
Dr Sanchari Das
Assistant Professor, George Mason University
Presentation
Behavioral Insights into Inclusive Security
Bridging Research and Practice

Presentation overview
In this session, Dr. Sanchari Das will discuss about the transformative potential of behavioral insights to create inclusive cybersecurity solutions that address the needs of all users, particularly those from marginalized and at-risk populations. With a focus on bridging the gap between academic research and practical implementation, the talk highlights critical challenges faced by groups such as older adults, underserved communities, and individuals with accessibility needs in navigating secure digital spaces.
Drawing from her extensive research, including studies on older adults globally and within the United States, Dr. Das will discuss how systemic barriers, cognitive overload, and a lack of tailored security solutions disproportionately affect these populations. Her work uncovers the challenges older adults face, including adapting to evolving technologies and managing online threats without compromising usability and accessibility.
Dr. Das will present actionable strategies rooted in privacy-by-design and user-centric approaches, demonstrating how organizations can design security solutions that are intuitive, accessible, and empowering. Using real-world case studies, she will provide evidence-based recommendations to help organizations influence secure behavior effectively and foster a culture of inclusivity.
Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to design cybersecurity systems that address diverse user needs while promoting privacy and security as fundamental principles. This session aims to inspire a shift in the way cybersecurity is approached—moving beyond one-size-fits-all solutions to create a safer, more equitable digital environment for all. Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, or policymaker, this talk offers practical insights into building a future where technology empowers every user without exception.
Biography
Dr. Sanchari Das is a tenure track Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Sciences and Technology at George Mason University (GMU). A visionary researcher, she explores the intersections of computer security, privacy, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and the sustainability of emerging technologies like IoT and AR/VR/MR/XR. Through her leadership of the InSPIRIT and Secure Realities Labs, Dr. Das advances projects that enhance privacy, security, and user experiences across diverse domains such as healthcare, education, social media, gaming, and financial technology.
Her impactful research has been featured at leading conferences, including RSA, BlackHat, and Financial Cryptography, earning her numerous accolades, including best paper awards at CSCW, ICISSP, and IoTDI. She has also been recognized with prestigious grants and awards from the National Science Foundation, Facebook, and Google.
Before joining GMU, Dr. Das was an Assistant Professor at the University of Denver, where she received the Distinguished Faculty Award and the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Academic Advising. Holding a Ph.D. in Informatics from Indiana University Bloomington, she combines her academic expertise with extensive industry experience at organizations like American Express, Parity Technologies, and HCL. Dr. Das’s talk will inspire audiences to envision a future where technology empowers people while ensuring data security and protecting privacy as core principles of innovation.