How Efficiency Can Lead to Disruption: The Evolution of Phishing Emails

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Presented at BSides Bristol 2026 by

Becky

Despite increasing awareness and training, phishing emails remain the most common entry point for cybercrime. This talk explores how their continued success is not simply due to attacker sophistication, but a predictable outcome of a system designed for efficiency. As companies encourage fast digital interactions from their employees, such as skimming emails or trusting familiar interfaces, exploitation becomes easier. Drawing on research in human factors and psychology, this talk reframes susceptibility as a systemic issue rather than individual failure. It concludes by considering how we can change company culture and improve cyber security education to prevent attacks.