NeuroCyber launches new research into AI in the cybersecurity workplace

AI is changing the way we all work. From speech-to-text and AI meeting summaries to writing assistants, planning tools and coding assistants, technology is now able to support how people process information, communicate, organise their work and solve problems. 

But there is relatively little evidence about what this means in practice for neurodivergent people working in cybersecurity.  

We want to explore how these technologies can remove workplace barriers and help neurodivergent professionals access, develop and sustain careers in cybersecurity. 

From barriers to practical solutions 

At the heart of the research, we are asking how technology can help people do their best work.  

The project will look at the workplace barriers experienced by neurodivergent cybersecurity professionals and explore where AI and AI-enabled technologies help to address them. 

It isn’t about producing a list of AI tools. We want to understand what works, who it works for, in what circumstances and why. 

The research will combine surveys with practical workshops and input from neurodivergent professionals, employers, cybersecurity practitioners, researchers and academics, and other experts. It will look at potential benefits such as productivity, participation, confidence and reduced cognitive load, while also considering security, privacy, accuracy, transparency and the risks of using AI with sensitive or confidential information. 

The aim is to develop an evidence-based NeuroCyber Assistive Technology Framework that will help individuals and organisations understand where technology can remove barriers, how it can be used responsibly and what safeguards may be needed. 

Help us shape the research 

Our first step is to finalise the scope and methodology for the research. We want to make sure we are asking the right questions and investigating the issues that matter to people working in cybersecurity. 

We are looking for input from across the community and wider industry. We would particularly like to hear from neurodivergent cybersecurity professionals, as well as cybersecurity professionals and employers who can help us understand the tasks and environments in which these technologies are being used.

We are also interested in hearing from accessibility and assistive technology specialists, researchers and academics who may be able to contribute to the methodology or evaluation. 

We are also looking for financial support to enable us to undertake the research. As a charity, NeuroCyber wants to produce research that is independent, robust and useful, and we would welcome conversations with organisations interested in supporting or sponsoring the project. 

Contact us on neurocyber@prpr.co.uk