What is authority bias in scams?

Authority bias makes people more compliant with requests from perceived authority figures. Phishing impersonates: executives, IT departments, government agencies, and other authorities to leverage this compliance tendency.

Attack examples: CEO requesting urgent wire transfer, IT requiring password for "security update," or "legal department" demanding immediate document access. Authority triggers compliance instincts.

Defense: establish verification procedures regardless of apparent authority. Even legitimate executive requests should follow proper channels for sensitive actions. Authority claims through email alone shouldn't bypass controls.