DECEIVED: Why We Click, Trust, and Get Hacked

by Andy Wood

Deception is as old as human civilisation. From ancient tricksters and counterfeiters to today’s cybercriminals, the tactics of fraud have remained the same - only the tools have evolved.

So why do we still fall for cyber scams, click on malicious links, and trust deceptive emails, even when we know the risks?

In a world where cybercriminals hack minds, not just systems, understanding the psychology and anthropology of cyber deception is critical. In this book, Andy Wood reveals the hidden behavioural, cognitive, and societal forces that make us vulnerable - from trust and habit to fear and urgency - tactics that have worked for centuries, now amplified by AI and automation.

More importantly, it provides practical strategies to build resilience against cyber threats. By understanding how deception has shaped human history, how social engineering exploits trust, and how digital tribalism impacts security, you will learn to question, verify, and outthink cybercriminals.

The best defence is not just stronger technology - it’s a stronger, cyber-aware mind.

Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2025