THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE ASSESSMENT
The Cognitive Security Assessment is built on cutting-edge research in psychometrics, behavioral psychology, and cyberpsychology. It applies validated principles from these fields to evaluate how individuals process information, regulate emotions, and resist online manipulation. Drawing from the science of social engineering, cognitive biases, and emotional regulation, this assessment measures both conscious and unconscious vulnerabilities that hackers, scammers, and manipulative digital platforms exploit. By assessing factors like critical thinking, susceptibility to groupthink, and emotional impulsivity, it reveals how well individuals can navigate digital environments while staying in control of their decisions and emotional responses.
The Cognitive Security Assessment™ Metrics
This wheel breaks down cognitive security into 8 parameters upon which the assessment takes place.
Self-esteem & External Validation
Impact, need and influence of external validation on self-esteem, self representation and identity, affecting decision-making.
Cognitive Distraction & Digital Overload
The ability to manage cognitive overload and reduce digital fatigue from continuous interaction with information-heavy environments
Digital Environment Control & Escapism
Individual’s tendency to use virtual environments as a means of escapism and belief in their ability to recognize and manage threats to their cognitive security (e.g., misinformation, social engineering)
Critical Thinking & Information Processing
Measures the individual's ability to evaluate and process information objectively, especially when faced with misinformation, bias, or digital manipulation.
Self Efficacy & Decision-Making Autonomy
The ability to maintain personal autonomy over decision-making in the face of nudging or digital/external persuasion
Virtual Socialization & Relational Patterns
Assesses the individual’s reliance on virtual relationships and how this impacts their real-life connections and relational skills.
Emotional Regulation in Triggering Situations
Assesses the ability to recognize and regulate emotional reactions to online stimuli, especially emotionally charged or manipulative content designed to provoke responses.
Resistance to Social Influence & Pressure
Evaluates individual’s ability to resist social engineering tactics, groupthink, and online manipulation strategies, including their awareness of peer pressure and urgency manipulation.
