Human factors in cyber security

Why do human factors matter in cyber security?

Understanding human factors in cyber security is essential for building effective defence strategies. While organisations invest heavily in technical solutions, the human element remains both the greatest vulnerability and potential strength in security systems.

Recent research from Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report shows that the human element contributes to 60% of successful cyber attacks.  This statistic highlights why technical solutions alone cannot solve cyber security challenges.

60% of successful cyber attacks involve human factors. People are both the greatest risk and the strongest defence. Share on X

The human brain, with its complex decision-making processes, operates differently from computer systems. We make decisions based on a combination of rational analysis and emotional responses, with the latter often taking precedence during stress or uncertainty.

How do emotions influence cyber security decisions?

Emotional decision-making in cyber security significantly impacts how people respond to potential threats. Research shows that under pressure, people tend to rely on emotional rather than analytical thinking.

The science behind security decisions

When faced with security decisions, our brains often take shortcuts based on emotional states:

1. Fear response: Threats trigger the amygdala, potentially bypassing rational thought
2. Decision fatigue: Security decisions deteriorate after multiple choices
3. Cognitive biases: We tend to underestimate risks we’ve never personally experienced

IBM’s 2025 CISO report found that 74% of Chief Information Security Officers identify human error as their top cyber security risk. This isn’t because people are careless, but because human psychology makes us vulnerable to specific types of manipulation.

What emotional triggers do attackers exploit?

Attackers understand human psychology and design attacks to trigger emotional responses that override logical thinking:

Emotional Trigger	Example Attack	Psychological Effect
Fear	“Your account has been compromised”	Creates urgency and panic
Curiosity	“See who viewed your profile”	Exploits information-seeking behaviour
Authority	“Message from your CEO”	Leverages respect for hierarchy
Urgency	“Act now before your access expires”	Prevents thoughtful analysis
Reward	“You’ve won a prize”	Activates pleasure centres

These triggers create what psychologists call “amygdala hijacking”.  ie where the emotional brain overrides the rational mind, leading to impulsive decisions that bypass security protocols.

What psychological tactics do attackers use?

Human behaviour in cyber security is exploited through sophisticated social engineering techniques. Understanding these tactics helps organisations develop more effective defences.

Social engineering: the art of manipulation

Social engineering attacks target human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities. According to Keepnet Labs’ 2025 Phishing Statistics Report 57% of organisations face phishing attempts weekly or daily.

Common social engineering techniques include:

1. Phishing: Deceptive communications that appear legitimate
2. Pretexting: Creating false scenarios to obtain information
3. Baiting: Offering something enticing to trigger action
4. Quid pro quo: Providing a service in exchange for information
5. Tailgating: Gaining physical access by following authorised personnel

Why do smart people fall for scams?

Even security experts can fall victim to sophisticated attacks. This isn’t because they lack knowledge but because they’re human. Several factors contribute to vulnerability:

• Cognitive biases: “It won’t happen to me” (optimism bias)
• Authority bias: Unquestioning trust in apparent authority figures
• Confirmation bias: Seeing what we expect to see
• Fatigue effects: Decreased vigilance when tired or stressed

Research into human error in cyber security shows that these factors affect everyone, regardless of technical expertise or training.

 

How effective is security awareness training?

Building cyber security awareness through training significantly reduces risk when done correctly. The question is: how effective are these programs?

Measuring training impact

Research from KnowBe4 2025 Security Awareness Training Impact Report demonstrates the measurable impact of security awareness training:

Metric	Impact
Breach Reduction	8.3x less likely to appear on breach lists
Customer Protection rate	97.6% of customers have been breach-free since 2005
Post-Implementation Impact	65% reduction in subsequent breaches

The 2025 Phishing By Industry Benchmark Report further reveals that effective phishing awareness programs can reduce susceptibility from an initial 33.1% to just 4.1% after 12 months of training, an 86% reduction.

Beyond awareness: creating behavioural change

Effective training goes beyond simply sharing information. It creates lasting behavioural change by:

1. Using simulated phishing exercises that demonstrate personal vulnerability
2. Implementing scenario-based learning that engages emotional responses
3. Providing regular reinforcement through varied communication channels
4. Offering positive reinforcement for secure behaviours

Organisations that address human factors in cyber security through comprehensive training see measurable improvements in their security posture.

What role does AI play in human-centered security?

The relationship between AI and human factors in cyber security is complex and evolving. AI creates both new challenges and opportunities for security teams.

