Human Factors Framework Development
This white paper discusses the research and development of a Human Factors (HF) Assessment Framework by CCUK Airbus. CCUK Airbus have been involved in several socio-technical vulnerability assessments for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) since 2017, during which the lack of a suitable opensource HF assessment tool became apparent. A suitable framework would allow the team to assess the organisation in a consistent way which is easily understandable for the customer.
Despite rapid technological advancements in automated security controls, human error remains one of the primary vectors in successful cyber security breaches. This strategic white paper by Airbus Protect explores the crucial discipline of human factors, examining how cognitive biases, workplace stress, and social engineering techniques exploit individual behavior. Rather than viewing staff as the weakest link in the security chain, the paper demonstrates how organisations can build an adaptive, positive security culture. By combining behavioral science with tailored security awareness, continuous engagement, and intuitive system design, Airbus Protect outlines a practical roadmap to turn personnel into a robust frontline defence against evolving social engineering threats.
What you will find
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Psychology of Social Engineering: An in-depth analysis of how cyber threat actors exploit human psychology, authority cues, and cognitive fatigue to bypass technical controls.
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Building a Positive Security Culture: Strategies for fostering an open, blame-free environment that encourages prompt reporting of security incidents and suspicious activities.
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Behavioral Awareness Training: Best practices for moving beyond generic compliance training towards dynamic, scenario-based learning tailored to specific job roles.
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Human-Centred System Design: Guidance on configuring IT systems, policies, and workflows to minimise friction, reduce user fatigue, and prevent accidental security breaches.