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Mindless Response or Mindful Interpretation: Examining the Effect of Message Influence on Phishing Susceptibility

Author

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  • Frank Kun-Yueh Chou

    (Department of Accounting, College of Management, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 242062, Taiwan)

  • Abbott Po-Shun Chen

    (Department of Marketing and Logistics Management, College of Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung 413310, Taiwan)

  • Vincent Cheng-Lung Lo

    (Department of Information Management, School of Management, National Central University, Taoyuan 320317, Taiwan)

Abstract

Influence-based deceptive messages constantly play a critical role in email phishing attacks. However, the literature lacks adequate understanding about how phishing messages with attractive and coercive influence result in the receivers’ adverse consequences. We therefore take the perspective of mindless response and mindful interpretation to address this issue by examining comprehensive relationships among message influence, cognitive processing, and phishing susceptibility. To accomplish this, a survey approach was adopted after a simulated phishing attack was conducted in campuses. Our empirical evidence shows that both message influence and cognitive processing can lead to people being phished, and a combination of different influences can also trigger cognitive processing. This research makes contributions to the literature of information security, persuading influence, and cognitive psychology.

Suggested Citation

  • Frank Kun-Yueh Chou & Abbott Po-Shun Chen & Vincent Cheng-Lung Lo, 2021. "Mindless Response or Mindful Interpretation: Examining the Effect of Message Influence on Phishing Susceptibility," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-25, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:1651-:d:492929
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    References listed on IDEAS

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