Phishing Simulator

What are some examples of phishing?

Understanding different types of phishing attempts can help you stay protected. Here are some examples.

• Fake Bank Emails: Scammers send emails pretending to be from your bank, asking for your login details or personal information.
• Social Media Scams: Fake messages from social media platforms asking you to click a link to verify your account or reset your password.
• Impersonation of Colleagues: Emails that appear to be from a coworker or boss asking for sensitive information or requesting a money transfer.
• Urgent Requests: Emails or messages that create a sense of urgency, such as saying your account will be locked unless you verify your information.

Why use phishing simulations?

Phishing training exercises help employees learn how to recognize and avoid phishing emails. Here’s why implementing phishing simulations is important for your organization:

• Improve Phishing Detection: Phishing tests help employees practice spotting fake emails with up to 92% success.
• Increase Awareness: Regular phishing simulations remind employees of the risks of phishing attacks.
• Enhance Security: By practicing with simulated phishing attacks, employees learn how to respond correctly.
• Measure Effectiveness: Phishing sims provide feedback on how well employees are detecting and handling phishing attempts.
• Boost Confidence: When employees know how to handle phishing emails, they feel more confident, which can lead to a more secure workplace.

Why would an organization benefit from phishing simulations?

Phishing simulations provide significant benefits to an organization. They reduce the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks since the employees learn in a safe environment how to defend against phishing scams.

Phishing tests also increase overall security awareness and help measure the effectiveness of existing security protocols. By regularly conducting phishing simulations, an organization can create a more secure and vigilant team, ultimately protecting themselves and their company against social engineering attacks.

Who is at risk of being phished?

Everyone with an email account is at risk of being phished, especially employees in organizations where they handle sensitive information or have access to company accounts. According to Keepnet’s latest report on voice phishing vulnerability, Customer Success departments were most vulnerable to voice phishing attacks in 2024.

What happens if an employee clicks on a simulated phishing email?

If an employee clicks on a simulated phishing email, it becomes a valuable learning opportunity. Here’s what typically happens:

• Immediate Feedback: The employee receives feedback explaining the mistake and highlighting the phishing indicators they missed.
• Training Module: The employee is directed to a training module that provides detailed information on recognizing phishing attempts.
• Awareness Improvement: This process helps the employee understand what to watch out for in the future, enhancing their ability to avoid real threats.
• Performance Tracking: The organization can track which employees need additional training and tailor future simulations accordingly.

What should be included in phishing simulation training?

Phishing simulation training should cover the following elements:

• Examples of Phishing Emails: Show real-life examples of phishing emails to help employees identify common tactics scammers use.
• Recognition Tips: Provide guidelines on recognizing phishing attempts, such as checking for suspicious email addresses, poor grammar, and unusual requests.
• Response Steps: Teach employees what to do if they suspect an email is a phishing attempt, including reporting the email to the IT department and avoiding clicking on any links or attachments.
• Regular Updates: Ensure the training materials regularly reflect the latest phishing tactics and trends.
• Interactive Exercises: Include quizzes and practical exercises to test employees’ knowledge and improve their detection skills.
• Policy Review: Remind employees of the organization's security policies and procedures regarding email and information handling.

How often should an organization conduct phishing simulations?

An organization should conduct phishing simulations regularly to maintain high-security awareness and adapt to evolving phishing tactics. The frequency can vary depending on the organization’s needs, but it is recommended to run these attack simulations at least once a month to a few times a year.

Regular phishing simulations ensure that employees stay vigilant, improve their detection skills, and remain updated on the latest phishing threats, reducing the risk of successful cyber-attacks.