Phishing is one of the most common and successful tactics used by cybercriminals, responsible for a significant number of global data breaches (one single email once lost Facebook and Google $100 million). These deceptive emails fool even the smartest internet users, compromising sensitive company information in mere seconds.
So what’s the best defense against this huge cybersecurity risk? The answer is simple: preparation. This guide walks you through how to run a safe and effective mock phishing attack to safeguard your team against real threats.
Why Run a Mock Phishing Test?
Implementing a mock phishing test is a powerful way to strengthen your organization’s cybersecurity posture. By simulating real-world attacks, you gain firsthand insight into how your employees respond and expose vulnerabilities that could lead to costly breaches. Isn’t it better to discover these gaps during a controlled simulation rather than after a real attack?
Plus, mock tests serve as great hands-on learning. Your employees will develop critical skills to spot suspicious emails and links, and if you consistently perform assessments, you’ll reinforce a vigilant cybersecurity culture.
With each exercise, you can measure progress through clear metrics, using the results to guide future training and sharpen your team’s instincts against threats.
How to Reduce Cybersecurity Risk With Mock Phishing Attacks
To maximize the effectiveness of your phishing test, follow these clear steps:
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Decide what employee behaviors you want to evaluate. Clear objectives will shape your simulation and help measure its success. For instance, are you testing:
- If recipients click on suspicious links?
- If they download potentially harmful attachments?
- Will they attempt to enter credentials on fake login pages?
Step 2: Get Leadership Buy-In and Notify IT
Phishing tests impact everyone, so it’s crucial to have leadership’s support. Informing your IT team is equally important to avoid accidental disruption or confusion with legitimate cybersecurity risks or incidents.
Step 3: Choose or Create Realistic Phishing Scenarios
Base your mock emails on tactics used by actual cybercriminals. Common bait includes:
- Password reset requests
- Invoice alerts
- Package delivery updates
- Urgent HR notices
Be creative and develop phishing tests that mimic real-world scenarios your employees may encounter. The more believable the scenario, the more effective the test.
Step 4: Use a Trusted Phishing Simulation Platform
Select a reliable platform to ensure the accuracy and safety of your test. Popular tools include KnowBe4, Cofense, and Microsoft Defender for Office 365.
Step 5: Launch the Campaign
Send the phishing emails to your test group and monitor their reactions. Will they click the links, report the emails, or spot the cybersecurity risk right away?
Step 6: Analyze the Results
Use platform-generated reports to examine employee behaviors. Who clicked the link? Who reported it? Were some teams better at detection than others? Are there any patterns or trends that can be identified?
Step 7: Follow Up With Training and Feedback
Share the results positively and constructively. Offer targeted training sessions to reinforce lessons and equip employees with techniques to stay vigilant going forward.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
To ensure your phishing test is a success, watch out for these common mistakes:
- Running tests without IT involvement. Failing to loop in IT can create confusion or trigger unnecessary alarms.
- Using unrealistic phishing templates. If the emails don’t mimic authentic cybersecurity risks, employees won’t take the training seriously.
- Failing to follow up with proper education. Without training or feedback, employees won’t improve, and the mock test becomes a wasted opportunity.
Partner With Simple Systems for Cybersecurity Expertise
Mock phishing tests are an excellent starting point, but tackling cybersecurity risks requires ongoing effort and expert support.
At Simple Systems, we specialize in helping businesses protect their digital assets with top-tier cybersecurity services. From firewalls and spam filters to ongoing threat monitoring, we’ve got you covered.
Learn more about how our managed IT solutions can safeguard your business while fostering a culture of proactive cybersecurity.
