This post was originally published on Finextra (Security)
Let’s face it, we live in a world where technology reigns. And, in this world, senior leaders face increasingly sophisticated scams targeting both their personal and organisational assets. Understanding the mindset of the “bad players” behind these deceptions is your first line of defense.
Cybercriminals don’t only target your technology. They know that your weakest line of defense is human nature. With this knowledge, they focus on exploiting certain vulnerabilities that we, as humans, have.
Their efforts can be tied to what security experts call the “3N model,” signifying needs, narratives, and networks.
The 3N Model: A Strategic Framework for Understanding Scams
The 3N model was originally designed to explain the drivers behind radicalisation. Applied to system and data security, though, it can be a useful way to understand how scammers are able to undermine and gain access to corporate assets, thwarting even the tightest of security efforts.
Here’s how it works:
Needs. Scammers identify and exploit fundamental human needs—security, understanding, control, status, and validation. For executives, these often take the form of time pressures, fear of missing opportunities, or concerns about reputation damage. Narratives. These are the compelling stories crafted to bypass your critical thinking. Stories
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