🛑 Overconfident Employees: Your Hidden Cyber Security Threat?
You trust your team. They’re switched on, capable, and know not to click dodgy links or open strange attachments, right?
They’ve had the training. They know phishing emails are designed to trick them into handing over sensitive data or downloading malware.
So, they’re not the type to fall for it.
At least... that’s what they think. 😬
🎯 Confidence Isn’t the Same as Caution
Here’s the issue: just because someone thinks they can spot a phishing email, doesn’t mean they actually can.
New research shows:
📈 86% of employees believe they can confidently identify phishing emails
❌ Yet over half have fallen for a scam before
That’s not a minor gap — it’s a major red flag 🚩
🧠 Enter the Dunning-Kruger Effect
This is a well-known psychological phenomenon:
People with limited knowledge overestimate their ability.
In cyber security, that overconfidence can be dangerous. It often leads to employees:
🚫 Skipping checks
🚫 Clicking without thinking
🚫 Trusting emails that look legit, but aren’t
Today’s phishing emails are sophisticated. We’re not talking about long-lost “Nigerian princes” anymore. These scams look like:
Invoices from real suppliers
Bank requests
Messages from colleagues or the boss
Even the sharpest employees can be fooled.
🔐 So, What Can You Do?
The good news? This is preventable.
Here’s how to reduce the risk:
✅ Regular phishing awareness training
Don’t assume people know — show them how tactics have changed
✅ Foster a speak-up culture
Make it safe and easy for staff to report suspicious emails without fear of judgement
✅ Reinforce vigilance, not just knowledge
Cyber security isn’t about being techy — it’s about being cautious
🧨 The Real Risk Isn’t Ignorance — It’s Overconfidence
The moment someone says, “I’d never fall for that”, is often when they do.
So don’t let confidence be your company’s weak spot. Give your team the tools, training, and support to stay alert — even when they think they’ve seen it all.
Want to Strengthen Your Human Firewall?
At Adkinsio, we help businesses stay one step ahead of cyber threats with practical, people-focused training and support.
📧 Email: ashley@adkinsio.co.uk
📞 Call us on: 0800 112 6789
👉 Or get in touch today to help your team stay sharp and secure.