Page 28 - Cyber Defense eMagazine December 2023

Fear and Stress

When there is a power imbalance, it can cause fear and stress. Fear causes the critical thinking part of
our brain to shut down and the fear center to take over. That means, when we’re scared, we’re not
thinking rationally and are driven by the very powerful emotion of fear.

Gaslighting works best when your critical thinking capacity is switched off, like when you’re scared of
your abusive partner leaving or harming you.

Alone just dealing with an authority, like a government agency or bank, can make you feel anxious. But
when it comes to the safety of your money, privacy, or relatives (e.g., the grandparent scam) that anxiety
triples.

If someone contacts you saying you will go to prison if you don’t pay immediately or claims to be your
grandchild in dire need of help, you will experience fear and panic. Consequently, you can’t think rationally
and may do whatever you’re told.

The Effects of Gaslighting and Being Scammed

Victims of cybercrime often think, “How could I have been so stupid” or “There must be something wrong
with me”. They feel violated, dehumanized, and lose trust in their perception and sense of reality, and the
shame and guilt they experience often mean they don’t tell anyone or seek help.

Gaslighting victims have a similar experience once the fog has been lifted. That’s because relationship
gaslighting is like a scam and has devastating consequences for the victim.

People and businesses have lost millions of dollars (if not more) to cybercrime, and most of the time, the
criminals get away with it. So how do you protect yourself?

How to Protect Yourself from Gaslighting and Social Engineering

The best way to protect yourself from gaslighting is to know that it exists and how it works, and you must
stand firm in what you know and believe. The same goes for protecting yourself from cybercrime and
scammers.

Chris Hednagy, an expert on social engineering and cyber security, gave several tips on how to protect
yourself from scammers:

- Educate yourself on cybercrime and its tactics.
- If someone you don’t know elicits a strong emotional response within you (like fear or a “gut
feeling”), pause and ask yourself: am I being manipulated?
- Think critically: has this organization/ business/ agency ever contacted you to ask for personal
information? (Most of them don’t)

Cyber Defense eMagazine – December 2023 Edition 28
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