Behavioral Insights in Cybersecurity

Behavioral Insights in Cybersecurity: A Guide to Digital Human Factors by Dr. Dustin S. Sachs is a timely and essential resource for cybersecurity professionals, leaders, and organizational strategists seeking to understand the powerful role of human behavior in shaping digital security outcomes.

Dr. Dustin S. Sachs, DCS, CISSP, CCISO, is a leading voice at the intersection of cybersecurity and behavioral science. With over two decades of experience securing critical infrastructure and advising global enterprises, Dr. Sachs brings a unique blend of technical expertise and psychological insight to the evolving challenges of digital security. He currently serves as Chief Technologist and Senior Director of Programs at CyberRisk Alliance, where he spearheads strategic initiatives that empower cybersecurity professionals through community-driven learning and innovation. An award-winning cybersecurity practitioner, academic, and thought leader, Dr. Sachs holds a Doctorate in Computer Science with a specialization in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. His research explores decision-making in cyber supply chain risk and the psychological drivers behind organizational security behavior. He has served in key roles at Fortune 500 companies, led high-impact third-party risk programs, and taught graduate-level cybersecurity courses, all while contributing to national cybersecurity discourse through leadership roles in ISC², Information System Audit and Controls Association (ISACA), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) InfraGard. Dr. Sachs is passionate about demystifying human error and transforming it into strategic advantage. His work challenges traditional, compliance-heavy security models, advocating instead for human-centric approaches that foster resilience, accountability, and adaptive security cultures. Whether designing frameworks, advising Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), or mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, his mission is clear: to make cybersecurity not only stronger but smarter. When he's not exploring the psychology of digital risk, Dr. Sachs is a devoted husband and father, endlessly inspired by curiosity, connection, and the pursuit of lifelong learning.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Behavioral Science and Cybersecurity Chapter 2: Foundations of Behavioral Science Chapter 3: Human Factors in Cybersecurity Chapter 4: Impacts on Organizational Culture Chapter 5: Technology Strategy Needs Pyramid Chapter 6: Decision Hygiene in Cybersecurity Chapter 7: Applying AI and Emerging Tech to Behavioral Insights Chapter 8: Ethical Considerations and Privacy Chapter 9: Future Directions in Behavioral Cybersecurity Chapter 10: Summary