SCVI: Bridging Social and Cyber Dimensions for Comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment

dc.contributor.authorMitra, Shutonuen
dc.contributor.committeechairCho, Jin-Heeen
dc.contributor.committeechairPurohit, Hemanten
dc.contributor.committeememberLu, Chang Tienen
dc.contributor.departmentComputer Science and#38; Applicationsen
dc.date.accessioned2025-06-03T08:01:34Zen
dc.date.available2025-06-03T08:01:34Zen
dc.date.issued2025-06-02en
dc.description.abstractThe increasing prevalence of cyber threats on social media demands advanced metrics for assessing and mitigating social cyber vulnerabilities. This thesis introduces the Social Cyber Vulnerability Index (SCVI), a novel framework that integrates individual-level factors (e.g., awareness, behavioral traits, psychological attributes) with attack-level characteristics (e.g., frequency, impact, sophistication) for a comprehensive socio-cyber vulnerability assessment. Validated using survey data (iPoll) and textual data (Reddit scam reports), SCVI demonstrates adaptability across modalities while identifying demographic and regional disparities. Comparative analyses with the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) and the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) highlight SCVI's superior sensitivity to socio-technical risks. Monte Carlo-based weight variability analysis confirms its robustness and effectiveness in identifying high-risk groups. By addressing limitations in existing metrics, SCVI provides actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners, enhancing strategies to counter emerging threats like AI-driven phishing and deepfake scams.en
dc.description.abstractgeneralAs online scams, misinformation, and cyber threats grow, understanding vulnerability is critical. This study introduces the Social Cyber Vulnerability Index (SCVI), a novel framework for assessing cyber risks on social media. SCVI integrates behavioral and cognitive factors, such as awareness and psychological traits, with attack frequency and severity. Using survey data and real-world reports from platforms like Reddit, it adapts to diverse threat landscapes while identifying risk disparities across demographics and regions. Compared to existing metrics like the Common Vulnerability Scoring System and Social Vulnerability Index, SCVI demonstrates greater sensitivity in detecting nuanced cyber risks. Statistical validation confirms its reliability in identifying high-risk groups, making it a valuable tool for policymakers and cybersecurity professionals addressing emerging threats like AI-driven phishing and deepfake scams.en
dc.description.degreeMaster of Scienceen
dc.format.mediumETDen
dc.identifier.othervt_gsexam:42719en
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10919/134979en
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherVirginia Techen
dc.rightsIn Copyrighten
dc.rights.urihttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/en
dc.subjectSocial cyber vulnerabilityen
dc.subjectInclusive metricsen
dc.subjectMarginalized populationsen
dc.subjectCybersecurityen
dc.subjectTailored interventionsen
dc.titleSCVI: Bridging Social and Cyber Dimensions for Comprehensive Vulnerability Assessmenten
dc.typeThesisen
thesis.degree.disciplineComputer Science & Applicationsen
thesis.degree.grantorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universityen
thesis.degree.levelmastersen
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Scienceen

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