Phishing for Victims: The Cognitive Tricks Cybercriminals Use 

Most of us have encountered suspicious emails or messages; a missed delivery notification, a security alert from a bank, or an unexpected prize win. Even when these messages raise red flags, it’s not uncommon for people to open them out of curiosity or concern. This is precisely what phishing relies on. 

Phishing refers to a type of cybercrime where attackers use fraudulent emails, text messages, or phone calls to deceive individuals. The intent is often to lure victims into clicking on malicious links, downloading harmful software, or disclosing sensitive information, such as login credentials, bank details, or personal data. 

The Rising Tide of Phishing: A Persistent Threat 

The smartphone screen displays a warning about a potential phishing attempt, emphasizing the importance of online security. This close-up highlights digital threats faced today.

Phishing continues to dominate the cyber threat landscape, with recent figures underscoring its alarming growth. As of March 2025, over 40 million scam reports have been received, leading to the removal of 214,000 scams across more than 387,000 URLS. Despite increased awareness efforts, smaller organisations remain vulnerable, only 35% of micro businesses and 42% of small businesses could correctly identify phishing attempts, reflecting a slight decline from 2024 levels. 

Among all types of cyber crime, phishing remains the most widespread, affecting 93% of businesses and 95% of charities that experienced any form of cyber incident. These figures highlight not only the scale of the problem but also its persistence, making it essential to understand the psychological drivers behind why these scams continue to succeed. 

Understanding the Human Vulnerabilities Exploited by Phishing 

There are multiple factors at play when it comes to why people fall victim to phishing scams. Some individuals simply don’t recognise the telltale signs of a phishing attempt, while others may be in such a rush that they don’t pause to think critically. The pressures of daily life, from work to personal matters, can often cloud judgment. Let’s break down some key psychological factors that make these scams so effective. 

• Pressure to Act Quickly: Phishing messages often create a false sense of urgency, pushing individuals to act fast, whether it’s by clicking a link or providing personal information. The fear of missing out on an opportunity or facing negative consequences causes people to make rushed decisions without thinking through the situation.  

• Appeal to Trust and Emotion: Scammers often use familiar names or sympathetic narratives to make their scams appear legitimate. By leveraging social proof, they encourage victims to believe the message is trustworthy, drawing on emotions like fear or sympathy to manipulate responses.  

• Temptation and Deceptive Lures: Phishing attempts often exploit curiosity by presenting enticing offers or provocative claims, like “you’ve won a prize” or “exclusive offer.” This misdirection preys on the human desire to investigate, making individuals more likely to click on dangerous links or open harmful attachments.  

• Mental Fatigue and Haste: With the overwhelming amount of digital communication we receive daily, it’s easy to experience mental fatigue. In these moments, our capacity to carefully evaluate incoming messages is reduced, leading to hasty actions and the potential for falling victim to phishing attempts. 

How to Defend Against Phishing: Empowering Yourself and Your Organisation 

While phishing can seem like an inevitable threat, there are numerous ways to reduce the risk. The key lies in awareness, vigilance, and adopting a proactive approach. Whether you’re an individual trying to protect your personal data or a business working to safeguard your employees and clients, taking these simple steps can make a world of difference. 

• Verify the Source: Always double-check who the message is from. Phishing emails often have suspicious or altered email addresses, so take an extra second to look at the sender’s details. 

• Look for Red Flags: Trust your instincts! If the email contains typos, strange formatting, or unexpected attachments, it could be a scam. Phishers often try to rush you, so take your time. 

• Be Cautious with Links and Attachments: Hover over links to see where they lead before clicking. If in doubt, don’t click. Always open websites by typing the URL directly into your browser, rather than clicking through a link in an email. 

• Educate Your Team: Businesses should regularly conduct phishing awareness training for employees. Simulated phishing campaigns can also help reinforce good practices and help employees recognise potential scams. 

• Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of protection. Even if attackers get hold of your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second authentication step. 

By remaining aware of these strategies and regularly updating security protocols, phishing can be effectively mitigated. Prevention is far more effective than dealing with the fallout of a successful attack.