Most organizations fight off numerous hacking attempts daily. Cybercriminals try to access databases, malicious links contain viruses, and phishing emails seem almost true. Training employees to recognize the emotional manipulation of phishing attempts can help combat the attacks and keep private data safe.
With the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), hackers are finding creative ways to access company files. Competitors might steal trade secrets or cyberthieves could pilfer customer information. A robust security plan includes technical defenses and taps into AI to stop criminals.
The psychology of phishing attacks
Phishing attacks utilize psychological fears and other emotional responses, going into intricate detail to gain trust and fool the target. Here are some of the factors cybercriminals utilize to mentally manipulate potential victims.
1. Exploiting trust
People are more likely to trust a familiar name. One reason why phishing emails often have a company logo and email with a similar name is to play on the trust factor. People may not fully read the address and realize it is something like facbo0k.com instead of Facebook.com. Cyber thieves swap out letters and numbers to make the address almost recognizable but not exact.
It’s best never to click on a link in an email because hackers have become so skilled at making fake emails look authentic. Always open a separate web browser and physically type the address into the bar at the top before logging in. Train employees to avoid clicking on links, as they might contain malware or viruses.
2. Invoking urgency
Another psychological tactic phishing scams utilize is putting a ticking clock on the action. Subject lines might include language like “Urgent” or “Act Now!” to create a sense of panic in the person receiving the message.
While companies should respond to requests from other social media platforms, staff should learn to spot a fake message and how to submit details without sacrificing information. Facebook
advises going directly to settings in the account to check for recent messages from them.
The scam goes like this:
“We are Facebook Authentication. Click on this link or risk losing the Facebook account.” However, if one pays careful attention to the notification, the profile icon only mocks what Facebook’s icon looks like. Teach those who run social media pages to always access messages from their account settings rather than notifications.
3. Mimicking authority
Threats from
internal sources are more common than external. Authority bias is the human tendency to follow people we see as leaders. Phishing scams may appear to be from CEOs or other company officials, making workers respond outside the norm because they feel the person makes the rules.
The best way to combat phishing scams that use authority to trick users is by setting policies and training employees that any request outside those conditions will never come from a manager and there will be no repercussions for refusing to comply. Teach people to walk to the person’s office or pick up the phone and confirm the message actually came from leadership.
Ways to prevent data breaches from phishing
Phishing
is the nation’s top reported cybercrime, but hackers can still target companies and gather an entire database of personal details. Here are some of the best ways to prevent data breaches and ensure your business is safe from criminals.
1. Train employees to pause
Workdays can be hectic. People may respond to messages on the fly, but train and reinforce that staff should never click on a link sent in an email. Remind them not to send links or ask coworkers to click on things.
Tell them it is okay to think through a request. They should pick up the phone and call their colleague to ensure the message came from them. Regular reminders and pop-ups should explain the importance of avoiding links.
2. Set password policies
Encourage employees to create a unique password and avoid using it anywhere else. Set up the system so it forces a password change and a certain number of special characters, numbers, and capitalizations to be valid.
The more stringent password requirements are, the harder it is for someone to guess what the combination might be. Even if a bad actor tricks a team member into sharing their password, by the time the scammer gets around to using it, the corporate policy to change digits frequently may mean the compromised password is no longer in use.
3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
The benefit of 2FA is users must verify who they are through several methods before gaining access to the system. Even a compromised password fails if the system doesn’t recognize the machine or IP address, and requests a code sent to a cell phone, email, or authentication program.
Forty percent of developers say that adding 2FA to programs is “their top authentication priority.” Insisting on it prevents breaches and give you peace of mind if someone inadvertently shares login credentials, your data is still safe.
4. Run a test
The best way to see if employees are up for resisting phishing attacks is to run a test. Send random workers a phishing email with a link to collect information. The email should look just like a fake email would. Create errors such as sending from a Gmail account, using a zero for the letter O and a number one for a lowercase L.
Make the logo look grainy and throw in a few typos. Ideally, staff will report the suspicious email to IT and remove it from their inboxes. If they add information, utilize the reaction as a potential for additional training.
5. Teach workers about the psychology of phishing attempts
Host training sessions and tell your staff about the psychological factors scammers may use to try to trick them. When employees understand the ways cybercriminals attempt to manipulate their actions, they’ll have the knowledge to fight against their natural urges.
Offer examples of phishing attempts and role-play what they should do when receiving similar messages. The more prepared they are, the better they’ll respond when an actual phishing email hits their inboxes.
6. Create an incident response plan
How a company responds to a successful phishing attempt may be as critical as avoiding one in the first place. Know what IT’s response is should the worst happen. There should be a plan to shut down the system to keep hackers out until workers can change passwords.
An excellent IT manager should be able to block a specific IP from gaining access to databases, even if the person has a password. If one account becomes compromised, send out a pop-up message requiring all workers to reset their passwords immediately. Taking immediate action may prevent further damage.
Stay updated on current phishing strategies
Training workers and being aware of the tactics of phishers helps avoid data breaches. Company IT managers should also stay up-to-date on current strategies and how to combat them. Distribute information to employees so they know what to watch out for.
While training and policies are crucial to keeping a brand’s data safe, flexibility and being able to recognize new threats play a vital role. Teach staff to think on their feet, question everything that lands in their inboxes and come to managers if they have any questions.
Being proactive may save you untold hours of aggravation and costly changes.
FAQs on the psychology of phishing attacks
Why do people fall for phishing?
People fall for phishing because these scams cleverly mimic legitimate communications, exploiting trust and urgency to trick individuals into providing sensitive information or clicking malicious links.
What type of psychological manipulation is phishing part of?
Phishing is part of social engineering, a type of psychological manipulation that exploits human error to gain private information, access, or valuables.
What are the tactics of phishing?
Phishing tactics include sending emails or messages that appear to be from trusted sources, creating a sense of urgency, and using fear or enticing offers to prom
About the Author
Post by: Devin Partida
Devin Partida is a small business and technology writer. Her work has been featured on AT&T Business, Entrepreneur, and Nasdaq. She is also editor-in-chief of ReHack.com.
Company: ReHack Magazine
Website: rehack.com
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