How to Execute a Successful Phishing Simulation Campaign: Essential Steps

Why Simulated Phishing Campaigns Are Important

Conducting simulated phishing campaigns using specialized phishing simulation software is an effective method to educate employees in recognizing deceitful messages, contributing to the fight against phishing. Email-based phishing remains a primary cause of stolen login credentials and an effective method for infiltrating IT networks with ransomware. Successfully executing these phishing simulation campaigns involves strategic planning, clear communication, and thorough analysis. Phishing ranks among the top two most popular and effective techniques used by cybercriminals to infiltrate corporate networks. Its success stems from cybercriminals’ ability to conceal malicious content to evade security tools, as well as its manipulation of employees, turning them into inadvertent insiders. Here are some guidelines to start and ensure your phishing simulation campaign works.

Steps for a Successful Simulated Phishing Campaign

Simulated phishing attacks are designed to automate phishing training and deliver learning experiences directly to employees. These simulated phishing training packages deliver realistic-looking phishing emails that track real-world phishing campaigns.

To get the most out of a phishing test, you should follow these steps:

Plan Your Phishing Simulation Campaign Strategy

• Research current phishing email trends: Identify the types of emails targeting your industry or sector and collate this data for your campaign.
• Frequency of simulated phishing emails: Decide whether they will be weekly, monthly, or quarterly based on your cyber security strategy.
• Communicate with employees: Provide clear instructions on reporting phishing emails and social engineering attacks.
• Plan further training: Use ‘point-of-need’ education for employees who fail to spot phishing emails.
• Adjust strategy as needed: Continuously review and update preparation work as the phishing landscape evolves.

Build Your Simulated Phishing Campaign

An automated phishing simulation platform allows you to generate the elements needed to deliver the campaign, including phishing templates. Templates should reflect real-world threats and be easily modifiable to match sector-specific risks.

Create Learning Experiences That Stick

The goal is to educate employees on spotting phishing scams and to change the “urge to click” behaviour. Interactive learning can include warnings, infographics, and surveys, guiding employees on the dangers and prevention strategies for phishing.

Collect and Analyse Metrics

Encourage employees to report phishing emails. Use platform metrics dashboards to analyse campaign success, vulnerability rates, device types, and continuously refine your approach. Metrics also demonstrate effectiveness to the C-level and board.

Rinse and Repeat

The phishing landscape changes constantly, requiring periodic updates to simulated phishing campaigns. Campaign frequency is typically every 4-6 weeks, adjusted for significant shifts in threats.

Learn More About MetaCompliance Solutions

To learn more, explore our comprehensive suite of solutions designed to protect your organisation, reduce human risk, and enhance cyber resilience. Our Human Risk Management Platform encompasses:

• Advanced Phishing Simulations
• Automated Security Awareness
• Risk Intelligence & Analytics
• Compliance Management

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