PhD Studentship: From Emotions to Decisions: towards a Mindful Security Approach for the Cloud

The PhD project offers an exciting opportunity for research in the fields of Information Security and Cloud Technologies, with a specific focus on the human aspects and emotions associated with them. The student will be able to develop qualitative and quantitative research skills, and contribute to the wider field of Information Systems and Security.

Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014). In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.
Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Full Project Detail:
During the last few years, the top threats to cloud security described in security reports (e.g. Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) or similar) range from data breaches to shared technology issues. The threat list includes insufficient due diligence highlighting the inappropriate shifts from traditional networked scenarios to cloud environments. Driven by emotions like fear, anxiety, and trust and without a deep understanding of the scope, nature, and impact of the organizational changes, the migration to the cloud can include further risk for enterprises. Recent security reports (e.g. from CSA, ENISA etc.) also describe multiple challenges in the use of cloud infrastructure by employees and teams outside the IT department that could potentially violate security policies and exposing enterprise assets to a wide range of threats.

In light of this, cloud security decision-making and understanding the emotions and intentions of the users/employees can make a significant difference for the overall security position of the organizations. It is essential to understand how and why organizations decide to adopt additional security programmes when working in the cloud environment and the determining factors affecting organizational decision-making around the adoption of multiple security strategies.

Find out more:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/sbe/study/phd/

Entry requirements:
UK Masters degree (with average programme mark of no less than 65%) or International equivalent in Information Systems, Information Technology, Business Informatics or closely related fields. English Language requirement of IELTS band 7.0 or above with not less than 7.0 in each component.

Funding information:
The studentship provides a tax free stipend of £14,777 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. International (non EU) students may apply however the total value of the studentship will be used towards the cost of the International tuition fee.

Contact details:
Name: Dr Konstantina Spanaki
Email address: [Email Address Removed]

How to apply:

All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select Business School

Please quote reference number: SBE-KS18