By Joe Seanor, CISSP | Cyber Investigator and Network Security Expert

Even after decades of cybersecurity awareness campaigns, basic phishing attacks continue to succeed. As a private investigator specializing in cybercrime, I’ve seen firsthand how these seemingly simple scams can devastate individuals and organizations. The truth is, phishing isn’t just about sophisticated technology; it’s a deeply rooted social engineering tactic that exploits fundamental human psychology.

Why do we click? Often, it’s a combination of urgency, authority, and curiosity. Attackers craft messages that trigger emotional responses, making us act quickly before thinking critically. They impersonate trusted entities – a bank, a well-known service, or even a colleague – leveraging our ingrained tendency to obey authority or help those in need. In the fast-paced digital world, where we’re constantly bombarded with information, it’s easy to overlook subtle red flags when a message feels urgent or familiar. Understanding these psychological triggers is the first step in building a more resilient “human firewall” against cyber threats.

Stay secure,

Joe Seanor

CISSP | Private Cybersecurity Consultant