Resilient Cyber - Episode 3 - Calvin Nobles, PhD - Human Factors in Cybersecurity

Episode Overview:

In this insightful episode of Resilient Cyber, hosts Chris Hughes and Dr. Nikki Robinson sit down with Dr. Calvin Nobles, a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Nobles, currently working at Wells Fargo, shares his unique perspective on the critical intersection of human factors and cybersecurity. With a rich background that includes two PhDs, one in Management and Engineering Technology and another in Human Factors, Dr. Nobles delves into how human error remains a significant contributor to cyber incidents and the importance of integrating human factors into cybersecurity practices. This conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked human element in cybersecurity, offering listeners valuable insights into how understanding and managing human factors can enhance organizational resilience.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Human Factors: Dr. Nobles explains his journey into human factors, tracing it back to his time as a naval aviator and how it naturally extended into his cybersecurity career.

• The Importance of Human Factors in Cybersecurity: The discussion focuses on how human factors influence cybersecurity, particularly in reducing human errors that lead to data breaches and cyberattacks.

• Challenges in Integrating Human Factors: Dr. Nobles highlights the challenges of making human factors a priority in organizations, especially when communicating its importance to senior executives.

• Fatigue and Burnout in Cybersecurity: Dr. Nobles addresses the growing issue of fatigue and burnout among cybersecurity professionals, particularly in the context of remote work, and how it can increase organizational risk.

• The Future of Human Factors in Cybersecurity: Both Dr. Nobles and Dr. Robinson discuss where the research and application of human factors in cybersecurity are heading, emphasizing the need for more awareness and dedicated roles in this area.

• Cyber Resilience with a Human Factors Perspective: Dr. Nobles shares his views on cyber resilience, emphasizing the role of well-trained individuals and the need for collaboration and trust across the enterprise.