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Journal article | Research library
| 06/04/2008
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You’ve been warned: An empirical study of the effectiveness of web browser phishing warnings

Jason Hong | Lorrie Cranor | Serge Egelman
https://doi.org/10.1145/1357054.1357219

Researchers studied the effectiveness of web browser phishing warnings by targeting 60 study participants with simulated email phishing attacks. 97% of study participants clicked a link in at least one simulated phishing email. When then presented with a passive web browser warning, just 13% closed their browser window – a result not significantly different from offering no warning whatsoever. When presented with an active warning, 79% of participants heeded the warning. The researchers conclude in-browser phishing warnings should interrupt a user’s primary task.

 

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