A Multidimensional Cyber Defense Exercise: Emphasis on Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Aspects. (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maennel, Kaie; Brilingaitė, Agnė; Bukauskas, Linas; Juozapavičius, Aušrius; Knox, Benjamin James; Lugo, Ricardo Gregorio; Maennel, Olaf; Majore, Ginta; Sütterlin, Stefan
• Is Part Of: SAGE Open. Volume 13:Number 1(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: cybersecurity -- cyber defense exercise -- interdisciplinary education -- psychological safety -- cognitive skills; Social sciences -- Periodicals; 300.5
• DOI: 10.1177/21582440231156367
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2158-2440

Abstract

Hands-on and practical learning has been key to cybersecurity education and training success. Cyber Defense Exercises (CDX) are a common approach to training, testing, and verifying technical and soft skills. However, full-scale CDX implementation is also an expensive training event. In order to advance such exercises to the next level, CDX organizers should further focus on educational, psychological, and cross-domain relationships. The paper discusses and proposes a multidimensional approach for CDX that balances cognitive, emotional, and social aspects critical for successful interdisciplinary learning. We share our experience incorporating knowledge from well-known psychology theories to CDX. We derive and describe seven elementary ingredients if a CDX is to meet the interdisciplinary and critical thinking needs of defensive cyberspace operations.