Our second “Unlocking Insights: Interdisciplinary Cybersecurity Lunch Talks Series” event took place virtually, continuing our commitment to fostering collaborative discussions between researchers and practitioners. This session, led by Lorin Schöni, focused on the pressing topic of “Challenges of Human-Centred Phishing Interventions,” drawing an even larger audience eager to delve into the nuances of this critical area of cybersecurity.

Lorin Schöni’s presentation highlighted the persistent threat posed by phishing attacks, emphasizing that since phishing exploits human actions, any effective intervention must consider human cognition and perception. Despite the promise shown by some human-centred training approaches, numerous challenges remain. These include low engagement levels, lack of comparability across different interventions, and the enduring issue of phishing susceptibility.

The talk proposed several innovative solutions to these challenges. One key suggestion was to increase interactivity in training programs, making them more engaging and effective. Emerging technologies, such as augmented reality, were discussed as potential tools to enhance the engagement and impact of phishing simulations, thereby improving user preparedness and response.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on developing a more systematic approach to phishing interventions. Schöni introduced the concept of a phishing intervention framework, which aims to standardize and streamline the design, implementation, and evaluation of training programs. This framework could address the current fragmentation and variability in intervention strategies, leading to more consistent and comparable outcomes.

The event concluded with a consensus on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling the challenges of phishing. Participants left with fresh perspectives and new inspiration to explore innovative solutions, leveraging both technological advancements and a deeper understanding of human behavior.