Human Behavior, Not Firewalls: Chirag Goswami on Navigating Online Scams

In a recent LinkedIn post, Chirag Goswami highlights the persistent vulnerabilities individuals face online, suggesting that many are still browsing with outdated security mindsets. The post, timed with Safer Internet Day, argues that the primary entry point for cyberattacks is not sophisticated hacking, but rather the exploitation of human trust and emotional responses.

Chirag Goswami draws a stark analogy to illustrate this point: “Imagine walking into a crowded mall and shouting: ‘Here’s my phone number. Here’s my birthday. Here’s my bank details.’ Sounds crazy.” Yet, he observes, this is precisely what many people do online through oversharing and casual clicking.

The Psychology of Cyberattacks

Goswami contends that the common perception of cyberattacks, often involving elite hackers in dark rooms, is largely a misconception. Instead, he emphasizes that attacks frequently begin with simpler, more human-centric tactics. “Scammers don’t hack systems first. They hack trust,” Chirag Goswami states, underscoring the psychological aspect of digital security. These attacks leverage emotional triggers, seemingly too-good-to-be-true offers, or seemingly innocuous links to ensnare unsuspecting users.

“They start with: • One emotional message • One “too good to be true” offer • One harmless-looking link • One overshared photo”

The post points out that even on a day dedicated to online safety, many fundamental mistakes persist. Goswami identifies several common pitfalls, including treating personal information casually, viewing the inbox as a free-for-all, and misunderstanding the limitations of privacy tools like VPNs.

Beyond Technical Defenses: The Role of Awareness

Chirag Goswami’s message on Safer Internet Day is framed not as a call for increased paranoia, but for heightened awareness. He argues that simple, everyday habits can be more effective than complex technical solutions in preventing significant damage.

Key Online Safety Reminders

According to Chirag Goswami, several key points serve as crucial reminders for internet users:

• Your phone number is not casual information.
• Your inbox is not a playground.
• A VPN is not invisibility.
• “URGENT” is usually a red flag.

Goswami advocates for a proactive approach, suggesting that staying ahead of scams through behavioral changes is far more effective than merely reacting to them. “Because cybersecurity isn’t about paranoia. It’s about awareness. And awareness is cheaper than recovery,” he writes.

The article concludes by promoting a deeper dive into behavioral aspects of cybersecurity, noting that the focus is less on traditional firewalls and more on understanding and modifying user behavior to build a more secure online experience.