The Cyber Ways Podcast brings academic cyber security research into the "real world." We interview top academic researchers to find how their research can be put into practice by cyber security professionals. Our focus is on behavioral aspects of cyber security. Occasionally, we touch on related topics, such as information privacy and surveillance.Each episode discusses one published, peer-reviewed article to reveal the practical implications of the research. Your hosts, Tom Stafford and Craig Van Slyke, are both widely published information systems academics who keep one foot in the world of practice.The Cyber Ways Podcast is brought to you by the Center for Information Assurance at the Louisiana Tech University's College of Business. The Cyber Ways podcast is funded through a Just Business grant, made possible through the generosity of donors to the Louisiana Tech University College of Business.
Exploring Cybersecurity Excellence with Dr. Selwyn Ellis
Dr. Selwyn Ellis discusses establishing cybersecurity research and education programs that meet national standards with hosts Craig Van Slyke and Thomas Stafford in this interview, highlighting the importance of accreditation and collaboration.
26 Sept 2024
Are cybersecurity sanctions effective? A conversation with Dr. Mikko Siponen
Most organizations use sanctions as a way of enforcing cybersecurity policies and encouraging sound security behaviors. But few organizations ever test whether these sanctions are effective. Often they aren't; in fact, when used improperly sanctions can backfire. In this episode of Cyber Ways, Tom and Craig talk about sanctions and their effectiveness with Dr. Mikko Siponen of the University of Alabama's Culverhouse College of Business. Dr. Siponen is among the world's leading scholars when it comes to understanding the effects of sanctions on cybersecurity behaviors. Listen and learn how your organization can use sanctions more effectively.
Guest bio:
Dr. Mikko Siponen is Professor of Business Cybersecurity and Management at the University of Alabama's Culverhouse College of Business. He holds advanced degrees in Software Engineering, Information Systems, and Philosophy. A leading scholar in Information Systems, he ranks among the top 30 worldwide based on publications in premier journals. Professor Siponen is the only Finnish IS professor invited to join The Finnish Academy of Science and Letters. His expertise spans cybersecurity management, IS development, and philosophical aspects of IS. He has extensive experience as a visiting professor, consultant, and research leader internationally, with a particular focus on cybersecurity management.
Key Topics Discussed:
Sanctions and Cybersecurity Policies:
Effectiveness of Sanctions:
Sanctions can work even without prior direct experience.
Firsthand sanction experiences may enhance effectiveness.
Can backfire if perceived as unjust, leading to resentment.
Employees' Awareness and Knowledge:
Typically lack detailed knowledge of cybersecurity policies.
Inadequate training contributes to confusion and non-compliance.
Policies often conflict with practical organizational needs (e.g., link clicking).
Training and Effectiveness:
Deficiencies in Training:
Often generic and check-the-box nature, hence ineffective.
Rarely measured for effectiveness by providers.
Recommendations for Improvement:
Demand effectiveness metrics from training providers.
Training should reduce cybersecurity risks significantly.
Practical Implications and Recommendations:
Sanctions as a Deterrent:
Active Sanctions:
Monitored closely but can backfire if perceived as unjust.
Passive Sanctions:
Applied only when necessary, safer from backlash.
Communication and Awareness:
Clear, effective communication of cybersecurity policies and sanctions is crucial.
Must bridge the gap between policy and practical enforcement.
Balancing Fairness and Consistency:
Consistency across departments is vital to ensure fairness.
Fair sanctions are essential to prevent demotivation and resentment.
Sanction Implementation Tips:
Consider firm culture and employee perspectives.
Pilot test sanctions; gather employee feedback.
Obtain management support and recognize the impact of unions.
Understanding Employee Behavior:
Psychological Impact:
Sanctions can have long-term negative effects on employee perception.
Need for research on the psychological impact, especially for rule-breakers.
Current Research:
Dr. Mikko Siponen working on:
Understanding and prevention of cybercrime through offender-victim communication.
Industry Trends:
Increasing sophistication of threat actors, potentially enhanced by AI.
Takeaways for...
28 May 2024
Religion and security with Karen Renaud and Marc Dupuis
In this thought-provoking episode of Cyber Ways, Tom and Craig discuss the intriguing topic of cybersecurity and religion with guests Dr. Karen Renaud and Dr. Marc Dupuis. Karen and Marc share insights from their research exploring the intersection of cybersecurity and world religions, offering a fresh perspective on enhancing cybersecurity practices.
Key Points Covered:
- The innovative research by Karen and Marc on leveraging positive values from world religions to influence cybersecurity behavior.
- The discussion on the drawbacks of fear-based cybersecurity practices and the importance of fostering a positive culture within organizations.
- Insights into the role of community, belonging, and sacred values in both religious communities and cybersecurity environments.
- The parallels drawn between religious principles and cybersecurity practices, emphasizing adaptability, forgiveness, and the sense of belonging.
- The significance of incorporating nonnegotiable values and building a culture that supports cybersecurity from top to bottom within organizations.
As Karen and Marc shed light on the impact of incorporating religious values into cybersecurity, they advocate for a different perspective on how a sense of community, forgiveness, and grace can transform cybersecurity practices. Join Tom, Craig, Karen, and Marc as they explore the potential for positive change in cybersecurity culture by drawing upon timeless principles from world religions.
Don't miss out on this enlightening episode of Cyber Ways and discover the transformative power of integrating religious values into cybersecurity practices. Tune in to gain a new perspective on building trust, community, and resilience in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.
Subscribe now to Cyber Ways for more insightful discussions on innovative approaches to information security and stay ahead in the realm of cybersecurity. Go to https://cyber-ways-podcast.captivate.fm (https://cyber-ways-podcast.captivate.fm) to subscribe.
Guest bios
Karen Renaud is a Scottish computing Scientist at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, working on all aspects of Human-Centered Security and Privacy. She is particularly interested in deploying behavioural science techniques to improve security behaviours, and in encouraging end-user privacy-preserving behaviours. She collaborates with academics in 5 continents and incorporates findings and techniques from multiple disciplines in her research.
Marc J. Dupuis, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor within the Computing and Software Systems Division at the University of Washington Bothell where he also serves as the Graduate Program Coordinator. Dr. Dupuis earned a Ph.D. in Information Science at the University of Washington with an emphasis on cybersecurity. His research focuses on human factors related to cybersecurity, especially how psychological traits affect cybersecurity behaviors.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
605,463
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 39 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
19
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
60
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