Frustration, Confusion, Surprise, Confidence, And Self-Doubt: Cyber Operators' Affects During A Realistic Experiment

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Authors
Gutzwiller, Robert S.
Gilbert, Madison
Drescher, T.J.
Ferguson-Walter, Kimberly J.
Mikanda, Noella
Johnson, Craig J.
Scott, Dakota
Advisors
Issue Date
2023
Type
Conference paper
Keywords
Bias , Cybersecurity , Decision making , Human factors
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Citation
Gutzwiller, R.S., Gilbert, M., Drescher, T.J., Ferguson-Walter, K.J., Mikanda, N., Johnson, C.J., Scott, D.D. Frustration, Confusion, Surprise, Confidence, And Self-Doubt: Cyber Operators' Affects During A Realistic Experiment. (2023). Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 67 (1), pp. 233-239. DOI: 10.1177/21695067231192883
Abstract

In this paper we examine data from a complex two-day experiment with professional cyber red teamers to determine what creates, or contributes, to affective states that may further disrupt attackers. Participants rated their frustration, surprise, confidence, self-doubt, and confusion at the end of each day, and these responses were scored on a Likert scale and using Thematic analysis. We found several elements strongly contributed to the frequency and severity of these affective states, supporting our initial hypothesis, and further that (1) experiencing a Lack of Progress impacted four of the five states with moderate severity, and (2) interacting with elements in the environment that Deviated from what was expected was associated strongly with surprise. Implications for cyber defense and limitations of the method are discussed. © 2023 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Table of Contents
Description
Publisher
SAGE Publications Inc.
Journal
Book Title
Series
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 67th International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2023 23 October 2023 through 27 October 2023
PubMed ID
ISSN
1071-1813
EISSN