Phishing attacks pose a significant cybersecurity threat globally. This study investigates phishing susceptibility within the Pakistani population, examining the influence of demographic factors, technological aptitude and usage, previous phishing victimization, and email characteristics. Data was collected through convenient sampling; a total of 164 people completed the questionnaire. Contrary to some assumptions, the results indicate that men, individuals over 25, employed persons and frequent online shoppers have relatively high phishing susceptibility. The characteristics of email significantly affected phishing victimization, with authority and urgency signaling increasing susceptibility, while risk cues sometimes improved vigilance. In particular, users were more susceptible to emails from communication services such as Gmail and LinkedIn compared to government or social media sources. These findings highlight the need for targeted security awareness interventions tailored to specific demographics and email types. A multifaceted approach combining technology and education is crucial to combat phishing attacks.

翻译：网络钓鱼攻击在全球范围内构成重大网络安全威胁。本研究调查了巴基斯坦人群的网络钓鱼易感性，考察了人口统计学因素、技术素养与使用习惯、既往网络钓鱼受害经历以及电子邮件特征的影响。数据通过便利抽样收集，共有164人完成了问卷调查。与某些假设相反，结果表明：男性、25岁以上人群、在职人员以及频繁进行在线购物的个体具有相对较高的网络钓鱼易感性。电子邮件特征显著影响网络钓鱼受害率，其中权威性和紧急性信号会增强易感性，而风险提示有时能提高警惕性。值得注意的是，相较于政府或社交媒体来源，用户对来自Gmail和LinkedIn等通信服务的电子邮件表现出更高的易感性。这些发现凸显了针对特定人口统计学特征和电子邮件类型定制定向安全意识干预措施的必要性。结合技术与教育的多层面方法对于应对网络钓鱼攻击至关重要。