Phishing remains one of the most common ways organizations get breached. Not because employees are “careless,” but because attackers continuously refine their tactics around timing, context, and human behavior. That is exactly why phishing simulations are a powerful part of a security awareness program—when used correctly.
Quick takeaways
- Use simulations as learning moments, not a blame mechanism.
- Measure not just clicks, but reporting behavior and learning outcomes.
- Vary topics, difficulty, timing, audience, and channels.
- Follow up with short feedback and microlearning.
Why simulations are more than “click rates”
Many organizations run a test and focus on a single metric: the click rate. It is understandable, but it is rarely the best indicator of safety. The goal is not “zero clicks.” The goal is that employees recognize doubt, take the right actions, and report quickly when something goes wrong.
Strong programs therefore optimize for:
- Willingness to report (do people report suspicious messages?)
- Speed of reporting (how quickly is it reported?)
- Recovery behavior (what happens after a mistake?)
- Improvement over time (do trends move in the right direction?)
The best approach: 6 building blocks
1) Realistic scenarios that match your organization
Simulations work best when employees think: “this could actually happen.” Use scenarios like invoice/payment requests, HR updates, “missed delivery,” MFA reset prompts, Teams/SharePoint notifications, or a manager asking “urgent” actions. Match scenarios to your sector and workflows.
2) Audience segmentation
Risk is not equal across roles. Reception, finance, HR, IT, and leadership face different attack patterns. Segmentation increases relevance and reduces “awareness fatigue.”
3) Transparent communication and psychological safety
Simulations backfire when people experience them as traps. Explain the purpose (learning), avoid naming & shaming, and make it clear that reporting is valued more than perfection.
4) Immediate, short feedback
The best learning happens right after the action. After a click, show the missed signals (sender, urgency, language, link domain). Keep it short: 30–90 seconds is often enough.
5) Smart follow-up with microlearning
Use short modules (2–5 minutes) and reminders instead of long obligations. Reinforce core habits: check the sender, avoid unknown links, report doubt, use MFA, verify payment requests by phone.
6) Reporting that enables steering
Reporting turns “testing” into “improving.” Track by audience, scenario, and time. Share insights with management: what is improving, where support is needed, and which teams require targeted interventions.
What solution types exist?
- Standalone phishing tools: strong simulation features, sometimes weaker integration with training and culture.
- Awareness platforms with phishing modules: simulations, learning, and reporting in one place; easier to build rhythm.
- Custom + guidance: most effective when culture and leadership involvement are included.
FAQ
How often should you run simulations?
Use a rhythm. For example: a short campaign every month and a more challenging scenario once per quarter. Consistency and follow-up matter more than raw frequency.
Should you warn employees?
You don’t need to say when, but do explain why. Make it a learning practice and encourage reporting.
Conclusion
The best phishing simulation solutions combine realistic scenarios, segmentation, psychological safety, fast feedback, and reporting that supports improvement. Done right, simulations become a learning tool that measurably increases resilience.