Best 10 Phishing Awareness Training Solutions For Business (2026)
We reviewed 10 phishing awareness training platforms on simulation quality, content engagement, and the reporting that tells you which employees remain your highest risk. Click rates alone are not enough.
Written by
Caitlin Harris
Technical Review by
Craig MacAlpine
Quick Summary
Phishing awareness training solutions combine simulated phishing attacks with educational content to build employee resilience against social engineering — measuring behavioral change over time rather than just module completion. Click rates without follow-up training do not reduce risk; the platforms that drive behavioral change are measurably different from those that track completion. We reviewed 10 platforms and found Phished, Adaptive Security, and ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training to be the strongest on simulation realism and behavioral change reporting.
Phishing awareness training is where security culture either builds momentum or stalls completely. The difference between programs that change behavior and programs that waste time is execution quality. The wrong platform leaves employees checking boxes on mandatory training they’ll forget by next week. Choose well and employees catch threats before they land in inboxes.
We evaluated 10 phishing awareness training platforms for simulation quality, content depth, behavioral change evidence, reporting accuracy, and how they actually drive participation. What we found: most platforms look similar until you examine engagement rates and whether employees actually remember what they learned. Some excel at gamification and behavioral science. Others focus on compliance checkbox completion. The platforms that move the needle combine automated campaigns with follow-up training tied directly to simulation failures.
This guide cuts through the marketing to show you which platforms build genuinely phishing-resistant workforces versus those that just generate compliance reports.
Our Recommendations
We found these platforms use different engagement models to drive behavioral change. Pick based on your deployment model, user sophistication, and integration requirements.
- Best For Training Against AI-Powered Threats: Adaptive Security demonstrates deepfake audio, video, voice, and text attacks from one platform with AI content creator building custom scenarios matched to your business.
- Best For Gamified Training That Changes Behavior: ESET uses RPG-style modules with role-playing scenarios and Office 365 plugin for real-world suspicious email reporting directly from inbox.
- Best For MSP Multi-Tenant Management: TitanHQ, powered by CyberSentriq, triggers just-in-time training automatically when users exhibit risky behavior while single portal manages campaigns and reporting across multiple client tenants.
- Best For AI-Driven Detection and Training Together: IRONSCALES auto-classifies suspicious emails with Themis AI and improves continuously through tuning while one-click Outlook reporting connects user awareness to detection improvement.
- Best For Adaptive Training at Enterprise Scale: Hoxhunt scales simulations to individual user skill levels automatically with real-time feedback on reported emails reducing manual SOC triage.
Phished is a phishing simulation platform built around autonomous campaign scheduling and machine learning-driven personalization. The platform learns which phishing emails individual users are likely to click on and tailors simulations to each person’s unique patterns, which is a meaningful differentiator from platforms that send the same template to everyone. We think it’s a strong option for organizations that want effective, ongoing phishing testing with minimal admin overhead.
Phished Key Features
Phished auto-generates simulation content and schedules campaigns on a custom cadence; the platform recommends every 15 days. Simulations cover BEC, insider threats, and spear-phishing, with an option to disable spear-phishing campaigns if needed. Users can report suspected phishing via a button in their Microsoft 365 client or by forwarding the email when using other clients. If a user correctly reports a simulation, they’re congratulated; if they fail, they’re assigned training at the point of failure on that specific topic. The Phished Academy delivers bite-sized micro-learning modules with articles and limited video content, and admins can create quizzes to test users. Reporting covers individual users and departments, including who is completing training, reporting emails, clicking on simulations, and entering credentials in fake phishing pages.
Our Take
We were impressed by how much Phished delivers with how little ongoing effort. Configuring an automated campaign takes minutes, and once set up, simulations run on schedule without extra work. The personalization is the real strength; because every user receives simulations based on their own click history, testing is more accurate and realistic than platforms using a one-size-fits-all approach. Something to be aware of is that the Phished Academy doesn’t provide an extensive amount of training content, so if you need a full-spectrum awareness training library, you may need to supplement it. Simulation templates and training are available in nine languages, though Spanish content is limited and the most material is available in Dutch and English.
