Integrating human factors and systemic resilience: An interdisciplinary approach to cybersecurity in critical infrastructures and utilities

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Title

Psybersecurity: Human Factors of Cyber Defence

First Page

1

Last Page

34

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

School

School of Science

RAS ID

76314

Comments

Moonsammy, A., Ahmed, M., Guidetti, O., & Rashid, B. (2025). Integrating human factors and systemic resilience: An interdisciplinary approach to cybersecurity in critical infrastructures and utilities. In Psybersecurity (pp. 1-34). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781032664859-1

Abstract

The dynamic landscape of cybersecurity necessitates an evolving understanding of its influential factors, particularly in utilities and other critical infrastructures. Recent statistics underline the severity of the problem. In 2022, the total cost of damages resulting from cyberattacks reached an alarming $6 trillion, and this figure is projected to exceed $10 trillion in 2023, which speaks to the urgent need for strong cyber security measures. This chapter explores the complex interplay between human factors, systemic vulnerabilities, and cybersecurity from an interdisciplinary perspective. We delve into how human behaviours and systemic weaknesses can be exploited in cyberattacks, emphasising the importance of organisational culture in shaping cybersecurity practices and highlighting the shift from information security to the broader cybersecurity paradigm. The chapter also presents an integrated cybersecurity framework, synthesising principles of risk analysis, hazard management, and systemic resilience. It aligns with industry standards such as the NIST CSF and ISA62443, demonstrating its practical relevance. Systemic resilience is discussed, exploring its role in helping organisations withstand, recover from, and adapt to cyberthreats. The chapter also presents real-world case studies illustrating the consequences of strong and weak systemic resilience practices. The study then looks to the future, exploring the evolving trends in cybersecurity. It examines the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity, especially its potential to mitigate human-related risks. The chapter ends with practical recommendations for practitioners, avenues for future research, and a brief conclusion summarising the key findings. This research is significant for its comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, its focus on human factors and systemic resilience, and its exploration of AI's role in mitigating cyber risks. The insights offered in this study have substantial implications for organisations seeking to bolster their cybersecurity measures, particularly those operating critical infrastructures.

DOI

10.1201/9781032664859-1

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