Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes. it's about making smart, informed decisions.
But even the most diligent among us can fall prey to cognitive biases, which are those mental shortcuts that can cloud our judgment.
In the world of cybersecurity, understanding and managing these biases can keep you ahead of the curve.
Here’s a quick look at a few common biases that might be influencing your compliance efforts.
Seeing what you want to see
Ever been so sure of something that you only notice what supports your belief?
That’s confirmation bias. In compliance, this can lead you to overlook crucial issues just because they don’t fit your expectations.
Tip: Challenge your assumptions and seek out opposing viewpoints to ensure you're seeing the whole picture.
Want to know more about the confirmation bias? This blogpost is what you seek
The trap of recent events
We tend to focus on the most recent or dramatic events, assuming they’re the most important.
This bias called availability bias can cause us to overreact to the latest crisis while neglecting other critical areas.
Tip: Take a step back and look at all the data, not just what’s fresh in your mind.
-Curious about availability bias? I have created this blogpost just for you.
Anchoring bias: Stuck on the first thing you hear
First impressions are powerful, but they can also be misleading.
Anchoring bias occurs when we fixate on the first piece of information we receive and struggle to adjust when new data comes in.
Tip: Regularly reassess your decisions as new information becomes available.
Overconfidence bias: Assuming you’ve got it all figured out
Overestimating your knowledge or abilities can create blind spots in your compliance efforts.
Just because you think you’re doing great doesn’t mean you are. Read more on the overconfidence bias right here
Tip: Test your assumptions and get a second opinion to keep your confidence in check.
Status quo bias: Sticking with what you know
Sticking to the old ways might feel safe, but in cybersecurity, it can leave you vulnerable.
What worked last year might not be enough today in our ever-evolving threat picture.
Tip: Regularly review and update your compliance practices to stay current.
You see, cognitive biases are natural, but they don’t have to derail your compliance efforts.
By staying aware of these biases and taking steps to counteract them, you can make better and more effective decisions affecting your whole compliance.
Want to dive deeper into how biases affect compliance?
Then you might be interested in my book 