Phishing simulations are security exercises conducted by organisations to simulate real-world phishing attacks and assess the susceptibility of their employees to such attacks. These simulations involve sending simulated phishing emails or messages to employees, mimicking the techniques and tactics used by actual attackers. The goal is to raise awareness, educate employees, and evaluate their ability to recognise and respond to phishing attempts.
Phishing simulations typically include the following steps:
Planning: Organisations define the scope, objectives, and parameters of the phishing simulation campaign. They determine the types of phishing emails to be sent, the targeted audience, and the frequency of simulations.
Simulation creation: Simulated phishing emails are designed to mimic common phishing techniques, such as deceptive subject lines, compelling content, and disguised sender information. The emails often contain links or attachments that, when clicked or opened, direct employees to a simulated landing page or generate an alert indicating that they fell for the simulated attack.
Execution: The simulated phishing emails are sent to the selected group of employees. The organisation tracks the responses and actions taken by the recipients, such as clicking on links, opening attachments, or reporting the suspicious email.
Assessment and analysis: The organisation collects data on the effectiveness of the phishing simulation campaign. This includes metrics such as the click-through rate (CTR), the percentage of employees who fell for the simulated attack, and the overall awareness level. The results are analysed to identify areas of improvement and prioritise security awareness training.
Training and education: Based on the results of the phishing simulations, organisations provide targeted training and educational resources to employees. This includes guidance on identifying phishing red flags, safe email practices, and best practices for reporting suspicious emails or incidents.
The purpose of phishing simulations is to assess the organisation's security posture, identify vulnerabilities, and reinforce a culture of security awareness among employees. By regularly conducting these simulations, organisations can proactively enhance their employees' ability to recognise and respond to phishing attacks, reducing the risk of falling victim to real-world threats. Additionally, phishing simulations help organisations fine-tune their security controls, policies, and incident response procedures based on the observed behavior and trends during the exercises.