Human Factors in IT Security

This title offers an exploration of the human mind as the main line of defence against modern cyber threats. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on technology, it centres on the vulnerabilities in human cognition that attackers exploit to manipulate attitudes, perceptions, and decisions. By addressing hybrid warfare, social engineering, and precision persuasion, the concept of “cognitive security” is introduced which connects individual vulnerabilities to global societal risks. From cybercrime to AI-driven disruptions, the analysis spans public, private, and military domains, including NATO-led initiatives. This book provides the knowledge to navigate the evolving challenges of today’s digital age, offering analyses of the links between human cognition and cybersecurity. Beginning with a concise historical overview, the chapters unpack how human factors evolved from being a weak link to a critical focal point in cybersecurity. Further chapters explore risks to individuals and societies, challenges for decision-makers, and strategies for safeguarding mental resilience. Written to equip the reader with the tools to address modern threats, it connects technological expertise with an in-depth understanding of human cognition. Readers will gain practical insights into protecting themselves and others against manipulation that will enhance their personal performance and support overall societal well-being. Human Factors in IT Security: Cognitive Perspectives of Cybersecurity is an essential read for decision-makers, leaders, and professionals in human factors, cybersecurity, information technology, and information security.