Abstract: Within the last few years, increasing attention has focused on issues of cybersecurity at both the national and consumer level. Behavioral science has much to offer in regards to understanding cybersecurity issues, both in terms of understanding motives and behaviors related to cybersecurity threats (i.e. detection), as well as social and behavioral issues that place some individuals and organizations at risk for victimization (i.e. prevention). The potential exists to study simulated cybersecurity breaches in real-time, but behavioral research on cybersecurity presents new challenges in regards to methodology and ethical issues. These issues are discussed regarding the development of a research paradigm for studying the interaction of individuals and technology in relation to potential cybersecurity threats.
Bio: Dr. Ferguson is an associate professor of psychology at Stetson University. He has published numerous articles related to the intersection of human behavior and technology. Much of his work has focused on behavioral and motivation aspects of video game play, although he has also examined advertising effects, the role of media in body dissatisfaction, and 'banned books.' He is also interested in societal reactions to media and technology including public policy issues, technopanic, and the influence of social narratives on the scientific process. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and won an early career scientist award through APA's Division 46. He also writes fiction including a published novel, Suicide Kings. He lives in Orlando with his wife and son.
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