Lessons Learned and Suitability of Focus Groups in Security Information Workers Research

Published

June 26, 2022

Author(s)

Julie Haney, Jody Jacobs, Fernando Barrientos, Susanne M. Furman

Abstract

Security information workers (SIW) are professionals who develop and use security-related data within their jobs. Qualitative methods -- primarily interviews -- are becoming increasingly popular in SIW research. However, focus groups are an under-utilized, but potentially valuable way to explore the work practices, needs, and challenges of these professionals. Based on our experience with virtual focus groups of security awareness professionals, this paper documents lessons learned and the suitability of using focus groups to study SIW. We also suggest ways to alleviate concerns SIW may have with focus group participation. These insights may be helpful to other researchers embarking on SIW research.

Conference Dates

June 26-July 1, 2022

Conference Location

Virtual, SE

Conference Title

4th International Conference on HCI for Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Trust at the International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

cybersecurity, focus groups, methodology

Citation

Haney, J. , Jacobs, J. , Barrientos, F. and Furman, S. (2022), Lessons Learned and Suitability of Focus Groups in Security Information Workers Research, 4th International Conference on HCI for Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Trust at the International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, Virtual, SE, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=934031 (Accessed October 9, 2025)