How the big five psychological factors affect phishing: A literature review

• Published in: International Journal of Human Resource Development Practice Policy & Research Vol. 8; no. 2; pp. 100 - 113
• Main Authors: Gordon, Alex, Russ-Eft, Darlene
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sciendo 01.12.2024
• Subjects: Big Five personality factors; email phishing; phishing
• ISSN: 2397-4583; 2397-4575; 2397-4583
• DOI: 10.2478/ijhrd-2024-0007

Phishing is a social engineering attack which intends to steal information from an intended victim by masquerading as a reputable source. It is a ubiquitous problem in modern day society and organizations, which is not likely to slow down. The Big Five psychological factors model is one which is widely used and has been shown to largely explain how someone behaves. Yet the results of the Big Five factors’ interface with phishing response is not clear as of yet. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the interactions between phishing and the Big Five factors. This study used an integrative literature review method to examine the relationship between the Big Five psychological factors and the phishing response. This theoretical model developed from the research can then be used to suggest human resource development (HRD) interventions within organizations. Such interventions can aid both the organizations and their employees to avoid the negative outcomes from phishing.