How to Run Phishing Simulations: A Step-by-Step Guide

Did you know phishing attacks accounted for over 36% of all data breaches worldwide, according to the Verizon DBIR report. Despite advancements in technology, cybercriminals are evolving their tactics, making employee training and awareness critical. Phishing simulations are one of the most effective ways to empower your workforce to identify and combat these threats.

In this pillar blog, we’ll guide you through the essentials of running phishing simulations and explore various types, including email phishing, QR phishing, SMS phishing, voice phishing, MFA phishing, and callback phishing simulations.

What Are Phishing Simulations?

Phishing simulations are controlled, real-world scenarios designed to mimic phishing attacks. These campaigns are used to test and train employees in recognizing phishing attempts. Organizations can assess vulnerabilities, raise awareness, and reduce their overall risk profile.

Benefits of Phishing Simulations

1. Identify Weak Spots in Your Security Posture

Simulations reveal which employees or departments are most vulnerable, allowing you to tailor your training efforts.

2. Increase Employee Awareness

Repeated exposure to simulated phishing emails, QR codes, or SMS messages helps employees recognize and respond to real threats.

3. Reduce Risk of Data Breaches

By proactively addressing vulnerabilities, phishing simulations can significantly reduce the risk of successful attacks.

Types of Phishing Simulations

Email Phishing Simulation

Email phishing is one of the most prevalent cyberattack methods, involving deceptive emails designed to steal credentials, install malware, or manipulate recipients into taking harmful actions. Phishing simulations help employees recognize these threats by examining suspicious links, attachments, and sender information.

How to Launch Email Phishing Simulator:

• Leverage tools like the Phishing Simulator.
• Design scenarios that mimic real-world phishing attempts relevant to your organization.
• Analyze results with metrics such as click-through rates and report rates to measure employee performance.

For a detailed step-by-step guide, check out: How to Run an Email Phishing Simulation.

Also, watch the YouTube video below to learn how to create an email phishing campaign.

QR Code Phishing Simulation (Quishing)

Quishing leverages malicious QR codes to trick users into visiting fraudulent websites or downloading malware. These codes are often embedded in posters, emails, or other physical and digital materials, making them harder to detect.

How to Launch QR Code Phishing Simulation:

• Use the Keepnet Quishing Simulator to design realistic scenarios.
• Test employee reactions by placing QR codes in different formats, such as posters or email attachments.
• Analyze user interactions to identify vulnerabilities and provide targeted training.

Discover more in our guide: How to Launch a QR Code Phishing Simulation.

Watch the Keepnet video tutorial on YouTube and learn how to start a quishing campaign for your organization.

SMS Phishing Simulation (Smishing)

Smishing leverages text messages to deceive users into sharing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.

How to Launch SMS Phishing Simulation:

Use the Smishing Simulator.

Send fake SMS messages mimicking real-world phishing attempts.

Measure response rates and provide feedback to employees.

Discover more in our guide: How to Launch an SMS Phishing Simulation.

Also, watch this Youtube video to learn how to start your Smishing test campaign.

Voice Phishing Simulation (Vishing)

Vishing involves cybercriminals making fraudulent phone calls to deceive individuals into sharing sensitive information by impersonating trusted entities. This tactic often relies on urgency and psychological manipulation to catch employees off guard.

How to Launch:

Use the Vishing Simulation Tool to replicate realistic vishing scenarios.

Design scripted calls that mimic common vishing tactics used in real-world attacks.

Train employees to identify warning signs, such as urgency or requests for confidential information, and respond appropriately.

For a complete guide, visit: How to Run a Voice Phishing Simulation for Your Organization.

Watch the video below to see how you can run a vishing simulation campaign:

MFA Phishing Simulation

MFA phishing targets vulnerabilities in multi-factor authentication systems, exploiting methods like fake push notifications or intercepted codes to gain unauthorized access. Simulating such attacks helps employees recognize and respond to these sophisticated tactics.

How to Launch:

• Use the MFA Phishing Simulator to create realistic attack scenarios.
• Simulate common MFA phishing techniques, such as fake authentication prompts or credential harvesting pages.
• Monitor user responses to understand weaknesses and provide focused training.

Learn more with our step-by-step guide: How to Run an MFA Phishing Simulation.

Also, watch the Youtube video below and learn how to start an MFA Phishing Simulation:

Callback Phishing Simulation

Callback phishing (or reverse phishing) involves tricking employees into calling a fake support line.

How to Launch Callback Phishing Simulation:

• Use the Callback Phishing Simulator.
• Set up fake customer service scenarios targeting employees.
• Measure how they handle suspicious requests during the call.

Check out How to Run a Callback Voice Phishing Test for a detailed step-by-step guide.

Also, watch the Yotube video below to learn how to start a callback voice phishing simulation campaign.

Best Practices for Running Phishing Simulations

1. Tailor Simulations to Your Business Needs

Choose phishing scenarios that align with your organization's risks and industry trends.

2. Use Realistic Scenarios

Authenticity increases the effectiveness of the simulation, helping employees relate the experience to potential real-world attacks.

3. Incorporate Training Post-Simulation

Follow up with immediate feedback and targeted training based on the results of your simulations.

4. Leverage Data Insights

Use platforms like the Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform to analyze results and benchmark performance.

Why Choose Keepnet for Phishing Simulations?

Phishing simulations are an indispensable part of a modern cybersecurity strategy. By testing and training your employees across various attack vectors like email phishing, quishing, smishing, vishing, MFA phishing, and callback phishing, you can build a more resilient organization.

At Keepnet, we provide comprehensive tools for running phishing simulations that cover all major attack vectors. Our Phishing Simulator, QR Code Simulator, and Smishing Simulator, Vishing Simulator, Callback Phishing Simulator are designed to help organizations reduce risk, enhance awareness, and measure performance effectively.

Start protecting your organization today with Keepnet’s suite of phishing simulation tools.