PSYC FPX 4210 Assessment 2 Research Methodologies PSYC FPX 4210 Cyberpsychology

Prof. Name:

Date

Abstract

Cybersecurity breaches are a prevalent issue in today’s society, significantly affecting organizations and industries that are under constant pressure to protect confidential information. As the world becomes more interconnected through technology, facilitating rapid and frequent communication and collaboration, it also becomes increasingly susceptible to severe cyber-attacks. The complex nature of cybercrime has led to extensive research into human-computer interactions and their interrelated dynamics. Human errors and insufficient training often indirectly contribute to the prevalence of cybercrime. Various researchers have proposed strategies to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities, including serious gamification and the development of habitual behaviors. This paper will review two distinct research articles and methodologies that focus on human attributes and behaviors related to cybersecurity training.

Introduction

The rapid advancement of technology and the integration of humans into the virtual realm of cyberspace have given rise to the expanding field of cyberpsychology, with 58% of the global population now using the internet (Clement, 2019). The intersection of emerging technologies and human-computer interaction has sparked considerable interest among researchers in cyberpsychology as a distinct discipline. Cyberpsychology is defined as the study of the psychological processes associated with and underlying all aspects of technologically mediated human behavior (Atrill et al., 2019). This field also encompasses the psychological implications of cyborgs, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. Cyberpsychology examines how individuals utilize technology to engage in cyberspace and the effects of these interactions on their real-world lives. The interdisciplinary nature of cyberpsychology encompasses a variety of theoretical perspectives and applications in technology, which continue to evolve across different domains, including education, healthcare, workforce, and security. Statistical and theoretical research in this area primarily focuses on internet usage (Ancis, 2020). The advent of smartphones and smart devices has fostered a profound and ongoing impact on human behavior and perception.

Psychological Perspectives in Cybersecurity

Exploring the psychological dimensions of the cyber realm reveals significant insights into cybercrime and cybersecurity. Human vulnerability in the digital landscape is closely tied to cybersecurity, which affects every aspect of daily life. This issue is critical for consumers, industries, and governments alike (Norman, 2017), especially as technology evolves. Security breaches and the compromise of personal information are pressing concerns within cybersecurity. The concepts of privacy and security have been integral to society from ancient times to the present (Norman, 2017). As reliance on computers and online activities increases, so does susceptibility to cybercrime, with hacking being a prominent threat. Hackers can potentially access a wide range of personal and organizational data (Zengerlie & Casella, 2015). Social networking platforms, corporate websites, and online gaming sites provide extensive opportunities for hackers.

In addition to hackers, information technology professionals and end-users play crucial roles in cybersecurity. IT specialists, particularly those focused on securing business operations in government and defense sectors, are tasked with safeguarding electronic information repositories from theft and corruption (Norman, 2017). They are responsible for detecting, analyzing, identifying, and preventing hacker attacks. Psychologists contribute significantly by identifying hacker behaviors and predicting individual actions through the study of social norms. By collaborating with IT engineers, psychologists can help develop a global security system that monitors hacker activities online for potential threats.

Organizations and researchers are actively creating strategies to raise awareness and provide training for employees and the general public regarding effective cybersecurity practices. A lack of awareness about the detrimental effects of compromised security is a major factor contributing to cybercrime. Users’ perceptions of technology and their trust in it are directly linked to their online behaviors (Ho et al., 2010). Human-computer interactions are often taken for granted, and various psychological biases and risky behaviors can make individuals easy targets for cybercrime. This paper will examine current research that emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity training through serious games and a study on the subjective experience of habit formation in cybersecurity.

Analysis 1: Successful Gamification of Cybersecurity Training

This study explores whet