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Rethinking Human-Centric Cybersecurity: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Incident Severity Determinants

Author

Listed:
  • Niloufer Adil Tamboly
  • Lynn P. Costantini
  • Mark Connolly
  • Abdullah Alhayajneh

Abstract

This paper, part of a larger dissertation, challenges the prevailing characterization of humans as“weakest link†in cybersecurity, a perspective that has led to significant resource misallocation and flawed defensive strategies. Hence, the study empirically investigates the relationship between specific human factors and the severity of security incidents. Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, this research integrates quantitative analysis of 237 incidents from the VERIS Community Database with qualitative insights from interviews with 12 cybersecurity professionals. The quantitative analysis reveals a critical distinction- human error is associated with a significant reduction in incident severity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.28, p

Suggested Citation

  • Niloufer Adil Tamboly & Lynn P. Costantini & Mark Connolly & Abdullah Alhayajneh, 2026. "Rethinking Human-Centric Cybersecurity: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Incident Severity Determinants," Computer and Information Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 19(1), pages 1-1, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:cisjnl:v:19:y:2026:i:1:p:1
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    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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