How to Run an MFA Phishing Simulation: A Simple Guide for IT Professionals

Phishing attacks are becoming smarter, with hackers now targeting multi-factor authentication (MFA) systems. While MFA provides an extra layer of protection beyond passwords, attackers can trick employees into sharing both their passwords and MFA codes, giving them access to sensitive information.

Running an MFA phishing simulation helps test how well your employees recognize these threats. These simulations show where your defenses are weak and help your team learn to avoid phishing attacks.

In this blog post, we’ll explain how to run a successful MFA phishing simulation and show how Keepnet can be a useful tool to support your efforts.

What is an MFA Phishing Simulation?

An MFA phishing simulation is a test that mimics phishing attacks aimed at MFA systems. It creates realistic situations where employees are tricked into entering both their login details and MFA codes, just as in real-life attacks.

Phishing simulations help identify which employees are vulnerable and need more training. They also allow your company to better understand the tactics hackers use to bypass MFA. To learn more about phishing threats and how to protect against them, check out our blog post on phishing scam prevention.

How to Run an Effective MFA Phishing Simulation

Running an MFA phishing simulation is more than just sending out a test email—it requires careful planning to ensure it mimics real-world attacks. By following a structured approach, you can assess how well your employees recognize phishing attempts and identify any weak points in your organization’s security posture.

Below are the key steps to run an effective MFA phishing simulation that not only tests your team but also provides valuable insights to improve your defenses.

Step 1: Choose the Right Tool for Simulations

The first step is picking the right platform to run your phishing simulations. Look for a tool that allows you to create realistic phishing scenarios and track results.

For example, Keepnet’s Phishing Simulator offers various customizable templates that let you simulate different phishing attacks, including those targeting MFA. This platform provides detailed reports on how your employees respond to these attacks, making it easier to understand where improvements are needed.

Step 2: Create Realistic Phishing Scenarios

To run a meaningful simulation, you need to create phishing scenarios that look real. For MFA phishing, this could mean sending emails that look like they come from trusted services like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. Here are some tips for crafting realistic scenarios:

• Use company branding and language that matches legitimate emails.
• Direct employees to a fake MFA login page that looks like the real thing.
• Add urgency, such as “Confirm your identity now to avoid account suspension.”

Keepnet’s customizable phishing templates make it simple to set up these realistic scenarios and test how employees react to potential attacks.

Step 3: Run the Simulation

Once your scenario is ready, it’s time to run the simulated phishing campaign. Be sure to do this during regular work hours, so you get a realistic view of how employees behave. Track important data like:

• How many employees opened the email.
• How many clicked the phishing link.
• How many entered their credentials on the fake MFA page.

By running these simulations regularly, you can spot patterns in how employees interact with phishing attempts and make informed decisions about your security awareness efforts.

Step 4: Analyze Results and Train Your Team

After the simulation, review the results to see which employees were most vulnerable to the phishing attempt. Are certain teams, like finance or HR, more likely to fall for these emails? These insights are key to improving your company’s defenses.

Based on these results, you can offer targeted training to employees who need it most. Keepnet’s security awareness training links directly to the simulation results, helping you deliver customized lessons to those who need it. This approach ensures employees learn from their mistakes and become more aware of phishing tactics.

Step 5: Keep Testing and Improving

Phishing methods are always changing, so it’s important to run MFA phishing simulations regularly. Continuous testing helps employees stay alert and ensures your organization is prepared for new types of attacks.

With Keepnet, you can easily schedule ongoing simulations, track progress, and monitor improvements over time. Regular testing keeps your defenses strong and helps employees stay prepared for new threats.

Managing Human Risk in Phishing Defense

Phishing attacks often succeed because they target the human element—your employees. This makes human risk management a crucial part of your defense strategy. Keepnet’s Human Risk Management Platform helps you track how employees behave during phishing simulations, allowing you to spot those who are most at risk.

By focusing on reducing human risk, your company can better defend against phishing attacks. Learn more about how human error contributes to security breaches in our blog on the role of human error in successful cyberattacks.

Train Your Team to Recognize MFA Phishing with Keepnet

Phishing attacks that target multi-factor authentication are on the rise, and your organization needs to stay ahead. With Keepnet’s Phishing Simulator, you can create realistic phishing scenarios that train employees to recognize even the most advanced phishing tactics. Supported by Security Awareness Training and Human Risk Management, Keepnet helps you build a resilient defense against phishing attacks.

Ready to strengthen your security? Schedule a demo or sign up for a free trial of Keepnet’s Phishing Simulator today, and start protecting your organization from evolving phishing threats.