Strengths
- ML-driven simulations personalized to each user's click history and patterns
- Autonomous campaign scheduling eliminates manual simulation management
- Training assigned at point of failure on the specific topic the user missed
- Report button in Microsoft 365 for one-click phishing reporting
- Quick to deploy and configure; campaigns take minutes to set up
Cautions
- Training content library is limited; not enough for full-spectrum awareness training
- Spanish language content is limited; most material in Dutch and English
Adaptive Security is an AI-native simulation platform focused on the social engineering threats that traditional awareness tools overlook: deepfake audio, video, voice, and text-based phishing. Backed by $136 million in total funding from investors including the OpenAI Startup Fund, Andreessen Horowitz, and Bain Capital Ventures, it’s one of the fastest-moving vendors in this space. We think it’s the right call if AI-generated threats are already on your risk register.
Adaptive Security Key Features
Adaptive uses generative AI to build simulations that go beyond standard phishing emails. We found the audio deepfake simulations particularly sharp; they create realistic impersonations of employees to demonstrate exactly how AI-powered social engineering works in practice. The GenAI content builder lets you construct custom modules from scratch, tailored to your industry and employee risk profiles. Automated enrollment and reminders run through Slack and email, and the DMI-based Outlook integration avoids false positives caused by email gateway link scanning.
What Customers Say
Customers consistently highlight fast deployment, with M365 and Google Workspace connections coming together in days rather than weeks. Support is responsive and ships frequent updates that keep simulation content current with evolving threats. Something to be aware of is that some users note reporting exports lack the flexibility needed for executive stakeholder presentations, and international functionality is limited for some non-US office locations.
Our Take
We were impressed by the depth of the deepfake simulation capabilities. Adaptive moves faster than most vendors in this category, and the customization depth is real. If your organization is already thinking about AI-powered social engineering threats, this platform addresses them more directly than any other option we reviewed.
Strengths
- Audio deepfake simulations demonstrate AI social engineering effectively
- GenAI content builder creates fully custom modules matched to your risk profile
- DMI-based Outlook integration avoids false positives from gateway scanning
- Fast M365 and Google Workspace setup with responsive support
Cautions
- Users report that reporting exports lack flexibility for stakeholder presentations
- Users report international functionality is limited for some non-US office locations
ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training combines gamified learning modules with phishing simulation tools designed for organizations that need engaging awareness training alongside realistic testing. We were impressed by the gamification approach, which drives better completion rates than most platforms we reviewed.
ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training Key Features
The phishing simulation library provides a database of prebuilt templates that admins can customize and deploy to specific users or groups, with no limits on the number of simulations. Users who fail a simulation are automatically enrolled in refresher training, which closes the loop between testing and education. The training modules use RPG-style role-playing scenarios, interactive quizzes, and context-driven sessions that explain the consequences of poor security decisions. Reputation scoring tracks each user’s progress, and leaderboards encourage improvement across individuals and departments. An Office 365 plugin enables suspicious email reporting directly from the inbox. ECAT supports HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOX, NIST, GDPR, and CCPA compliance.
Our Take
We were impressed by the auto-enrollment feature that routes simulation failures directly into remedial training. That connection between testing and education is where real behavior change happens. The gamified content is designed to be accessible to all skill levels, and modules are short and focused to prevent fatigue. Setup is fast; employee emails import via CSV and simulations deploy within a few clicks. Pricing starts at $250 for 10 users on the premium plan, with a free plan covering approximately 60 minutes of training. With that said, the platform does not support multiple languages. If you’re in a regulated industry that needs both phishing simulation and compliance-aligned training, ESET is well worth considering.
