Human Subtlety Proofs: Using Computer Games to Model Cognitive Processes for Cybersecurity

ABSTRACT

This article describes an emerging direction in the intersection between human–computer interaction and cognitive science: the use of cognitive models to give insight into the challenges of cybersecurity (cyber-SA). The article gives a brief overview of work in different areas of cyber-SA where cognitive modeling research plays a role, with regard to direct interaction between end users and computer systems and with regard to the needs of security analysts working behind the scenes. The problem of distinguishing between human users and automated agents (bots) interacting with computer systems is introduced, as well as ongoing efforts toward building Human Subtlety Proofs (HSPs), persistent and unobtrusive windows into human cognition with direct application to cyber-SA. Two computer games are described, proxies to illustrate different ways in which cognitive modeling can potentially contribute to the development of HSPs and similar cyber-SA applications.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ignacio X. Domínguez

Ignacio X. Domínguez is a doctoral student in Computer Science at North Carolina State University. He is interested in creating computational models that can be used to identify and predict human behavior in virtual environments. He likes to use computer games as tools to elicit different behaviors.

Prairie Rose Goodwin

Prairie Rose Goodwin has a B.A. in Computer Science from Vassar College, and a MS in Computer Science from North Carolina State University where she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. Her research focuses on improving technology for regular people by creating cognitive models to improve touch screen usability.

David L. Roberts

David L. Roberts is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at North Carolina State University. He received his Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2010. His research interests lie at the intersection of behavior, data, and computational modeling, particularly on the role of computation in understanding and influencing behavior.

Robert St. Amant

Robert St. Amant (Ph.D., UMass, 1996) is an associate professor of computer science at NCSU. The target of his research is models of interaction, drawing on concepts in human–computer interaction, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence. He has also written a popular science book, Computing for Ordinary Mortals.