Confident Employees: A Hidden Cyber Security Risk?
You trust your team — and rightly so. They’re capable, tech-savvy, and know not to open dodgy attachments or click on unusual links.
They understand that phishing emails are intentionally deceptive, crafted to look convincing and lure recipients into revealing sensitive information or installing malware.
So naturally, you’d think they’d never fall for it.
But here’s the catch: Confidence doesn’t equal immunity.
Just because someone thinks they’d spot a phishing attempt doesn’t mean they actually will. This false sense of security is exactly what cyber criminals rely on.
Recent research reveals that while 86% of employees are confident in spotting phishing emails, more than half have already fallen victim to a scam at some point.
Let that sink in.
These are people who knew about phishing, felt sure they wouldn’t be fooled – and still got caught. Today’s phishing scams are far more sophisticated than the old “foreign prince” emails. Attackers are using techniques like:
- Emails that appear to come from your bank or a trusted supplier
- Fake invoices that look completely legitimate
- Messages that seem to come from colleagues or management
These scams are harder to detect than ever before. And ironically, the more confident someone feels, the more likely they are to overlook the red flags.
This overconfidence is a classic example of the Dunning-Kruger effect – a cognitive bias where people overestimate their abilities.
Why is this dangerous?
Because when someone believes they’re too smart to be scammed, they stop questioning suspicious emails. They don’t double-check links. They click without thinking. And that’s exactly how cyber attackers gain access to your company’s data and systems.
Here’s the good news: You can reduce your risk significantly – but it requires a change in mindset.
Instead of assuming your team knows enough, actively support them with ongoing phishing awareness training. Education helps employees recognise modern, more subtle threats before it’s too late.
But training alone isn’t enough. Your team also needs to feel comfortable speaking up if something seems off. If they’re afraid of being criticised or blamed, they might stay quiet – and that silence gives cyber criminals the advantage.
Fostering a culture where it’s safe to report security concerns is just as critical as technical knowledge.
Remember: Cyber security isn’t about intelligence. It’s about caution. Even your most tech-savvy staff member can fall for a cleverly disguised scam. The safest approach is to treat every suspicious message as a potential threat.
The moment someone thinks “I’d never fall for that” is often the moment they do.
Need help improving your cyber defences?
Contact us at GZD for expert advice on cyber awareness training and how to safeguard your business from hidden threats.