Strengths
- Auto-enrollment routes failed simulation users directly into remedial training
- RPG-style gamified modules drive higher completion rates
- Office 365 plugin enables suspicious email reporting from inbox
- Supports HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOX, NIST, GDPR, and CCPA compliance
Cautions
- Does not support multiple languages
- Customers note custom email template creation requires technical skills beyond basic admin
CyberSentriq Security Awareness Training is built for MSPs and larger enterprises managing cybersecurity training across multiple client environments. We think it makes the most sense if you’re an MSP standardizing security awareness training across a client base. The platform combines automated phishing simulations, real-time awareness training, and a single management portal designed for multi-tenant operations.
CyberSentriq Key Features
The standout capability is just-in-time training. When a user engages in risky behavior, the platform automatically delivers a relevant training module immediately; we found this approach more effective than scheduled training alone because it connects the lesson directly to the behavior. SCORM integration gives MSPs flexibility to upload custom materials alongside the built-in video and quiz content. A single management portal handles campaigns, users, and reporting across all client tenants. Training modules run about 8 to 10 minutes each, and the content library is updated weekly.
What Customers Say
Customers running MSP operations consistently highlight the low ongoing admin overhead. Once campaigns are configured and scheduled, the platform handles automation without requiring constant attention. Multi-tenant management through a single portal saves significant time across client environments.
Our Take
We were impressed by how well CyberSentriq fits the MSP model. The automated scheduling, multi-tenant portal, and just-in-time training combine to deliver strong coverage with minimal ongoing effort per client. Organizations running a single internal program will find the value proposition less obvious, but if your team manages training for multiple organizations, the operational efficiency is hard to beat at this price point.
Strengths
- Just-in-time training triggers automatically on risky user behavior
- Single portal manages campaigns and reporting across multiple tenants
- SCORM integration supports custom training materials alongside built-in content
- Affordable pricing suited to MSPs managing SMB clients at volume
Cautions
- Users report M365 tenant setup can require support for multi-client deployments
IRONSCALES combines AI-powered email security with phishing simulation and awareness training in a single platform. We think it earns its place if you want phishing protection and awareness training managed together. The Themis AI engine auto-classifies suspicious emails while the training side runs simulations and remedial content, giving small security teams a consolidated approach to phishing defense.
IRONSCALES Key Features
The Themis AI engine auto-classifies suspicious emails and improves continuously as you tune it. We found the combination of automated detection and one-click user reporting particularly effective; employees flag suspicious emails directly from Outlook, Themis processes them, and the feedback loop strengthens detection over time without manual intervention. The platform also surfaces phishing threats that Microsoft Defender with ATP misses, which is good to see. The multilingual video training library covers GDPR, HIPAA, PCI, and PII compliance topics.
What Customers Say
Customers consistently highlight the time savings from having phishing detection, simulation, and training in one portal rather than navigating layered alert systems. The Themis AI engine earns positive feedback for catching threats that native email security misses. Something to be aware of is that some customer reviews mention interface navigation takes getting used to, with certain settings buried deeper than expected.
Our Take
We were impressed by how effectively the Themis AI and training integration reduce the operational burden on small security teams. Setup is genuinely fast, and the consolidated approach means you’re not managing separate tools for detection and awareness. If you need both email security and phishing awareness from a single console, IRONSCALES is well worth considering.
Strengths
- Themis AI auto-classifies suspicious emails and improves with tuning
- One-click Outlook reporting connects user awareness to detection improvement
- Catches phishing threats that Microsoft Defender with ATP misses
- Phishing simulation and training run from a single integrated console
Cautions
- Customers note that interface navigation is scattered initially
- Reviews flag that role permissions force admin access for analysts needing remediation tools
Hoxhunt is a security awareness platform that uses AI-driven personalization and gamification to train employees on phishing detection and reporting. We think it’s a strong fit for global enterprises that need phishing awareness training to land across diverse, multilingual workforces. The platform adapts simulation difficulty to each user’s skill level and supports over 30 languages.
