Process:
The Phishing Simulation service initiates with a thorough planning phase, establishing key metrics and goals for the exercise. Customized phishing emails, designed to mimic real-world attack scenarios, are sent to employees without warning. Their actions are monitored, including who opened the email, who clicked on the links, and who reported the attempt. After the simulation, a detailed analysis is carried out to assess the effectiveness of the current security awareness programs. This is followed by targeted training sessions to educate the employees who fell for the simulated phishing attempts, reinforcing best practices for identifying phishing threats.
Examples:
CEO Fraud Simulation: A fake email from the “CEO” requesting an urgent wire transfer to test whether financial personnel adhere to the proper verification process.
Attachment Test: Emails with suspicious attachments to see if employees download them without verifying the source.
Data Harvesting Forms: Phishing emails redirect to web forms asking for login credentials to gauge if employees are cautious about sharing sensitive information.
Alertness Check: Emails that flag commonly recognized phishing indicators like misspelled domains, urging the employees to report to the IT department.
Risks of Not Doing It:
Data Compromise: Employees who can’t identify phishing attempts are likelier to unintentionally provide sensitive data to attackers.
Financial Loss: Falling for phishing scams like CEO fraud can lead to significant financial losses for the organization.
Credential Leaks: Failure to recognize phishing attempts could leak usernames and passwords, providing attackers with access to critical systems.
Reputational Damage: A successful phishing attack can compromise customer data and erode trust, causing long-term reputational harm.
By conducting Phishing Simulations, you can pinpoint areas where your employees are most vulnerable, allowing for targeted training that significantly improves your organization’s security posture.