## 4 Discussion  
It is essential to synthesize the findings from the literature review and contextualize them within the broader landscape of cybersecurity research. The results indicate that user susceptibility to phishing emails is influenced by a complex interplay of demographic,  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l l} \hline \hline
**Year** & **Studies per Year** \\ \hline
2015 & 6 \\
2016 & 1 \\
2017 & 2 \\
2018 & 4 \\
2019 & 2 \\
2020 & 6 \\
2021 & 0 \\
2022 & 2 \\
2023 & 3 \\
2024 & 1 \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 4: Studies per Year.  
psychological, and behavioral factors. Previous research implies that these factors play a key role in phishing email susceptibility; however, they have not been investigated in depth. By addressing our first research question (**How do demographic factors such as age, gender, educational background, and technical skills influence susceptibility to phishing attacks across different industries?**), we aim to explore the multifaceted impact of various demographic and technical factors on phishing susceptibility.  
Several studies, including [27; 35; 37; 39; 40; 44; 45], appear to address our first research question. However, important considerations remain. For instance, these studies often utilize relatively small sample sizes (ranging from 50 to 150 participants), which may limit the generalization of their findings regarding the influence of demographics and educational background on susceptibility to phishing emails.  
Moreover, the methods employed across studies lack consistency, including approaches such as questionnaires, phishing simulations, and phishing training platforms. For instance, the systematic literature review reveals diverse methodologies: a web-based user study comparing legitimate and phishing web pages [29], experimental tasks [34], the Phishing Email Suspicion Test (PEST) [39], and controlled experimental tasks [40].  
It is important to highlight the implications of psychological traits that influence phishing susceptibility. Insights into how emotions, trust, and cognitive biases shape user's behavior can guide the development of more effective training programs. For example, integrating strategies to manage emotional responses and enhance critical thinking skills could better equip users to identify and resist phishing attempts. Furthermore, promoting a culture of skepticism and encouraging verification of unexpected communications can significantly strengthen resilience against such attacks.  
Taking all of the above into consideration, we address our second research question: **What psychological, behavioral, and contextual factors contribute to users' susceptibility to phishing emails?** While numerous aspects of phishing have been examined, a comprehensive synthesis of these contributing factors has yet to be conducted. Although the review has provided valuable insights, gaps remain in understanding how psychological, behavioral, and contextual factors interact and influence susceptibility across various contexts.  
Therefore, the aim of this review is to assess users' susceptibility to phishing emails. The primary objectives are the following:  
* **Map the existing literature;**
* **Summarize key findings and insights;**
* **Identify research gaps to guide the field.** This approach will help us explore and address our research questions by providing a deeper understanding of the factors that influence user susceptibility to phishing emails. By synthesizing existing knowledge and identifying gaps, we can generate insights that contribute to both academic research and practical interventions in cybersecurity.