Hoxhunt Key Features
Hoxhunt personalizes phishing simulations based on each user’s skill level, department, and location. As users improve, the simulations get harder; we found this progression model more effective than static difficulty settings because it keeps experienced users challenged rather than coasting through exercises they’ve already mastered. Real-time feedback on reported emails reduces SOC workload by automating phishing analysis on the backend, while still giving employees meaningful responses when they flag something. The reward system drives sustained engagement beyond initial onboarding.
What Customers Say
Customers describe the gamified approach as making phishing awareness feel rewarding rather than routine. The progressive difficulty and reward system draw positive feedback from end users across skill levels. The Outlook reporting button is consistently praised for making suspicious email flagging simple and fast. Something to be aware of is that some users note the leaderboard system can frustrate field employees or infrequent email users who structurally cannot compete with office-based colleagues.
Our Take
We were impressed by the adaptive difficulty model, which is more than a checkbox exercise. The SOC integration and 30-plus language support make Hoxhunt well suited to enterprise teams running awareness programs across multiple regions from a single console. If you need training that scales with user sophistication, it’s well worth considering.
Strengths
- Adaptive difficulty scales simulations to individual user skill levels
- Real-time feedback on reported emails reduces manual SOC triage
- Supports 30-plus languages for consistent global training
- Progressive reward system drives sustained engagement
Cautions
- Users report that missed simulation scoring penalizes employees on leave
- Reviews mention the Outlook integration is desktop-only with no mobile reporting
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training (formerly Wombat Security) extends the Proofpoint email security ecosystem with phishing simulations, training content, and employee reporting tools. We think it makes the most sense if your organization already runs Proofpoint for email security. The integration depth and shared threat intelligence are real advantages that standalone tools can’t replicate.
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training Key Features
The phishing simulation template library covers phishing, smishing, and USB-based attack scenarios, giving security teams enough variety to run meaningful monthly campaigns without recycling the same content. The platform can turn real-world neutralized phishing attempts into live simulation material, which is a sharper training tool than generic templates. Over 600 learning modules are available on demand in multiple formats including videos, posters, infographics, and articles, with each module designed to take around 15 minutes to complete. The PhishAlarm reporting button integrates with Proofpoint’s heuristic scanning pipeline, helping protect systems against new unknown threats as well as known viruses and malware. The solution is also available as part of Proofpoint’s Essentials package alongside their broader email security stack.
What Customers Say
Customers running regular phishing campaigns highlight the ease of monthly campaign management, with dedicated account managers helping teams select and schedule appropriate templates. The customer support responsiveness draws consistent positive feedback across team sizes. Something to be aware of is that some customer reviews mention sender email customization is limited, which can reduce simulation authenticity.
Our Take
We were impressed by the template library depth and the ability to convert real neutralized threats into simulation content. For enterprise teams where Proofpoint is already the email security standard, this extends that investment into employee behavior effectively. MSPs or organizations evaluating it outside the Proofpoint ecosystem will find the per-tenant pricing harder to justify.
Strengths
- Extensive phishing template library supports varied monthly campaigns
- Real-world neutralized phishing emails convert directly into simulation content
- 600-plus on-demand modules in video, poster, infographic, and article formats
- PhishAlarm reporting integrates with Proofpoint's email security scanning
- Available as part of Proofpoint's Essentials package
Cautions
- Customers note sender email customization is limited
- Reviews flag that per-tenant pricing is expensive for MSPs managing multiple clients
Cofense PhishMe
Cofense PhishMe goes beyond standard phishing simulation by connecting employee reporting directly to active threat response. We think it’s the right call if you want awareness training connected to real incident response rather than running as a standalone program. Gartner has recognized Cofense as a leader in security awareness and computer-based training. The Reporter-to-Triage-to-Vision pipeline is genuinely differentiated from platforms that only simulate threats.
