Factors promoting initial suspicions towards discrepancies in phishing emails

ユーザがフィッシングメールを判別するために，正当なメールからの逸脱に関する判断指標の利用が推奨されている．しかし，この判断指標の利用前提である，メール内の不一致への初期の気づきを促す手法については，ほとんど研究されていない．このような手法を検討するにあたり，本研究は初期の気づきを促進する要因を明らかにすることを目的とした．特に，ユーザに独自の事実とメールとの乖離への気づきに対する，認知スキル等の影響を調べた．インターネットを利用したアンケート調査を実施し，自身に関する乖離への気づき，認知スキルや，フィッシング詐欺についての学習経験などを尋ねる質問への回答データを収集した．このデータを分析し，上述した乖離への気づきは，メタ認知スキルの一部によって促進されるとの示唆を得た．また，フィッシング詐欺に関する学習経験にも，気づきへの促進効果を確認した．これらの結果から，従来の学習の重要性とともに，気づきを効果的に促す手法に反映され得る工夫について論じた．

The use of indicators regarding deviations from legitimate emails has been recommended to help individuals identify phishing emails. However, few studies have been performed on interventions that promote initial suspicions towards discrepancies in emails, which might be the premise for the use of the indicators. To explore such interventions, the present study aimed to identify factors that promote individuals' having initial suspicions. In particular, we focused on the impact of factors including several skills on the initial suspicions towards discrepancies between the individuals’ unique circumstances and the information in the emails. An internet survey was conducted to collect responses to questions asking participants about initial suspicions, several skills, and their learning experience about phishing scams. Results suggest that one of metacognitive skills might promote the initial suspicion towards discrepancies concerning the individuals’ unique circumstances. It was also shown that the learning experience about phishing scams promoted this initial suspicion. This study discussed what to be introduced into interventions that effectively encourage individuals to have initial suspicions, along with the importance of learning about the indicators.