Understanding secrets in the digital age

EIGHT projects to address some of the security threats facing the UK have been announced by the Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats (CREST).

One of the projects is led by Professor Wendy Moncur at the University of Dundee and is aimed at helping develop the UK’s capacity to support people who keep secrets as part of their jobs. Professor Moncur’s “Keeping Secrets Online” project – which looks into how ordinary people use the Internet when they are trying to keep secrets – for example, when escaping from partner violence, having an affair, or buying illegal drugs – could help develop further understanding of human behaviour in a digital age beset by security threats. Professor Moncur, Interdisciplinary Chair for Digital Living, said “The Internet is a great place for keeping secrets.

“People use the Internet to conceal things that they shouldn’t be doing, such as affairs and the purchase of illegal drugs, and to hide from people that they are afraid of.

“Understanding more about how ordinary people keep these kinds of secrets will allow us to give extra skills to people who have to keep secrets in their everyday jobs. Our team of experts from across the university will bring together innovative new methods to contribute to UK efforts to diminish national security threats.”