding how artificial intelligence, personality traits, gender, and cultural contexts shape youth digital engagement and mental health outcomes.Grounded in cyberpsychology and extensive empirical research, AI ethics, and developmental psychology, this book addresses the urgent need for evidence-based approaches to supporting young people's well-being in an increasingly AI-mediated digital world. It explores the dual nature of digital technology, offering unique opportunities for connection, learning, and self-expression while simultaneously introducing distinctive risks to mental health and well-being. It examines how personality trait models mediate the effects of cyber behavior on well-being and ethical AI engagement. Further topics include an exploration of AI as an active participant in shaping youth behavior and identity, how personality traits significantly predict resilience to online risks and ethical AI engagement, gender differences in digital engagement creating distinct opportunities and vulnerabilities, cultural contexts fundamentally shaping cyber behaviors and ethical perspectives, and that ethical AI design must prioritize youth developmental vulnerabilities. With actionable recommendations to foster digital well-being and responsible AI use, this book is a comprehensive guide for promoting ethical and psychologically healthy digital practices.The unique blend of theoretical insights, empirical data, and practical interventions makes this book an essential resource for students and academics in cyberpsychology, social psychology and identity, AI ethics, cyber behavior studies, and mental health. It will also be of interest to mental health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and educators interested in understanding the impact of cyber behaviors on youth well-being.