AI-enhanced threats

The UK government’s 2025 AI Security Analysis highlights emerging threats and market dynamics, including:

• Automated vulnerability discovery and exploitation
• Lowered technical barriers for sophisticated attacks
• Enhanced capabilities for cybercriminals
• Personalised phishing attacks using target-specific information

These AI-enhanced threats specifically target human vulnerabilities, making understanding human behaviour in cyber security even more critical.

Human-AI collaboration in security

Effective cyber risk security now requires collaboration between human judgment and AI capabilities:

Aspect	Human Strength	AI Strength	Combined Approach
Threat Detection	Contextual understanding	Pattern recognition at scale	AI flags anomalies for human analysis
Decision Making	Ethical judgment	Data processing	AI-assisted human decisions
Adaptability	Creative problem-solving	Consistent application of rules	Humans guide AI adaptation
Learning	Experience-based insights	Rapid data analysis	Humans train AI with expertise

Organisations that leverage both human insight and AI capabilities create stronger defences than those relying exclusively on either approach.

How can organisations build human resilience?

Building resilience against social engineering requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both technical and human factors in cyber security.

Creating a security-aware culture

Organisational culture significantly influences security behaviours. In environments where security is seen as an obstacle rather than a priority, employees are more likely to take shortcuts.

Effective security cultures include:

1. Leadership commitment: Visible support from executives
2. Clear policies: Understandable guidelines that work with human psychology
3. Positive reinforcement: Recognition for secure behaviors
4. Psychological safety: Ability to report incidents without fear
5. Continuous learning: Regular updates on emerging threats

Practical strategies for human-centered security

Organisations can minimise human error in cyber security through targeted interventions:

1. Emotional intelligence training for security teams
2. Decision-making frameworks that account for cognitive biases
3. Stress management techniques to maintain vigilance
4. Inclusive security policies that work with human nature
5. Continuous feedback loops between users and security teams

These approaches recognise that human factors in cyber security require solutions that address psychological as well as technical aspects of security.

What makes phishing simulations effective?

Developing phishing awareness through simulation is one of the most effective ways to build resilience. But what makes these programs successful?

Elements of effective phishing tests

The most effective phishing simulations include:

1. Progressive difficulty: Starting simple and increasing complexity
2. Real-world scenarios: Using current attack techniques
3. Immediate feedback: Learning opportunities at the moment of vulnerability
4. Positive reinforcement: Recognition for vigilance and reporting
5. Clear reporting mechanisms: Simple ways to flag suspicious communications

Northdoor’s phishing security test incorporates these elements to provide organisations with an accurate assessment of their vulnerability to social engineering attacks.

Measuring and improving resilience

Regular testing allows organisations to:

• Establish baseline phishing susceptibility
• Track improvement over time
• Identify departments or roles needing additional support
• Adjust training to address specific vulnerabilities
• Demonstrate ROI for security awareness investments

How should organisations respond to the human element?

Addressing human factors in cyber security requires a balanced approach that recognises both vulnerabilities and strengths.

Beyond the “weakest link” mentality

Traditional security approaches often frame humans as the “weakest link” in security. This perspective is both inaccurate and counterproductive.

A more effective approach recognises that humans can be the strongest defence when properly equipped and supported. This means:

1. Designing security systems that work with human psychology rather than against it
2. Creating policies that acknowledge real-world behaviours and constraints
3. Building security awareness through engaging, relevant training
4. Leveraging human strengths like contextual understanding and ethical judgment

Traditional security approaches often frame humans as the ‘weakest link’ in security. This perspective is both inaccurate and counterproductive. Share on X

Building a human-centred security approach

Organisations that successfully address human factors in cyber security:

1. Integrate behavioural science into security planning
2. Provide tools that make secure behaviour the easiest option
3. Create psychologically safe environments for reporting concerns
4. Offer continuous learning opportunities about emerging threats
5. Measure and reward secure behaviours

Conclusion: the human solution to human vulnerability

Reducing human error in cyber security requires addressing both cognitive and emotional factors. While technology provides essential protection, the human element remains both our greatest vulnerability and our strongest potential defence.

Security training should address emotional manipulation in cyber attacks to build resilience. By understanding the psychological aspects of security, organisations can transform their approach from purely technical to truly comprehensive.

Are your employees prepared to recognise and resist sophisticated phishing attempts? Take the first step toward understanding your organisation’s human vulnerabilities by completing Northdoor’s free phishing security test. This assessment will help you identify specific areas for improvement and develop targeted training strategies.

Take the phishing security test now