Bridge or Blindspot? A Visual Analysis of Representation and Narrative in Cybersecurity Across Expertise Groups

ABSTRACT This study conducts a visual analysis of 491 participant‐generated drawings to examine how individuals with varying cybersecurity expertise conceptualize security through visual metaphors and narrative strategies. Using a codebook grounded in visual rhetoric theory, we identified a striking consistency in imagery—particularly the recurring use of locks, shields, and oppositional symbols—across all groups. Findings suggest the existence of shared visual ontologies shaped by both common sense and collective stereotypes. We discuss the implications of these visual conventions for cybersecurity communication and propose future research integrating generative AI tools, audience analysis, and domain knowledge frameworks to uncover underrepresented conceptual gaps.