How do you integrate phishing simulation tools with your existing security awareness programs?

Phishing is one of the most common and effective cyberattacks that can compromise your organization's security and reputation. Phishing simulation tools are software applications that mimic real phishing emails and websites to test your employees' awareness and response. By integrating phishing simulation tools with your existing security awareness programs, you can enhance your security culture, measure your vulnerability, and improve your defenses. In this article, we will show you how to do that in six steps.

1 Choose a phishing simulation tool

The first step is to choose a phishing simulation tool that suits your needs and budget. There are many options available, from free and open-source tools to paid and cloud-based services. Some factors to consider are the features, the ease of use, the customization, the reporting, and the support. You should also review the tool's privacy policy and security standards to ensure that your data is protected and compliant.

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Inan Guden

A product Inventor to shaping a brighter future.
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It is vital for a cybersecurity consultant to select the right phishing simulation tool for his or her organisation out of the many available. Consider factors such as the size of your organisation, the number of users you need to reach, and the features you're looking for. Integrate the tool with your existing security awareness program. This will help to ensure that the results of your phishing simulations are tracked and analysed alongside other security awareness metrics.

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2 Plan your phishing campaign

The second step is to plan your phishing campaign, which is a series of simulated phishing attacks that target your employees. You should define the goals, the scope, the schedule, and the metrics of your campaign. For example, you may want to test the awareness of different departments, roles, or locations, or you may want to focus on specific scenarios, such as credential harvesting, ransomware, or spear phishing. You should also decide how often and when you will launch your attacks, and how you will measure the results.

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Inan Guden

A product Inventor to shaping a brighter future.
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This plan should include the following: - The goals of your phishing simulations - The types of phishing emails you'll send - The frequency of your phishing simulations - The metrics you'll track

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3 Design your phishing scenarios

The third step is to design your phishing scenarios, which are the fake emails and websites that you will use to trick your employees. You should make them as realistic and relevant as possible, using convincing sender names, subject lines, logos, and content. You should also vary the level of difficulty and sophistication of your scenarios, from obvious to subtle, to challenge your employees and test their critical thinking. You can use templates or create your own scenarios with the help of your phishing simulation tool.

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4 Launch your phishing attacks

The fourth step is to launch your phishing attacks, which is the actual execution of your phishing campaign. You should follow the schedule and scope that you planned, and monitor the progress and performance of your attacks. You should also be prepared to handle any issues or incidents that may arise, such as employee complaints, technical glitches, or real phishing attempts. You should communicate with your IT team and your management to ensure that your phishing attacks are authorized and coordinated.

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5 Analyze your phishing results

The fifth step is to analyze your phishing results, which is the evaluation of your phishing campaign. You should use the reports and metrics provided by your phishing simulation tool to measure the effectiveness and impact of your attacks. You should look for patterns, trends, and insights that can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, your risks and opportunities, and your areas for improvement. You should also compare your results with industry benchmarks and best practices to see how you stack up.

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Inan Guden

A product Inventor to shaping a brighter future.
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Analysing your phishing results will help you to identify areas where your employees need more training. Phishing simulations are an ongoing process. You'll need to repeat the process regularly to ensure that your employees' security awareness remains high.

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6 Provide feedback and education

The sixth and final step is to provide feedback and education, which is the follow-up and reinforcement of your phishing campaign. You should share your results and findings with your employees and management, and acknowledge their achievements and efforts. You should also provide constructive feedback and guidance to those who fell for your phishing attacks, and offer them additional training and resources to improve their awareness and skills. You should also update and revise your security policies and procedures to reflect your lessons learned.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Krzysztof Bryła

CISO | CISM | CRISC | Awareness promotor | Mentor @2BeAware, @Marqeta, Inc 💜@CISO#Poland Engaged in making world safer by developing people and improving solutions.
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Variety - agree. Personalisation as much as possible: not, it depends. I preffer to start with low bar, align everyone, then raise it and gain, test, align, then raise it. Othyerwise you shoot as sniper from short distance and users can feel negative with the results. Especially if education was not good enough.

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Inan Guden

A product Inventor to shaping a brighter future.
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Here are few additional tips: Use a variety of phishing emails to evaluate your employees' awareness. This will help to ensure that they're not only aware of the most common phishing techniques, but also the latest ones. Personalise your phishing emails as much as possible. This will make them more believable and increase the chances that your employees will click on the link or open the attachment. Follow up with employees who fall for your phishing emails. This will give you the opportunity to educate them about the risks of phishing and how to avoid it in the future.

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How do you integrate phishing simulation tools with your existing security awareness programs?

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1 Choose a phishing simulation tool

2 Plan your phishing campaign

3 Design your phishing scenarios

4 Launch your phishing attacks

5 Analyze your phishing results

6 Provide feedback and education

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Security

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How do you integrate phishing simulation tools with your existing security awareness programs?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose a phishing simulation tool

2 Plan your phishing campaign

3 Design your phishing scenarios

4 Launch your phishing attacks

5 Analyze your phishing results

6 Provide feedback and education

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Security

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