A Transdisciplinary Approach to Cybersecurity: A Framework for Encouraging Transdisciplinary Thinking
Emily Kesler
TL;DR
The paper argues that modern cybersecurity requires transdisciplinary thinking beyond traditional computer science boundaries. It presents a Think-Plan-Do framework, grounded in Stakeholder Theory and guided by KU’s logic-toolbox, the OECD policy framework, and Wallace’s framework criteria, to foster collaborative problem-solving across disciplines. Through three use cases—Caesars Entertainment (evaluation), electric vehicle cybersecurity (development), and the NLIT guidance scenario (education/guidance)—the framework demonstrates how cross-disciplinary insights can shape problem framing, goal setting, and actionable steps. The work emphasizes continual learning and iteration, offers a pathway to more robust cyber defenses, and calls for practical testing and refinement to mature transdisciplinary cybersecurity practice.
Abstract
Classical cybersecurity is often perceived as a rigid science discipline filled with computer scientists and mathematicians. However, due to the rapid pace of technology development and integration, new criminal enterprises, new defense tactics, and the understanding of the human element, cybersecurity is quickly beginning to encompass more than just computers. Cybersecurity experts must broaden their perspectives beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries to provide the best protection possible. They must start to practice transdisciplinary cybersecurity. Taking influence from the Stakeholder Theory in business ethics, this paper presents a framework to encourage transdisciplinary thinking and assist experts in tackling the new challenges of the modern day. The framework uses the simple Think, Plan, Do approach to enable experts to develop their transdisciplinary thinking. The framework is intended to be used as an evaluation tool for existing cybersecurity practices or postures, as a development tool to engage with other disciplines to foster learning and create new methods, and as a guidance tool to encourage new ways of thinking about, perceiving, and executing cybersecurity practices. For each of those intended uses, a use case is presented as an example to showcase how the framework might be used. The ultimate goal of this paper is not the framework but transdisciplinary thinking. By using the tool presented here and developing their own transdisciplinary thinking, cybersecurity experts can be better prepared to face cybersecurity's unique and complex challenges.