What is a Phishing Simulation?

Phishing remains a major threat to organisations of all sizes. But what exactly is a phishing simulation? A phishing simulation is a controlled training exercise that replicates real phishing scenarios to teach employees how to recognise and respond to attacks. By using simulated phishing exercises, organisations can strengthen their security culture and significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to real phishing attempts.

Cybercriminals continue to target employees to steal credentials, compromise data, and deploy ransomware. The Anti-Phishing Working Group’s (APWG) Phishing Activity Trends Report reveals that 1,003,924 phishing attacks occurred in the first quarter of 2025, marking the largest volume of attacks since late 2023.

Why Are Phishing Simulation Programmes Important?

Phishing remains one of the most effective tactics used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive information. Over time, attackers have adapted to bypass automated security tools such as email gateways. This means phishing emails often reach an employee’s inbox—making user awareness essential.

With regular phishing simulations, employees can become informed, confident, and capable of identifying and avoiding phishing attacks.

What Happens in a Phishing Simulation Attack?

Simulated phishing attacks are designed to closely mimic real phishing attempts. A phishing simulation platform generates realistic emails as part of ongoing security awareness training. All employees—and any user group requiring training—should receive these simulated emails.

The platform monitors user interactions to measure awareness levels. It records whether the user opens the email, clicks a link, downloads an attachment, or submits information.

These actions are logged and converted into detailed reports. Organisations can use this data to evaluate the effectiveness of training and identify areas where additional support is needed.

Key Features of the Best Phishing Simulation Software

Mimics Real Phishing Emails

Effective phishing simulation tools replicate real-world phishing campaigns so employees learn to recognise the latest threats.

Provides a Wide Choice of Templates

The platform should offer numerous templates that mirror well-known brands, allowing organisations to create realistic lookalike phishing emails and URLs.

Tailored to Reflect Roles

Cybercriminals often target specific departments such as HR, finance, or executive leadership. Phishing simulations should be tailored to these groups to reflect real-world attack patterns, including risks like Business Email Compromise.

Point-of-Need Learning

Employees learn best through interactive, real-time experiences. When a user clicks a simulated malicious link, the platform should provide instant feedback explaining the risks and how to avoid similar mistakes in future.

Advanced platforms also deliver additional guidance to reinforce phishing protection strategies and improve long-term behaviour.

Language Options

Organisations with multilingual teams require templates in different languages to ensure consistent and effective training worldwide.

Audit and Reporting

Comprehensive metrics are essential for understanding training effectiveness. Reports reveal how many employees are susceptible to phishing and highlight areas requiring further attention.

Advanced systems offer granular data for specific departments or user segments, helping organisations measure progress and strengthen their phishing defences.

How Effective Are Phishing Simulations?

Phishing simulations significantly reduce this risk by training employees to recognise and avoid dangerous emails. MetaCompliance offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to reduce human risk, strengthen cybersecurity awareness, and enhance overall cyber resilience. Our Human Risk Management Platform includes:

• Advanced Phishing Simulations – Realistic, role-specific phishing tests that show employees exactly how phishing attacks work and help prevent mistakes before they happen.
• Automated Security Awareness – Deliver ongoing, targeted training that reinforces safe behaviours and improves phishing awareness across all teams.
• Risk Intelligence & Analytics – Gain actionable insights into user behaviour to identify vulnerabilities and optimise your phishing prevention strategy.
• Compliance Management – Streamline policy engagement and regulatory compliance, supporting a culture of security awareness throughout the organisation.

To discover how our solutions can strengthen your security posture and show your team what is a phishing simulation in practice, contact us today to book a demo.