Mind games: how cybercriminals use emotions against us

We like to think we’re resilient, savvy, and prepared for any technical challenges/threats in the current world of IT and cybersecurity. But what if we told you the most dangerous vulnerabilities aren't in our systems, but in our own minds??

Cyber attackers are clever – they know how to exploit human emotions to get around the most sophisticated of security protocols. Let’s take a look at how they do it, why it works, and most importantly how you can effectively defend yourself against these threats.

?

How hackers turn our emotions into powerful attack tools?

When we think of a hacker, we often imagine someone sitting behind rows of code, breaking firewalls and decrypting passwords. But that’s only part of the story. Today's cyber attackers are highly skilled in something you might not expect: human psychology. By understanding how people react under pressure, stress, or excitement, attackers craft messages and scenarios that bypass our rational defenses and go straight for our emotions.?

Cyber attackers rely on what are called “emotional triggers”- specific cues designed to elicit an emotional response, often at the expense of logical thinking. We’re all vulnerable to these tactics, no matter how tech-savvy we think we are.?

Common emotional triggers in cyber attacks?

Here are some common emotional triggers cyber attackers use and how they play out in all kinds of industries:?

Urgency and fear?

1. Imagine receiving an email that says, “Your account has been compromised. Reset your password immediately!” Most of us would probably feel a surge of anxiety and click the link before thinking twice. Hackers use this fear of compromise and sense of urgency to cloud our judgment, hoping we’ll take action before realising the link is malicious.?
2. Urgent language also appears in phishing texts or emails that say, “Your payment didn’t go through,” or, “You owe a large sum to (company).” By pushing us to react quickly, attackers reduce the chance that we’ll stop and question the legitimacy of the message.?

?

Curiosity and FOMO (Fear of missing out)?

1. Curiosity killed the cat, and it’s also bait for many professionals. Hackers know how to craft messages that awaken our curiosity, often by offering information we might be inclined to open. Think about an email with the subject line, “Confidential: Major Update on (Company) Project.” This is engineered to spark your interest and entice you to click, even if something about it feels slightly “off.”?
2. ?Similarly, FOMO works as an emotional driver, particularly in professional settings. For example, emails like, “Don’t miss this limited opportunity for free IT certifications!” might look legitimate and appealing. But the link inside? Another phishing attempt.?

?

Authority and trust?

1. Many cyber attackers pose as people in positions of authority, like a CEO or IT director. You might get an email from “your boss” urgently asking for sensitive information or for you to buy gift cards for a company “emergency.” When it seems to come from an authoritative figure, it’s easy to override any lingering doubt and follow through with the request.?
2. ?Similarly, attackers impersonate IT support to gain access to employee accounts. Emails like, “This is IT support - please verify your password to maintain account access” might not raise red flags, especially if they’re formatted professionally. Hackers exploit the trust we place in official channels to gain unauthorised access.?

?

Sympathy or goodwill?

1. ?Attackers have also been known to play on people’s compassion. Emails that pull on heartstrings, like requests for donations to a disaster relief fund or a co-worker’s family emergency, might lure us into giving personal or financial information without the usual scrutiny.?
2. By creating a sense of empathy, attackers gain the trust they need to exploit. They might ask for account information under the guise of “helping” someone in a tough situation, knowing that our natural response is to assist.?

?

How to defend against emotional triggers?

So, how do we protect ourselves against these psychological tactics? Here are a few steps you can take:?

Pause before you act?

Whenever you feel rushed, take a moment to pause. Attackers rely on that urgency to cloud your judgment, so slowing down can give you the mental space to think logically. ?

Verify, verify, verify?

If you receive a suspicious email from a “boss” or “IT department,” verify it by reaching out to that person directly. Attackers are getting very good at impersonation, so taking an extra step to communicate can reveal if something’s wrong.?

Educate and practice?

Keep yourself and your team updated on the latest social engineering tactics. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and a well-informed team is your best defense.?

Verify links and attachments?

Just because an email looks trustworthy, don’t click links or download attachments without a quick check. A link will often reveal its true destination. If it doesn’t match, it’s likely a phishing attempt. Most cybersecurity systems are only as strong as their users, so double-checking this small detail can make a big difference.?

?

Why this matters to you?

In the IT industry, we often think of cybersecurity as something we build with firewalls, VPNs, and complex passwords. But as cyber attackers techniques become more advanced, the “human firewall” becomes just as essential. Emotional triggers are powerful tools that can bypass even the most advanced technical defenses. By recognising and counteracting these triggers, we make our companies and ourselves much less vulnerable.?

It’s not about being immune to emotional responses - everyone experiences fear, curiosity, and trust. But with a little awareness, we can keep those emotions from becoming tools that cybercriminals can exploit. ?

At Nebula, we offer solutions tailored to combat these tactics, helping to strengthen your?"human firewall". With our support, your organisation can stay ahead of evolving social engineering tactics and foster a culture of vigilance and resilience against cyber threats.?

?