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Phishing Simulation
Definition
A phishing simulation is a controlled exercise where an organization sends fake phishing emails to its own employees to measure vulnerability and increase awareness.
A phishing simulation is a controlled security exercise where an organisation sends realistic fake phishing messages to its own employees to measure phishing resilience, identify risk groups and increase awareness. Research by KnowBe4 shows that organisations conducting regular phishing simulations reduce employee phishing click rates by 75% within 12 months.
How does a phishing simulation work?
The security team designs realistic phishing messages mimicking current threat scenarios. Messages are sent to employees without advance notice. The system measures who opens the email, who clicks the link, who enters credentials and who reports the message as suspicious. Employees who click are immediately redirected to an educational page.
Key principles
Phishing simulations should be educational, not punitive. Results are reported anonymously to management with focus on trends and improvement areas. Simulations must be repeated regularly: one-time simulations have little lasting effect. Scenario variety is essential: spear phishing, smishing, QR phishing and BEC scenarios.
Impact on organisations
Human behaviour is the weakest link in cybersecurity: 68% of all data breaches start with human action (Verizon DBIR 2024). NIS2 mandates demonstrable security training, and phishing simulations are a recognised measurement method. Cyber insurers increasingly require security awareness programmes.
Protection
Conduct phishing simulations at least quarterly with varying scenarios. Provide targeted follow-up training for employees who regularly click. Measure progress over time with KPIs such as click rate and reporting percentage.
How DEFION helps
DEFION delivers Security Awareness Masterclasses and phishing simulations as part of an ongoing awareness programme. Simulations are tailored to the organisation's specific threats and sector.