Investigating and Mitigating User Susceptibility to Phishing Using the Analysis ofDemographic Information, Knowledge and Cognitive Experience

Phishing attacks remain a significant cybersecurity threat, exploiting human vulnerabilities to compromise sensitive information. This research paper investigates the factors influencing user susceptibility to phishing by analyzing demographic information, cybersecurity knowledge, and cognitive experience. Through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis, we identified key predictors of phishing susceptibility and proposed mitigation strategies tailored to diverse user groups. Our findings revealed that age, education level, technical expertise, and cognitive biases significantly impact phishing detection rates. To mitigate the problem, cybersecurity awareness education programs or training that teach problem-solving and decision strategies related to phishing and developing real-time detection could be used as preventive measures to overcome the problems of phishing susceptibility. The following key strategies are derived from respondents' inputto enhance cybersecurity awareness, education, and protection, spanning training, engagement, prevention, and continuous improvement initiatives. Therefore, we propose a framework for real-time phishing detection and personalized cybersecurity training and awareness campaigns to reduce susceptibility, emphasizing adaptive interventions based on user profiles. Keywords: Phishing, Susceptibility, User Susceptibility, Demographic factors, Security Cybersecurity Awareness, Education, Strategies, Mitigation Journal Reference Format: Agagu Modupe & Omorogiuwa Osaremwinda (2025): Investigating and Mitigating User Susceptibility to Phishing Using the Analysis ofDemographic Information, Knowledge and Cognitive Experience. Journal of Behavioural Informatics, Digital Humanities and Development Rese Vol. 11 No. 2. Pp 94-107. https://www.isteams.net/behavioralinformaticsjournal dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/BHI/V11N2P8