Presentation
Exploiting Cognitive Biases in Cyber Adversaries: Insights, Challenges, and Future Directions for Human-Centred Cyber Defenses
DescriptionCyberattacks are increasing at an unprecedented rate, becoming more sophisticated and human driven. For decades, cybersecurity has been predominantly techno-centric, relying on automated solutions to detect and prevent threats. These methods typically focus on securing systems, identifying vulnerabilities, and recognizing known attack patterns. However, attackers continuously innovate to bypass these defenses, exploiting even the smallest security gaps.
Beyond technological exploits, adversaries increasingly manipulate human factors to bypass security measures. Instead of relying solely on technical vulnerabilities, they exploit cognitive weaknesses, social engineering tactics, and psychological manipulation to gain access to systems. Over the past decade, the Human Factors community focused towards understanding the role of human cognition in cybersecurity. Research has explored situational awareness, individual and team cognition, and more recently, psychological defenses against cyber adversaries. More recent studies delve into leveraging cognitive biases—turning attackers' own mental shortcuts against them to degrade their decision-making and operational effectiveness. As theories, frameworks, and methodologies evolve, so do the challenges in implementing these innovative defense techniques in practice. This expert panel brings together leading scholars to discuss their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges in triggering and measuring cognitive vulnerabilities in attackers as effective methods for cyberdefense.
Beyond technological exploits, adversaries increasingly manipulate human factors to bypass security measures. Instead of relying solely on technical vulnerabilities, they exploit cognitive weaknesses, social engineering tactics, and psychological manipulation to gain access to systems. Over the past decade, the Human Factors community focused towards understanding the role of human cognition in cybersecurity. Research has explored situational awareness, individual and team cognition, and more recently, psychological defenses against cyber adversaries. More recent studies delve into leveraging cognitive biases—turning attackers' own mental shortcuts against them to degrade their decision-making and operational effectiveness. As theories, frameworks, and methodologies evolve, so do the challenges in implementing these innovative defense techniques in practice. This expert panel brings together leading scholars to discuss their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges in triggering and measuring cognitive vulnerabilities in attackers as effective methods for cyberdefense.
Panelists
Alternate Presenter
Event Type
Discussion Panel
Industry/Practitioner Content
TimeThursday, October 16th9:30am - 11am CDT
LocationGrand Hall M/N
Cybersecurity