Published on: 2025-10-28

Intelligence Report: IRISSCON 2025 to address the human impact on cybersecurity – Help Net Security

1. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

The most supported hypothesis is that IRISSCON 2025 will significantly enhance understanding and management of human factors in cybersecurity, potentially leading to improved defensive strategies. Confidence level: Moderate. Recommended action: Encourage participation in IRISSCON 2025 to leverage insights on human factors and AI in cybersecurity.

2. Competing Hypotheses

Hypothesis 1: IRISSCON 2025 will effectively address the human impact on cybersecurity, leading to improved security practices and reduced human-related breaches.
Hypothesis 2: Despite IRISSCON 2025’s focus, human factors will remain a persistent challenge in cybersecurity, with limited impact on reducing breaches.

Using the Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH) 2.0, Hypothesis 1 is better supported due to the conference’s comprehensive agenda, featuring experts in social engineering, AI, and cybercrime investigations. However, the persistent nature of human error and the evolving threat landscape lend some support to Hypothesis 2.

3. Key Assumptions and Red Flags

Assumptions:
– Attendees will effectively implement insights gained from the conference.
– The agenda accurately reflects the most pressing issues in cybersecurity.

Red Flags:
– Over-reliance on conferences for actionable solutions without follow-up.
– Potential underestimation of the complexity of human factors in cybersecurity.

4. Implications and Strategic Risks

The focus on human factors at IRISSCON 2025 highlights a critical area in cybersecurity that, if addressed, could significantly reduce breaches. However, the persistent nature of human error and the rapid evolution of AI-driven threats pose ongoing risks. Failure to adapt to these challenges could result in increased vulnerability to cyberattacks with economic and reputational repercussions.

5. Recommendations and Outlook

• Encourage organizations to participate in IRISSCON 2025 to gain insights into managing human factors in cybersecurity.
• Develop continuous training programs focusing on human behavior and AI in cybersecurity.
• Scenario Projections:
  • Best Case: Significant reduction in human-related breaches due to improved practices.
  • Worst Case: Human factors continue to be a major vulnerability, leading to increased breaches.
  • Most Likely: Incremental improvements in managing human factors, with ongoing challenges.

6. Key Individuals and Entities

Jenny Radcliffe, Joe Tidy, Regina Bluman, Mick Moran, Wendy Nather, Hazel Murray, Daniele Catteddu, Brian Honan.

7. Thematic Tags

national security threats, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, regional focus