How Phishing Security Tests Work to Reduce Human Risk

Cybercriminals are relentless. In 2024, they blasted out over 3.4 billion phishing emails daily, causing billions in losses. And guess what? 90% of data breaches are still due to human error (Verizon DBIR 2023). A UK healthcare firm learned this the hard way in 2023 when an employee fell for a phishing email, exposing patient data and racking up fines.

Phishing security tests are the ultimate practice run for your employees, helping them spot scams before it’s too late. And when it comes to realistic phishing simulations, Keepnet is in a league of its own. Their tools are smart, customizable, and so user-friendly that training your team feels less like a chore and more like preparing for battle. Stay tuned—we’ll show you how they work!

What is Phishing Security Tests?

Phishing security tests are important exercises that prepare employees to identify and prevent phishing attacks - fraudulent emails, texts, or calls aiming to steal information. By using phishing simulation tools like Keepnet Labs' Phishing Simulator, organizations simulate real-life phishing emails in a safe environment. This hands-on approach allows employees to experience phishing attacks firsthand, teaching them to spot, report and prevent phishing threats.

The results from these simulation tests give companies insight into areas where their defenses might be weak and where further security awareness training is needed. Conducting these simulation tests regularly not only improves employees' skills in recognizing phishing attempts but also strengthens an organization's overall cybersecurity measures. It's a must to do step in protecting your organization’s data against phishing cyber attacks.

How Phishing Security Tests Work

Phishing security tests are like a dress rehearsal for a cyberattack—but don’t worry, no one actually gets hacked. Here’s how they work: You send out fake phishing emails to your employees, sit back, and watch what happens. Did they take the bait? Did they report the email? Or did they just shrug and ignore it? The idea is to test their reflexes before a real cybercriminal shows up.

Step 1: Plan the "Attack"

First, you set the stage. With Keepnet Labs, you can choose from over 1,200 realistic email templates, updated daily to mimic the latest phishing tricks. Want to simulate a fake invoice scam? Done. A CEO impersonation email? Easy. You can even customize these emails with your employees’ names or roles to make them extra convincing (and a little sneaky).

Step 2: Send the Bait

Once your phishing emails are ready, it’s time to send them out. Keepnet makes this part a breeze with seamless integrations like Microsoft 365, so everything feels legit to your employees. (Well, as legit as a fake email can feel.)

Step 3: Track What Happens

Here’s where the magic happens. Keepnet tracks who clicks, who submits sensitive info, and—best of all—who actually reports the email. They even calculate something called a Phishing Risk Score, so you know exactly which areas (or employees) need more training.

Step 4: Learn and Improve

Finally, the results roll in, and it’s time to analyze. Keepnet’s reporting tools break everything down for you—think of it as a scoreboard for your employees’ phishing reflexes. Spot your high-risk areas, tailor your training, and repeat the process until your team is as sharp as a cybersecurity ninja.

And the best part? Keepnet goes beyond just email. Keepnet’s got phishing simulations for smishing, vishing, and QR code phishing and even MFA phishing. Because let’s face it, cybercriminals are getting creative, so your defenses need to keep up.

Now, that’s how phishing security tests actually work—and why Keepnet makes them smarter, easier, and way more effective.

Key Components of Phishing Security Tests

Let’s break down the magic behind phishing security tests—because sending fake emails isn’t just fun, it’s a science. And with Keepnet, it’s practically an art form. From crafting sneaky emails to simulating advanced threats, here’s how the key components work (and why we do it better than anyone else).

1. Phishing Email Templates: Ready to Fool, Built to Teach

Imagine you're a cybercriminal (don’t worry, we won’t judge). What’s your weapon of choice? A fake login page? A “You’ve won a free iPad” email? Or a “pretend I’m the CEO” scheme?

With Keepnet’s Phishing Simulator, you can choose from over 1,200 realistic phishing email templates, including:

• Credential Harvesting Emails: "Click here to secure your account (and accidentally hand over your password)."
• Malware Attachments: Because nothing says "bad day" like opening a virus-packed invoice.
• CEO Impersonation: "Hey, it's me, your boss. I need you to send me gift cards ASAP."

Not only are these templates realistic, but they’re fully customizable. You can tweak them to mimic real-world threats, adjust to your industry, or even make them hilariously specific (go ahead, add your CFO’s name). And yes, they’re updated daily—because scammers don’t sleep, and neither do we.

👉 Try out Keepnet's Phishing Simulator

2. Localization and Personalization: Fool Them Where They Live

You know what screams "fake email"? Sending someone in Germany an email in English asking for their “social security number.” That’s why Keepnet takes localization and personalization seriously.

• Localization: Our phishing tests adapt to regional languages, cultural nuances, and even local scams. (Ever heard of a “fake parking ticket” email in Europe? Yeah, we’ve got that.)
• Dynamic Fields: Want to make an email super convincing? Add the employee’s name, department, or even their boss's name. Nothing says “trust me” like an email that knows too much about you.

