Synthesis of Knowledge: Cognitive Dissonance in the Cybersecurity Domain

Paul Van Schaik; Karen Renaud

Synthesis of Knowledge: Cognitive Dissonance in the Cybersecurity Domain

Paul Van Schaik
, Karen Renaud

SSSHL Psychology

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

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Abstract

Cognitive dissonance occurs when people reject new
evidence that contradicts existing knowledge or behaviours. This
is relevant to cybersecurity, a domain that often needs to persuade
people to adopt new practices or change the way they currently
behave. We carried out a scoping review of the literature to
determine the extent to which cybersecurity researchers have
engaged with this concept. We find that whereas many papers
mention the phenomenon, very few reported on actual studies
into this phenomenon in the cybersecurity context. We conclude
by suggesting a number of directions for future research.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Proceedings of the 2025 European Symposium on Usable Security
Publisher	IEEE
Pages	1-11
Number of pages	11
ISBN (Print)	9798331559243
Publication status	Published - 10 Sept 2025
Event	2025 European Symposium on Usable Security - Manchester, United Kingdom Duration: 10 Sept 2025 → 11 Sept 2025

Conference

Conference	2025 European Symposium on Usable Security
Abbreviated title	EuroUSEC 2025
Country/Territory	United Kingdom
City	Manchester
Period	10/09/25 → 11/09/25

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Cite this

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title = "Synthesis of Knowledge: Cognitive Dissonance in the Cybersecurity Domain",

abstract = "Cognitive dissonance occurs when people reject new evidence that contradicts existing knowledge or behaviours. This is relevant to cybersecurity, a domain that often needs to persuade people to adopt new practices or change the way they currently behave. We carried out a scoping review of the literature to determine the extent to which cybersecurity researchers have engaged with this concept. We find that whereas many papers mention the phenomenon, very few reported on actual studies into this phenomenon in the cybersecurity context. We conclude by suggesting a number of directions for future research.",

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N2 - Cognitive dissonance occurs when people reject new evidence that contradicts existing knowledge or behaviours. This is relevant to cybersecurity, a domain that often needs to persuade people to adopt new practices or change the way they currently behave. We carried out a scoping review of the literature to determine the extent to which cybersecurity researchers have engaged with this concept. We find that whereas many papers mention the phenomenon, very few reported on actual studies into this phenomenon in the cybersecurity context. We conclude by suggesting a number of directions for future research.

AB - Cognitive dissonance occurs when people reject new evidence that contradicts existing knowledge or behaviours. This is relevant to cybersecurity, a domain that often needs to persuade people to adopt new practices or change the way they currently behave. We carried out a scoping review of the literature to determine the extent to which cybersecurity researchers have engaged with this concept. We find that whereas many papers mention the phenomenon, very few reported on actual studies into this phenomenon in the cybersecurity context. We conclude by suggesting a number of directions for future research.

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M3 - Conference contribution

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BT - Proceedings of the 2025 European Symposium on Usable Security

PB - IEEE

Y2 - 10 September 2025 through 11 September 2025

ER -

Synthesis of Knowledge: Cognitive Dissonance in the Cybersecurity Domain

Abstract

Conference

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