Why Phishing Test For Employees Is Important | MetaCompliance

What Is a Phishing Test?

A phishing test, also known as a phishing simulation, is a controlled exercise used to measure how susceptible employees are to phishing attacks. Organisations send realistic, safe phishing emails to test staff awareness and reactions.

When employees click on a simulated phish, they are immediately presented with a learning opportunity. This helps them recognise phishing signs and encourages reporting of suspicious emails. Organisations can then identify weak points, tailor training to specific needs, and track improvements over time.

How to Run an Effective Phishing Test

Establish a Baseline

Before launching your phishing awareness programme, determine your organisation’s current vulnerability to phishing. You can choose to inform staff in advance or run a surprise test. The latter provides a more accurate picture of real-world susceptibility. The baseline results serve as a benchmark for future simulations.

Plan Your Phishing Test

Start small with easy-to-spot phishing emails containing generic greetings, spelling errors, and poor grammar. Gradually increase difficulty to reflect real-world threats. Train employees on recognising suspicious emails and reporting procedures before launching the campaign.

Stagger the Test

Avoid sending phishing emails to all staff at once. Staggering the release prevents skewed results and ensures more accurate insights into employee behaviour.

Include Senior Executives

CEOs, CFOs, and senior executives are often high-value phishing targets. Including them demonstrates leadership commitment and sets a good example for the wider workforce.

Use a Variety of Methods

Simulations should reflect different phishing scenarios employees might face, including external and internal impersonations, such as HR or payroll notifications. Mixing styles and techniques helps measure awareness more accurately.

Analyse the Data

Review metrics such as:

  • Number of people who clicked links.
  • Number who submitted sensitive information.
  • Number who reported phishing emails.

Over time, you should see fewer clicks and more reporting. Staff who click or submit information should receive additional training, while those demonstrating strong security behaviours should be recognised.

Integrate Phishing Tests Into a Wider Security Programme

Phishing tests are most effective as part of a broader cyber security awareness programme. Complement simulations with eLearning, blogs, posters, and infographics to reinforce key messages and improve security culture organisation-wide.

Explore MetaCompliance’s HRM and Phishing Test Solutions

Regular phishing tests build vigilance, strengthen awareness, and identify weaknesses that could compromise organisational security. For more insights, read our detailed article Phishing Test for Employees – Why it’s Important, which explains how phishing simulations empower staff and protect your organisation.

Explore our comprehensive suite of solutions designed to protect your organisation, reduce human risk, and enhance cyber resilience. Our Human Risk Management Platform includes:

To see how these solutions can strengthen your organisation’s security posture, contact us today to book a demo.

FAQs about Phishing Tests

What is a phishing test?

A phishing test is a controlled simulation to measure how employees respond to phishing emails.