By: Brandon Huitz

Introduction
Cybersecurity policy analysts play an important role in developing and implementing policies that protect organizations and individuals from cyber threats. These professionals require a deep understanding of both the technical aspects and social science principles of cybersecurity. In this article, we explore how cybersecurity policy analysts use social science research and principles in their daily work, focusing on how these concepts relate to marginalized groups and society at large.
Understanding Human Behavior
“It encompasses not only the networking of online devices together, but how humans interact and are influenced by these devices”(Dawson & Thomson,2018). One of the key aspects of cybersecurity policy analysis is understanding human behavior. Social science research helps cybersecurity professionals understand how people interact with technology, how they perceive security risks and how they respond to security measures. For example, psychological research can help analysts understand why people might fall for phishing scams or ignore security warnings. The analyst has a need to understand which individuals, groups, and communities are at risk of being manipulated through social media and how that risk can be mitigated(National Academies Press,2019) By applying this knowledge, cybersecurity policy analysts can develop more effective policies and strategies that take into account human behavior.
Addressing Societal Impacts
Cybersecurity policy can have a significant impact on society, especially for marginalized groups. For example, policies requiring extensive identity verification of online services may disproportionately affect poor individuals who may not have access to such records. Research suggests that there is a gap between academia and industry in cybersecurity education, and incorporating social science principles into cybersecurity curricula can better prepare professionals for the field (Ozdemir & Akkaya, 2017). Social science research helps analysts understand these social impacts and develop more inclusive and just policies. By considering the needs and challenges of marginalized groups, cybersecurity policy analysts can develop policies that protect everyone, not just the privileged few.
Ensuring Ethical Practices
Ethics play an important role in cybersecurity policy analysis, and social science principles help guide ethical decisions to do For example, ethical frameworks developed in sociology and philosophy can help analysts navigate complex ethical dilemmas, such as balancing security needs with individual privacy rights. By incorporating these principles into their work, cybersecurity policy analysts can ensure that their policies are not only effective, but also ethically sound.
Industrial Policy in Cybersecurity
In terms of industrial cybersecurity policy, every country examined in this study followed his own approach. . While conventional wisdom suggests relying on market-based processes, the cybersecurity market presents a unique challenge, especially from a government perspective. Policymakers face financial and security challenges as the cost of cyber attacks rises and federal agencies remain vulnerable to cyber threats. The geopolitical context, including strategic competition and cybercrime, drives the industrial policy need for cybersecurity.
Conclusion
Finally, social science research and principles are essential for cybersecurity policy analysts in their daily work. By understanding human behavior, considering social influences and ensuring ethical practices, these professionals can develop policies that protect all members of society. As the field of cybersecurity evolves, the integration of social sciences becomes even more critical to ensure effective, ethical, and inclusive policy.

References
Ozdemir, Serhat, and Kemal Akkaya. “Cybersecurity education: bridging the gap between academia and industry.” Computer 50.1 (2017): 42-49.
Dawson, J., & Thomson, R. (2018). The Future Cybersecurity Workforce: Going Beyond Technical Skills for Successful Cyber Performance. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 744. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00744
National Academies Press. (n.d.). Read “A decadal survey of the social and behavioral sciences: A research agenda for advancing intelligence analysis” at nap.edu. Front Matter | A Decadal Survey of the Social and Behavioral Sciences: A Research Agenda for Advancing Intelligence Analysis | The National Academies Press. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/25335/chapter/1