Maria Bada

Dr Maria Bada is a Lecturer in Cyberpsychology at the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London. She is an active researcher in the field of cyberpsychology with a specific focus on the human element of cybersecurity. Dr Bada is also a member of the committee of the Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Society Group at QMUL.

Dr Bada's research spans multiple critical areas in cyberpsychology and cybersecurity. Her primary research interests include:

• The effectiveness of cybersecurity awareness campaigns and factors leading to their success or failure in changing information security behavior
• Development of prevention activities to enhance the resilience of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) against cybercrime
• Cybersecurity awareness initiatives for school learners in South Africa and the UK
• Youth delinquency and interventions to prevent cybercrime, in collaboration with the National Crime Agency and Home Office
• Social and psychological impacts of cyber-attacks on vulnerable groups
• Exploration of the cybercrime ecosystem, including cybercriminal profiles, pathways, and risk perceptions

Dr Bada's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on the intersection of psychology and cybersecurity. Her recent work shows increasing specialization in SME cybersecurity challenges, ethical considerations in security behavior change, and the psychological impacts of cybercrime on individuals and organizations. She frequently collaborates with researchers from diverse disciplines including computer science, criminology, and healthcare, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of her work.

Dr Bada has secured significant research funding for her work, including:

• "Enhancing national cyber resilience via SME cyber security and digital responsibility" (£328,119 from EPSRC, 2023-2026)
• "REPHRAIN: Supporting organisations in making effective privacy related decisions" (£50,801 from EPSRC, 2022-2023)
• "Assessing Organisational DSbD Awareness and Readiness" (£15,554 from ESRC, 2022-2024)

She works closely with research staff including Dr Matthew Rand and collaborates with various UK government agencies including the National Crime Agency and Home Office on cybercrime prevention initiatives.