Abstract: There are amazing benefits of good science in everyday cybersecurity, but not every claim that we see in the news or from vendors is as reputable as it should be. Every day, people considering security solutions and products are misled, manipulated, or deceived by real and bogus science, wild claims, and marketing trickery. Only one-third of Americans can “adequately explain what it means to study something scientifically.” Dykstra explores the dangers of vendor-sponsored studies, surveys, and spurious (false) correlations. Drawing on his book "Essential Cybersecurity Science," Dykstra discusses how researchers can improve communication with security practitioners and the dangers of manipulative graphics and visualizations that work through mental shortcomings and perception or because of the data they omit.

Bio: Dr. Josiah Dykstra serves as a Senior Executive Service government civilian and Subject Matter Expert for Cyber Network Operations (CNO) research in the Laboratory for Telecommunication Sciences (LTS) within the Research Directorate of the National Security Agency (NSA). Under his technical direction, the research staff is conducting mission-aligned research and innovation in cyber effects, next-generation infrastructure, and big data cyber analytics for USCYBERCOM and other partners. Dr. Dykstra delivers critical thinking, applied research, and creative solutions that transform the practice of CNO. He is an active collaborator with academic, industry, and government researchers around the country. He serves as an NSA liaison to the Special Cyber Operations Research & Engineering (SCORE) Interagency Working Group, and is active in external cybersecurity organizations and initiatives.