Authorized exercise
Define ownership, scope, audience, handling, and escalation before launch.
Phishing Simulation Guide
What Is a Phishing Simulation?
A phishing simulation is an authorized exercise that sends controlled, non-malicious messages to employees so an organization can practice threat recognition, observe supported actions, and plan targeted reinforcement.
Use the framework below to turn the concept into a repeatable, measurable employee-awareness workflow.
Clear definition • Practical steps • Measurable activity • Useful next actions
01Core Elements
What a Practical Approach Includes
Realistic practice
Use relevant scenarios without imitating sensitive events in a harmful or deceptive way.
Measured activity
Review delivery, supported interactions, reporting, and trends in context.
Constructive follow-up
Use results for education and improvement rather than public blame.
02Implementation
A Repeatable Process
- 1
Set objectives
Choose the behavior or process the exercise should help evaluate.
- 2
Select an audience
Use role and risk context to define an appropriate group.
- 3
Run safely
Schedule, monitor, and maintain a response plan.
- 4
Review and reinforce
Interpret results, assign learning, and document improvements.
03Next Steps
Connect Learning With Practice and Evidence
Keep content relevant, simulations controlled, results interpreted in context, and follow-up actions documented. Avoid using a single click rate as a complete measure of employee risk.
Common questions
Are phishing simulations real attacks?
No. A legitimate simulation is authorized and controlled, and should not deploy malicious payloads or collect unnecessary sensitive data.
How often should phishing simulations run?
Use a risk-based cadence that gives employees regular practice without making scenarios predictable. Review timing after organizational, threat, or policy changes.
What should teams record?
Keep the campaign scope, audience, delivery dates, supported employee events, training assignments, completion activity, and the actions taken after reviewing results.
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Put Phishing Simulation Into Practice
Bring phishing simulations, awareness training, employee activity, and reporting into one manageable workflow.