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Argument-Driven Inquiry for Cybersecurity

Argument-Driven Inquiry (ADI) is a structured approach to scientific inquiry that can be applied in the context of cybersecurity. ADI helps cybersecurity professionals develop and test hypotheses about the effectiveness of different cybersecurity strategies and tactics, and develop more effective strategies to mitigate cyber threats and protect an organization's digital assets. In this article, we'll explore what the process of argumentation is, the steps of argument-driven inquiry, and the benefits of using ADI in cybersecurity.


What is the process of argumentation?

The process of argumentation involves developing a claim or assertion (the hypothesis), supporting it with evidence and reasoning, and addressing counterarguments or alternative explanations. In the context of scientific inquiry, the process of argumentation is used to answer questions and test hypotheses.

In the context of cybersecurity, the process of argumentation is used to address questions related to cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. For example, a cybersecurity professional may develop a hypothesis about the effectiveness of a specific security control in mitigating a particular threat. They would then use evidence and logical reasoning to support their hypothesis and to address counterarguments or alternative explanations.

What are the steps of argument-driven inquiry?

The steps of argument-driven inquiry in the context of cybersecurity are as follows:

  1. Identify a problem: The first step of ADI is to identify a problem or question that needs to be addressed. In the context of cybersecurity, this could be a problem related to a specific threat or vulnerability that needs to be mitigated.
  2. Develop a question: Once a problem has been identified, the next step is to develop a question that can be answered through the process of argumentation. This question should be specific, focused, and answerable based on available data.
  3. Develop a hypothesis: The next step is to develop a hypothesis that can be used to answer the question. The hypothesis should be based on available evidence and should be testable through the process of argumentation.
  4. Collect data: The next step is to collect data that can be used to support or refute the hypothesis. This data should be collected from a variety of sources, including internal data from the organization's cybersecurity systems, external data from threat intelligence sources, and data from academic research
  5. Analyze the data: Once data has been collected, the next step is to analyze the data to determine whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted. This analysis should be rigorous and should take into account any limitations of the data.
  6. Refine the hypothesis: Based on the results of the data analysis, the hypothesis may need to be refined. This may involve revising the hypothesis, developing new hypotheses, or developing new strategies to mitigate the threat.
  7. Draw conclusions: The final step is to draw conclusions based on the results of the data analysis. This may involve developing recommendations for cybersecurity strategy and tactics, or developing new policies and procedures to address the identified threat or vulnerability.

What are the benefits of using argument-driven inquiry in cybersecurity?

There are several benefits to using ADI in cybersecurity:

  • Evidence-based decision making: ADI allows cybersecurity professionals to make evidence-based decisions about cybersecurity strategy and tactics, rather than relying on intuition or anecdote.
  • Systematic approach: ADI provides a systematic approach to addressing cybersecurity problems, ensuring that all relevant data is collected and analyzed.
  • Clear communication: ADI can help cybersecurity professionals communicate their findings and recommendations more clearly to other stakeholders in the organization.
  • Agility: ADI can help organizations become more agile in responding to evolving cyber threats, by providing a structured approach to identifying and mitigating new threats.
  • Continuous improvement: ADI can help organizations continuously improve their cybersecurity posture by identifying areas for improvement and testing new strategies and tactics.

In conclusion, ADI is a powerful approach to scientific inquiry that can be applied in the context of cybersecurity to help cybersecurity professionals develop and test hypotheses about the effectiveness of different cybersecurity strategies and tactics. The ADI process involves developing a claim or assertion, supporting it with evidence and reasoning, and addressing counterarguments or alternative explanations. The steps of ADI include identifying a problem, developing a question, developing a hypothesis, collecting data, analyzing the data, refining the hypothesis, and drawing conclusions. The benefits of using ADI in cybersecurity include evidence-based decision making, a systematic approach to problem-solving, clear communication of findings and recommendations, agility in responding to new threats, and continuous improvement of cybersecurity posture. By using ADI, cybersecurity professionals can develop more effective strategies to mitigate cyber threats and protect an organization's digital assets.

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