Why Phishing Simulations are the perfect training for strengthening the human firewall

According to Statista, phishing was the most prevalent type of scam in Australia in 2023, with over 108,000 cases reported. Some phishing attempts can be difficult to detect, especially since phishing is done by using unassuming emails, but generated and targeted using information found about the person or company, or by appealing to a cognitive bias.  

The risk is when an organisation’s employees, including those in leadership positions, fall victim to these cyber crimes. The potential for sensitive information, or even financial information being exposed, and funds transfer to criminals is a very real possibility.  Fortunately, there are ways to teach staff members how to detect and avoid potential phishing scams—this includes phishing simulations.

Hands-on Experience in a Controlled Environment

Phishing simulations are designed to accurately mimic phishing scams. This realistic training gives staff first-hand experience in detecting phishing emails, without the risk of loss.

Using a train, not trick and human-centered approach – the simulations are there as insurance. Employees can learn how to react when confronted with a potential phishing scam without putting themselves or their organisation in any real danger.  

Imagine being able to reel in a big fish without the risk of getting wet—phishing simulations provide that safe space to practice, and the empowered learning removes the potential shame of ‘falling for’ a scam email. Remember that many phishing attempts succeed because the intended victim feels guilty or ashamed that they clicked, downloaded or disclosed information. This gives the criminals time to sell, use the info, or continue to attack.

Focused Training and Measurable Results

Through phishing simulations, organisations can gather valuable information on how their staff handles phishing attacks.

This information helps identify weak points in the cyber security infrastructure and provides staff with targeted training to address these vulnerabilities.  

Over time, the data in our platform can measure employees’ progress and guide the structure of the next learning journey. This approach also helps pinpoint the high-risk learners or departments, ensuring everyone is prepared to ward off cyber threats by deploying microlessons in the moment, showing the learner what may need to be relearned.

Improved Vigilance from Staff Members

When employees know phishing simulations are part of their training, they become more vigilant in spotting scam emails. This is a good thing, and it doesn’t mean that the training is for nothing, or that they are anticipating it.

It means they’re less likely to open real suspicious emails and will report anything fishy to the IT department. We use Phish Focus to handle the triage of these requests, through our Phish Reporter. If they report a simulation, they get a positive message, if they report a real email, it gets triaged by Phish Focus and sent for processing. This heightened awareness means that in the event of an actual attack, your staff will be ready to handle it—even if they think it's just another simulation.

The last few years has seen QR code phishing become front and centre of scams that live inside and outside of emails. Receiving a QR code in an email may ‘break the circuit’ of the usual checks for something suspicious, especially if it’s to log back in, or to access something you may think you were waiting for. Our new QR code templates can ensure your staff can recognise the phishy signs of a QR code scam.

As staff become more vigilant about phishing emails, they gain confidence in their ability to contribute to the organisation’s security.  

Continuous Adaptation and Learning

Phishing simulations are evolving, becoming more advanced and realistic over time. With criminals getting smarter and new types of phishing attacks emerging almost daily, it’s crucial to stay in practice.

Phishing simulations offer hands-on experience in a controlled environment, provide focused training with measurable results, improve staff vigilance, and support continuous learning and adaptation. By integrating phishing simulations into your training program, you’re not just teaching your staff to avoid the bait; you’re equipping them with the skills to keep your organisation secure.

For more information on phishing awareness and simulation training, request a demo today.  

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