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On human-centred security: a new systems model based on modes and mode transitions

Edwin Beggs Orcid Logo, John Tucker Orcid Logo, Victoria Wang

Journal of Cybersecurity, Volume: 11, Issue: 1, Start page: tyaf023

Swansea University Authors: Edwin Beggs Orcid Logo, John Tucker Orcid Logo

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DOI (Published version): 10.1093/cybsec/tyaf023

Abstract

We propose an abstract conceptual framework for analysing complex security systems using a new notion of modes and mode transitions. A mode is an independent component of a system with its own objectives, monitoring data, algorithms, and scope and limits. The behaviour of a mode, including its trans...

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Published in: Journal of Cybersecurity
ISSN: 2057-2085 2057-2093
Published: Oxford University Press (OUP) 2025
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URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa70365
Abstract: We propose an abstract conceptual framework for analysing complex security systems using a new notion of modes and mode transitions. A mode is an independent component of a system with its own objectives, monitoring data, algorithms, and scope and limits. The behaviour of a mode, including its transitions to other modes, is determined by interpretations of the mode’s monitoring data in the light of its objectives and capabilities—these interpretations we call beliefs. We formalise the conceptual framework mathematically and show how to quantify and visualise beliefs in higher-dimensional geometric spaces. The mathematical models are based on simplicial complexes. Our theoretical models are intended to help design, analyse, evaluate and explain systems that provide human-centred services facilitated by software, when confronted by critical security situations, both human and digital.
Keywords: security scenarios; critical incidents; explainable systems; resilience; hierarchical systems; modes; mode transitions; belief functions; simplicial complexes
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Funders: The authors would like to acknowledge the support by UK’s Accelerated Capability Environment ACE-C391 National Security Tech Surprise.
Issue: 1
Start Page: tyaf023

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