How Phishing Simulations Work
The ideal phishing simulation resembles a real-world cyber-attack. The email template and landing page should be realistic and credible. It can include an endless set of common corporate email themes such as password reset, HR communications, and bank details. It should encourage employees to open email attachments and click on links.
Cybercriminals often change the content and look of phishing emails so it is recommended that companies continue this practice at regular intervals. Varying the themes of simulated phishing emails to include special holidays, COVID-related information, or company-sponsored events is also a recommended training strategy.
When choosing the right tool to help you run phishing simulations, consider the importance of having suitable templates that match every department of your company. Attackers do their best to personalize the emails they will send to an organization.
Incorporating a product that automates this process can make your job easier. Providers that offer easy customization and a library of existing simulated phishing emails and landing pages will help your team increase efficiency and eliminate time-consuming tasks.
Benefits of Phishing Simulations
Successful phishing simulations identify the following:
- Which employees opened the email.
- Which employees clicked the link.
- Which employees reported the suspicious email to a supervisor.
This information can be used by IT and infosec teams to further educate employees. Running phishing simulation campaigns can improve the cyber behaviors of employees in the long run and make the employee a key element in the organization’s cyber defense strategy.
By training your employees to recognize phishing emails, your organization will be in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation and the Personal Data Protection Commission. Your customers will also have the confidence to know that their private data is protected.
Phishing Simulations campaigns and cybersecurity training are complementary strategies that work together to keep your workforce aware and protected against cyber threats.