Bottom line: Keepnet doesn’t do generic. We make phishing tests creepily accurate so employees learn to spot even the most believable scams.

👉 Want security training as tailored as our emails? Check this out: Security Awareness Training.

3. Difficulty Levels: Baby Steps to Phishing Ninja

Everyone’s at a different level when it comes to spotting phishing emails. That’s why Keepnet lets you scale the difficulty to match your team’s skills—or lack thereof.

• Beginner Level: Easy-to-spot scams like “Your package is delayed!” (with a link to a very fake shipping site).
• Advanced Level: Sneaky attacks like subtle domain spoofing (e.g., amaz0n.com) or convincing fake invoices.
• Expert Mode: Think multi-factor authentication (MFA) phishing or QR code phishing—because cybercriminals love to get creative.

The goal? Gradual improvement. Let your team master the basics before throwing the tough stuff at them. With Keepnet Human Risk Management, it’s like leveling up in a game, but the stakes are your company’s security.

4. Using Best Phishing Simulators

Here’s what makes Keepnet the superhero of phishing tests:

• Go Beyond Emails: Sure, phishing emails are a classic, but we also simulate smishing (SMS phishing), vishing (voice phishing), and even QR code attacks. Basically, if cybercriminals can dream it, we can simulate it.
• Ridiculously Detailed Reporting: Metrics like Human Risk Scores and Industry Benchmarks mean you’ll know exactly where your team stands and how to improve.
• Security Culture, Simplified: From training libraries to SMS-based training assignments, Keepnet doesn’t just test employees—it trains them to think like cybersecurity pros.

With Keepnet, you’re not just running phishing tests—you’re building a stronger, more secure workforce. And hey, it’s not every day that “tricking your employees” turns into a good thing!

Benefits of Phishing Security Tests

Let’s face it: your employees are your greatest asset—but they’re also your first line of defense against phishing attacks (and sometimes, the weakest link). That’s why phishing security tests are so important. But not just any tests—Keepnet’s phishing simulations take it to a whole new level. Here’s why Keepnet is a game-changer:

1. Reduction in Human Risk (a.k.a. Fewer "Oops" Moments)

With Keepnet, your team learns to spot phishing emails like pros. Our phishing program is designed to not only catch mistakes but also drive secure behavior changes. Before you know it, your employees will be reporting suspicious emails faster than they can hit “reply” to the CEO impersonator asking for gift cards. Bonus? Keepnet can help reduce your phishing risk score by up to 92%, leaving you leagues ahead of your industry average.

2. Improved Awareness (Say Goodbye to Click-Happy Employees)

Regular phishing simulations with Keepnet do more than just test employees—they train them. By sending behavior-based training that targets specific weaknesses, Keepnet makes learning stick. Whether it’s teaching Jane in accounting to double-check URLs or helping Bob in IT to stop downloading mysterious PDFs, our program fosters a culture of vigilance. Oh, and did we mention 100% engagement rates? Yeah, Keepnet is that good.

3. Build a Security Culture

The ultimate goal? Turn every employee into a mini cybersecurity expert. Regular phishing simulations teach your team to pause, think, and not click. Plus, Keepnet’s behavior-based training adapts to individual weaknesses, so everyone learns exactly what they need to improve.

4. Regulatory Compliance (Because Nobody Likes Fines)

Nobody wants to deal with GDPR or HIPAA penalties. With Keepnet, you’ll have the tools to prove you’re not only training your team but doing it well. Our Phishing Executive Reports deliver detailed metrics (like Phishing Risk Scores and behavioral improvements), making compliance a breeze. Impress regulators and your board—double win!

5. Quick and Hassle-Free Campaigns (Phishing Made Simple)

Forget long setups and endless configurations. With Keepnet, you can launch phishing campaigns in under a minute—no whitelisting required. Saving you time? About 90%, to be exact. That’s more time to focus on the bigger picture while our tools do the heavy lifting.

How Does the Phishing Security Test Work?

A phishing security test is a controlled exercise designed to assess how well employees can identify and respond to simulated phishing attempts, mirroring the tactics used by cybercriminals. This process involves several steps to ensure the test is both effective and educational.

Step 1: Planning and Design

The test begins with careful planning, where cybersecurity experts select the type of phishing attack to simulate. This could range from email phishing, smishing (SMS phishing), vishing (voice phishing), quishing (QR code phishing), Callback (TOAD phishing), to MFA phishing. The simulation is designed to be as realistic as possible without causing actual harm, ensuring it provides a genuine learning experience.

Step 2: Execution

Once the phishing scenario is crafted, it's launched to target the organization's employees. These simulated attacks are sent out without prior warning to mimic the unexpected nature of real phishing attempts. The goal is to see how employees react—whether they recognize the phishing attempt, ignore it, report it, or fall for it.

Step 3: Monitoring and Data Collection

Throughout the test, cybersecurity teams monitor engagement with the phishing attempt and collect data on how individuals respond. This includes tracking who opened the email, clicked on any links, submitted information, or reported the phishing attempt.

