Research report · 2025

Security Awareness Benchmark Netherlands 2025

Based on anonymised platform data from Dutch organizations that used 2LRN4 in 2024. Phishing click rate, training completion and NIS2 readiness — measured at the start and after 12 months.

Data: 2024 · Scope: Netherlands · Method: anonymised aggregation via 2LRN4 platform · License: CC BY 4.0

Key findings

18%
Average phishing click rate at start
6%
Click rate after 12 months structured program
89%
Training completion (industry average: 54%)
−67%
Reduction in click rate after full program

Interpretation: Organizations that combine phishing simulations with e-learning and clear management communication achieve a click rate well below 10% after 12 months — the threshold typically applied in NIS2 audits.

Phishing click rate by sector

Sector At start After 12 months Improvement
Healthcare 24% 8% −67%
Education 22% 7% −68%
Government 19% 6% −68%
Industry 17% 5% −71%
Financial 14% 4% −71%

Most dangerous phishing types

Percentage of employees who clicked on the first simulation of this type.

CEO fraud / Business Email Compromise 47%
Invoice phishing (fake supplier) 38%
IT helpdesk (password reset) 35%
Parcel delivery (DHL) 31%
Spear phishing with personal info 29%

NIS2 readiness: before and after

Average score at start
7/16
44% readiness
Average score after 12 months
13/16
81% readiness
Most improved areas
  • Demonstrable board training (art. 20)
  • Employee phishing awareness (art. 21)
  • Audit evidence and reporting
Methodology

Data collected via the 2LRN4 platform during calendar year 2024. Anonymised and aggregated across participating organizations in the Netherlands. Phishing click rate: percentage of unique employees who clicked on a simulated phishing email. Training completion: percentage of started e-learning modules that were fully completed. NIS2 readiness: score on the 2LRN4 readiness check (16 criteria based on art. 20 and 21 of the NIS2 Directive). License: CC BY 4.0 — free to cite with attribution.

Download the full benchmark as PDF

Including sector comparison, NIS2 analysis and recommendations per organization size. Free to use with attribution.

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