Ep. 341 - The Security Awareness Series - Cognitive Bias in InfoSec with Josten Pena

Ep. 341 - The Security Awareness Series - Cognitive Bias in InfoSec with Josten Pena

Author: Social-Engineer, LLC February 16, 2026 Duration: 21:54

Today on the Social-Engineer Podcast: The Security Awareness Series, Chris Hadnagy is joined by Josten Pena for an in-depth discussion on cognitive biases and their impact on cybersecurity. Together, they explore how inherent mental shortcuts can increase susceptibility to social engineering attacks. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing and owning these biases, rather than trying to eliminate them, and highlights practical mitigation strategies like hands-on training and fostering critical thinking. 
[Feb 16, 2026] 

00:00 – Intro 
00:47 – Meet the Co-Host: Josten Pena 

02:26 – Innocent Lives Foundation & Music 
03:36 – Diving into Cognitive Bias 
06:42 – Cognitive Bias in Cybersecurity 
09:26 – Real-World Examples & Practical Solutions 
18:59 – Recap, Final Thoughts & Outro 
www.social-engineer.com 
www.innocentlivesfoundation.org 


At its core, The Social-Engineer Podcast examines the most complex system in any security equation: people. Hosted by the team at Social-Engineer, LLC, this series digs into the psychology, communication patterns, and inherent vulnerabilities that shape human interaction. Each episode moves beyond dry technical analysis to explore real-world stories and expert conversations that reveal how social engineers operate-the subtle cues, the persuasive language, and the manipulation of trust that can lead to a security breach. You’ll hear discussions that sit at the fascinating intersection of behavioral science and modern technology, dissecting everything from phishing attempts and pretexting to the non-verbal tells that can give us away. This isn't just about warning against threats; it's a deep dive into understanding why we make the decisions we do, both online and off. By unpacking the mechanics of influence and connection, the podcast provides listeners with a clearer lens to see their own daily interactions, ultimately fostering a more critical and aware mindset. Tune in for a thought-provoking blend of research and practical insight that makes the art of human hacking both comprehensible and compelling.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Social-Engineer Podcast
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