Step 4: Analysis and Feedback

After the test concludes, the cybersecurity team analyzes the data to identify patterns, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This analysis helps in understanding the current level of phishing awareness among employees.

Step 5: Education and Training

The final step involves providing feedback and education to the employees. Those who fell for the phishing test are usually offered additional training to better recognize and respond to future simulation phishing attempts.

Want the full play-by-play on running phishing simulations? We’ve already covered it on our blog on How to Run Phishing Simulations step-by-step. Check it out .

Which Types of Phishing Attacks Can Phishing Security Tests Prevent?

Phishing security tests are your ultimate defense against a wide variety of phishing attacks. With Keepnet Labs, these simulations cover every sneaky trick cybercriminals use to fool your employees. Let’s dive into the specific types of attacks they help prevent:

There are several types of phishing techniques that cybercriminals use to trick people and steal sensitive information. Also, the following phishing types are used in phishing security testing.

Some of the most common types of phishing that people should be aware of are:

• Email Phishing: The most common form, where attackers send phishing emails designed to look like they're from reputable sources to trick individuals into revealing personal information.
• Vishing (Voice Phishing): Here, scammers use phone calls to steal personal and financial information. They often pose as representatives from banks or government agencies to appear legitimate.
• Smishing (SMS Phishing): Similar to email phishing, but carried out through SMS texts. These messages often contain malicious links or request personal details.
• Quishing (QR Code Phishing): A newer method where attackers use QR codes to direct victims to phishing websites. Unsuspecting users might scan these codes, thinking they are legitimate.
• Spear Phishing: Spear phishing attack targets specific individuals or organisations. The hackers spend time gathering personal details about their targets to make their fraudulent communications more convincing.
• Whaling: A form of spear phishing, but aimed at high-profile targets like CEOs or other senior executives. The goal is often to steal large sums of money or sensitive company information.
• Callback Phishing (Telephone Oriented Attack Delivery): This involves scammers leaving a message or sending suspicious emails that prompts the recipient to call back. When the victim calls the provided number, they are led to believe they are communicating with a legitimate entity and are tricked into providing sensitive information or making payments.
• Credential Harvesting Emails: Hackers lure employees to fake login pages to steal usernames and passwords. Keepnet’s simulations mimic these attacks so your team learns to spot them before it’s too late.
• Malware-Laden Attachments: From fake invoices to innocent-looking PDFs, malware can sneak into your systems with just one click. Keepnet tests employees’ ability to recognize and avoid these dangerous traps.
• CEO Impersonation (a.k.a. Business Email Compromise): “Send me those gift cards now!” Scammers pretend to be high-level executives, pushing employees to act quickly. Keepnet’s impersonation simulations help train employees to double-check suspicious requests.

Watch the following Youtube video and understand the details types of phishing threats and how to avoid them.

Why Should You Use Phishing Security Test?

Phishing security tests serve several important purposes for any organization. Firstly, they assist in determining who is most likely to fall victim to a phishing attack. This provides valuable information for tailoring security awareness training to the weaknesses of higher-risk employees.

Secondly, these exercises keep cybersecurity at the forefront of everyone's minds and encourage people to reconsider risky behaviors. The tests are more engaging than traditional training alone because they simulate actual attacks and prompt employees to reflect on habits that may leave them vulnerable to manipulation.

Thirdly, phishing tests serve as key indicators of incident response effectiveness, evaluating how plans would perform in a real-world data breach scenario. Organizations can examine response times and coordination, both of which are critical in the event of an actual incident. These tests aid in identifying and filling gaps in incident response strategies before real problems arise.

Fourthly, the tests uncover potential technical weaknesses within an organization's systems. Analyzing how employees respond offers security teams useful insights, highlighting technical flaws or areas where defenses may need strengthening.

Finally, running phishing tests demonstrates a commitment to security, which is becoming increasingly important when selecting vendors or keeping customers. Organizations that actively participate not only reinforce a strong internal security culture but also provide tangible proof of employee training and security protocols to external partners. This provides important third-party validation of a company's cybersecurity posture.

Use Keepnet Free Phishing Tests

Not all phishing attacks are created equal, and neither are phishing tests. That’s why Keepnet Labs offers Free Phishing Tests to help you tackle a wide range of phishing threats, from classic email scams to advanced voice and QR code attacks.

Use Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform to protect against phishing attacks with social engineering simulation tools and security awareness training. By using the simulation tools like Phishing, Smishing, Callback, Vishing, Quishing, and MFA Phishing Simulation you can train your employees to recognize and respond to sophisticated phishing threats effectively. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to social engineering attacks.

With Keepnet, you’re not just testing your team—you’re building a cybersecurity culture that sticks. Our free phishing tests are fast, easy, and packed with insights to help you:

• Identify weak points in your defense.
• Educate employees on real-world phishing scenarios.
• Reduce your phishing risk score by up to 92%.

Watch our product demo video on YouTube to learn more about Keepnet Labs’ products and their features and capabilities.

Editor's Note: This blog was updated on December 29, 2024.