The Mediating Role of Explainable AI on Phishing Susceptibility

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a double-edged sword for cybersecurity. Both cybercriminals and cybersecurity firms have taken advantages of Large Language Models (LLMs) to generate and defend attacks respectively. Although research has shown AI's impact on enhancing cybersecurity, there is limited research on the role of explainable AI (XAI) in cybersecurity. This research proposes the mediating role of XAI in AI-SETA (security education and training awareness) and phishing susceptibility. A measurement model is also proposed and tested empirically with 132 email users in the mining industry. Results show significant effects of AI-SETA and XAI on the reduction of phishing susceptibility.