Towards Inclusive Cybersecurity: Protecting the Vulnerable with Social Cyber Vulnerability Metrics

This paper addresses the need for developing an inclusive social cyber vulnerability (iSCV) metric to assess the unique risks faced by underrepresented groups in cyberspace. Current metrics often fail to capture the vulnerabilities specific to marginalized populations, particularly in terms of digital literacy, access to resources, and behavioral traits. By integrating demographic representation, psychosocial stressors, and exposure to targeted attacks, the proposed iSCV aims to serve as a practical tool for improving security measures. The study emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions to enhance the resilience of vulnerable groups against social cyberattacks. Future research will focus on refining the metric through real-world applications and expanding its scope to address intersectional vulnerabilities.