The Psychology of Phishing

By Curtis L. Blais

Master of Leadership, CCNA, CCNP, GCIA, GCFW, WCSP, CISSP, CRISC, CCSK

Author | Keynote Speaker | Virtual CISO | Cybersecurity Leader

CyberDynamX

Earlier this year, I worked on a client project focused on security training and behavioral risk. As part of that deep dive, I reviewed a wide range of research on phishing psychology—and what I found was both fascinating and unsettling. The studies revealed just how easily even well-informed professionals can be manipulated, not because they lack intelligence, but because phishing attacks are engineered to exploit human behavior.

One particularly striking theme was the emotional toll that poorly designed phishing simulations can have on employees. When tests are overly deceptive or punitive, they don’t just fail to educate—they erode confidence, trigger stress, and can even foster distrust in the organization’s security efforts. That insight reshaped how I think about training: it’s not just about awareness; it’s about psychological safety. But realism still matters. Attackers won’t operate under ethical constraints, and training that’s too sanitized risks leaving employees unprepared for the sophistication of real-world threats. The challenge is finding the right balance—designing simulations that are authentic and thought-provoking without crossing into manipulation or shame.

It’s easy to scoff at phishing victims—until it happens to you (I should know, it happened to me: My Experience with an Online Scam) . A cleverly crafted email, a moment of distraction, and suddenly even the most tech-savvy professional is clicking a malicious link. The truth is, phishing isn’t a test of intelligence. It’s a test of attention, emotion, and timing. And with the rise of generative AI, the game has changed. These scams are no longer riddled with typos or clunky phrasing. They’re polished, personalized, and eerily convincing—often indistinguishable from legitimate communication. AI has given cybercriminals the ability to scale deception with frightening precision, making it harder than ever to spot the bait.

The Cognitive Trap

Even well-trained professionals are vulnerable when they’re tired, rushed, or distracted. One study found that susceptibility to phishing spikes early in the workday—especially before 9 AM—when people are juggling high cognitive loads and overflowing inboxes. It’s not a lack of knowledge; it’s a lapse in attention.

Phishing works by exploiting what psychologists call “heuristic processing”—our brain’s shortcut for making quick decisions. When we scan emails rapidly, we rely on instinct rather than analysis. That’s exactly what attackers count on. They mimic trusted senders, inject urgency, and bypass rational filters.

Emotional Manipulation

Fear, urgency, and authority are the holy trinity of phishing psychology. A message that threatens account suspension or impersonates a CEO triggers emotional responses that override logic. Researchers have shown that attackers deliberately weaponize trust and anxiety to push victims into reactive behavior.

One recent study described how cybercriminals exploit psychological vulnerabilities—especially fear and misplaced trust—to provoke action. The goal isn’t to convince; it’s to create just enough pressure to short-circuit critical thinking.

When Simulations Backfire

Many organizations use phishing simulations to build awareness. But when those simulations are too deceptive or punitive, they can backfire. Several studies have shown that poorly designed tests can lead to embarrassment, self-doubt, and even distrust in the organization’s security efforts.

When employees feel tricked rather than trained, they disengage. Effective training needs to balance realism with psychological safety. Immediate feedback, positive reinforcement, and transparency are key. Security awareness should be a learning opportunity—not a trap.

Smart Minds, Human Biases

Intelligence doesn’t immunize anyone from phishing. In fact, high-ranking professionals are statistically more likely to fall for scams. Why? Because they’re busier, more distracted, and often targeted with tailored attacks.

Phishing success hinges on timing and context—not IQ. Even cybersecurity experts can be fooled when the right psychological levers are pulled. That’s why awareness programs need to go beyond rule-based detection and foster an adversarial mindset—teaching employees to think like attackers.

Building Resilience, Not Paranoia

So how do we protect smart people from smart scams?

• Reinforce regularly. Awareness tends to fade within a few months of training. Frequent refreshers and realistic simulations help maintain vigilance.
• Train with empathy. Fear-based tactics don’t work. Recognizing and rewarding good behavior—through shout-outs, certificates, or small incentives—can boost engagement.
• Make it relevant. Tailor training to roles and risks. A finance exec faces different threats than a frontline staffer. Personalization improves retention.
• Keep it real. Use authentic scenarios, but don’t cross the line into psychological warfare. The goal is confidence, not caution fatigue.

Final Thought

Phishing isn’t a test of intelligence—it’s a test of attention, emotion, and timing. The smartest minds are still human, and that’s exactly what attackers exploit. By understanding the psychology behind phishing, organizations can move beyond checkbox training and build a culture of resilience.

Because in cybersecurity, awareness isn’t just power—it’s protection.

Curtis L. Blais is a seasoned CISO and cybersecurity strategist with over 35 years of experience leading digital defense across government, private sector, and non-profit sectors. He’s the author of CyberDynamX: The Art and Science of Building a Simplified Digital Security Program, creator of the Risk-based Information Security Model, and principal author of Canada’s National Cybersecurity Assessment Report for higher education—three years running. With a master’s in Leadership and Organizational Change and top marks from Harvard’s Cyber Risk Management program, Curtis brings clarity, precision, and execution to the most complex security challenges.