Shifting Perspectives: Overcoming Cognitive Biases in Cybersecurity Choices

In information security and #crypto and #web3 in particular, cognitive biases can significantly impact our perception of security threats and influence our decisions. Moreover, these biases affect how we analyze risks and our choices when investing in security.

How do we overcome these biases and make informed decisions?

We need to be aware of them and their effects. Then, integrating awareness and understanding of these biases into security training for developers and employees is necessary. By educating team members on how cognitive biases can impact their perception of risks and decision-making, organizations can foster a security-conscious mindset. This approach helps teams to question assumptions, evaluate evidence objectively, and consider a broader range of potential threats.?

This article will focus on two common cognitive biases: Salience Bias and Availability Bias.?

?? Salience Bias (also known as Attentional Bias) causes users to focus on high-profile attacks, such as those targeting major smart contracts, while neglecting more commonplace risks like wallet security. For example, a massive hack on a well-known exchange may grab headlines, but everyday phishing attacks targeting individual wallets can be just as damaging.

?? Availability Bias leads organizations to assume that certain types of attacks are rare or unlikely simply because they haven't experienced them. For instance, developer teams that have not been affected by a supply chain attack might think it's a rare occurrence when it's a pervasive threat.

It's essential to recognize that attackers' incentives can change suddenly, and the types of attacks with better ROI or accessibility may shift over time.?

Are you prepared for the evolving threat landscape?

To build secure products and provide a safe and sound user experience,?developers must be aware of these biases, question assumptions, and evaluate evidence objectively.?

In addition to these two biases, many others may influence decision-making.

We encourage you to share any other cognitive biases you've encountered and discuss their impact on security decisions.