Many high-profile cyber incidents start with a simple human error. For example, CEOs’ emails are sometimes faked to request wire transfers, and employees, reacting to urgency or authority, end up sending money to scammers. The damage isn’t caused by a complex hack; it’s caused by human behaviour.

We like to think we’re too smart to fall for scams, but the truth is that cybercriminals are excellent at exploiting the way our brains work. Understanding the psychology behind why we click risky links can make a huge difference in keeping you and your business safe, and it’s not just about fancy firewalls or antivirus software.

1. Curiosity and Urgency

Hackers know we’re curious creatures. They use emails that create a sense of urgency or promise something intriguing. Think of messages like: “Action Required: We noticed unusual activity on your account. Follow this link to confirm it’s you…” or “Your package is pending due to an unpaid delivery fee (€2.99). Pay now to avoid a return…”

Tip: Pause before you click. Ask yourself: “Do I really need to open this?” If in doubt, verify with the sender through a trusted channel.

2. Authority Bias

We tend to trust instructions from people in positions of authority such as bosses, managers, even government agencies. Cybercriminals exploit this by sending fake emails that look like they come from a CEO or a manager, asking for sensitive information or payments.

Tip: Always double-check requests for money or confidential information, even if the email looks official. A quick call can save a lot of trouble.

3. Social Proof

We naturally trust what looks like normal activity. Hackers know this and often copy messages from tools you already use, like Google Drive, Teams, or Slack. Example: “You’ve been granted access to a file: Q1_Report.docx”. These messages look like something your co-workers would send, so it’s easy to click without thinking.

Tip: Don’t assume it’s safe just because it looks like it came from someone you know. Verify unexpected files or links before opening them.

4. Overload and Cognitive Fatigue

We make mistakes when we’re tired, stressed, or juggling too much at once. Long email threads with attachments or links can easily trick us into clicking something dangerous without thinking.

Tip: Take a breath. If an email looks complicated or confusing, step away and review it later. Encourage your team to do the same, a little pause can prevent a big problem.

Key Takeaways

• Think before you click: Pause, question, and verify.
• Verify, don’t assume: Double-check requests, especially about money or sensitive data.
• Build habits: Regular training, password hygiene, and reporting suspicious activity make safe behaviour second nature.
  

Cybersecurity isn’t just about technology, it’s about understanding the human mind. By learning why we click bad links, we can make smarter choices and keep our businesses safer in 2026.

Bonus Tip: Consider a short internal quiz or awareness session for your team, it’s a fun way to practice spotting the tricks hackers use.