Cofense PhishMe Key Features
Training uses scenario-based simulations, videos, and infographics, with each simulation fully customizable so organizations can target specific threats they’re facing. Cofense extends into active threat response through the Reporter button, which lets employees flag suspicious emails with one click in Outlook, Gmail, or IBM Notes, feeding directly into Cofense Triage for analysis and Cofense Vision for inbox-level quarantine across the organization. Cofense Triage combines human and AI analysis to distinguish genuine threats from false alarms reported via the button, with Vision then enabling security teams to search for and quarantine malicious emails from all user inboxes. We found this closed-loop approach is the real differentiator; an employee reporting a live phishing attempt doesn’t just protect themselves but triggers remediation across every inbox the same email landed in. Machine learning trained on reported threats improves detection over time.
What Customers Say
Customers highlight the Reporter button as the feature that gets used most consistently, with minimal friction for end users. The simulation customization and reporting analytics draw positive feedback from security teams tracking program progress over time. Something to be aware of is that some customer reviews note the platform requires continuous maintenance and dedicated staff to administer effectively, and repetitive simulations can cause user fatigue over extended deployments.
Our Take
We were impressed by the closed-loop connection between employee reporting and active remediation. This is a platform built for organizations that want employees to be active defenders, not just training participants. If your detection strategy includes employee reporting as a core component, Cofense PhishMe is well worth considering.
Strengths
- Reporter button connects employee reporting to SOC triage and inbox quarantine
- Cofense Triage combines human and AI to distinguish live threats from false alarms
- Machine learning improves detection using real threat data from employees
- Compatible with Outlook, Gmail, and IBM Notes across mixed environments
Cautions
- Reviews mention the platform requires dedicated staff to administer effectively
- Users report repetitive simulations cause fatigue over extended deployments
Infosec IQ
Infosec IQ provides security awareness training with a broad content catalog covering phishing, ransomware, and social engineering through interactive videos and quizzes. Now part of the Cengage Group, the platform supports deep customization, including uploading organization-specific training materials. We think it’s best suited for organizations building structured, year-long awareness programs. 70% of the Fortune 500 partner with Infosec.
Infosec IQ Key Features
Delivered as a 12-month program, IQ PhishSim lets security teams build customized phishing campaigns from an expansive template library covering the most dangerous current threats, with new templates added weekly to keep organizations current. If an employee clicks on a simulated phishing link, they are automatically enrolled on a relevant training module that highlights where they went wrong, so learning is delivered immediately after the mistake. The training catalog includes over 3,000 awareness and training resources, with content translated and localized in 34-plus languages and over 300 international phishing templates. The PhishNotify Outlook plugin lets employees flag suspicious emails on any device, with reported threats automatically prioritized for analyst review by threat level. Admins can also upload organization-specific materials for compliance or sector-specific requirements.
What Customers Say
Customers consistently highlight the depth of training options and the quality of account support, with dedicated contacts making a noticeable difference in how teams extract value from the platform. The Office 365 setup process draws positive feedback for being straightforward, and the content library earns praise for avoiding the AI-generated feel that makes employees tune out. Something to be aware of is that some customer reviews mention the reporting and campaign sections have a steep initial learning curve.
Our Take
We were impressed by the content depth and the structured 12-month program model. The customization options support mature programs well, and the dedicated account support model makes a real difference. If you need a structured program with consistent content delivery rather than a lightweight simulation tool, Infosec IQ is well worth considering.
Strengths
- Over 3,000 training resources with content in 34-plus languages
- Auto-enrollment on training when an employee clicks a simulated phishing link
- New phishing templates added weekly to stay current with evolving threats
- PhishNotify plugin with automatic threat prioritization for analysts
- Strong account support with dedicated contacts
Cautions
- Customers note the reporting and campaign sections have a steep learning curve
- Reviews mention some admin operations run slow, including delete and notification functions
KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training
KnowBe4 is the largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform on the market, a market leader in both revenue and customer count. We think it’s the low-risk choice for organizations that want a proven, well-supported awareness program with the content variety to sustain long-term engagement. The platform combines an extensive multilingual content library with organizational risk scoring, automated phishing campaigns, and a dedicated customer success model.
KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training Key Features
The training library covers videos, interactive modules, games, and quizzes across 35 languages, including role-specific tracks for management and system administrators. Organizations can test their employees’ baseline awareness with a free simulated phishing attack before investing in the full platform. The PhishAlert button integrates with Outlook, Exchange, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace for one-click suspicious email reporting; when paired with the full Phishing console, it also tracks which employees report simulated phishing emails, giving administrators visibility into who is most at risk. KnowBe4’s organizational risk score aggregates individual phishing simulation results into a single metric that gives security teams clear direction on where to focus campaigns. The AIDA system within the Diamond tier automates training assignments and generates custom phishing templates based on individual user risk scores.
What Customers Say
Customers say the training content is current and relevant, with interactive modules that hold attention across technical and non-technical staff alike. The constantly updated content library and dedicated success managers who stay engaged beyond onboarding draw consistent praise. The organizational risk score gives security teams a clear metric to track program effectiveness over time. Something to be aware of is that some users note campaign setup is time-consuming, with no managed service option to reduce the administrative workload.
Our Take
We were impressed by the organizational risk scoring and the CSM support model, which reduces internal program management overhead. On average, KnowBe4 reduces an organization’s phish-prone percentage from 30% to less than 5% after 12 months, which is a strong data point. Organizations looking for lightweight setup or advanced AI-driven simulation will find other platforms better suited, but if you want a mature platform with a track record, KnowBe4 earns its market position.
Strengths
- Organizational risk score gives data-driven direction for campaign targeting
- Extensive content library across 35 languages including role-specific tracks
- Free baseline simulated phishing attack available before purchase
- PhishAlert button works with Outlook, Exchange, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace
- AIDA AI agents automate training assignments based on individual risk scores
Cautions
- Users report campaign setup is time-consuming with no managed service option
- Customers note training content can feel repetitive after multiple cycles
Other Security Awareness Training Services
Delivers automated security training based on real phishing attacks.
Offers a comprehensive platform for simulating phishing attacks and providing security awareness training.
Delivers engaging, Hollywood-style micro-learning videos to educate employees about security threats.
Provides security awareness training and phishing simulations as part of its broader cybersecurity education offerings.
Empowers employees to identify and prevent threats with managed phishing campaigns and training.
What To Look For In Phishing Awareness Training
When evaluating solutions, consider these essential criteria:
Simulation Quality and Realism
Do phishing templates reflect actual threat tactics? Can you customize content for your industry? Does the platform support multi-channel simulations (email, SMS, voice)?
Behavioral Change Measurement
How does the platform track actual behavior improvements? Does it correlate training completion with reduced click rates? Can you measure incident reporting improvements?
Content Library Range
How many pre-built training modules are available? Do they cover relevant threats (phishing, ransomware, social engineering, compliance)? Are role-based tracks available?
Automation and Admin Overhead
Can campaigns run on autopilot? How much manual work does ongoing management require? Are reminders and follow-up training automated?
Integration With Existing Tools
Does it connect to your email system for reporting? Can you integrate with SIEM or email security platforms? Does it work with your identity provider?
Reporting and Visibility
Can admins see individual performance and risk scores? Are reports audit-ready for compliance reviews? Can you export data for executive briefings?
User Experience
Are simulations compelling enough that employees actually pay attention? How intuitive is the reporting mechanism for employees to flag suspicious messages? Does gamification drive engagement?
Support Quality
Is vendor support responsive and knowledgeable? Do you get a dedicated CSM or account manager? Is there a user community for peer support?
How We Compared The Best Phishing Awareness Training Solutions
Expert Insights is an independent editorial team that researches, tests, and reviews cybersecurity and awareness training solutions. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products. Before testing, we mapped the full vendor landscape for phishing awareness training, identifying all active platforms serving SMB through enterprise organizations. We evaluated 10 phishing awareness training platforms across simulation design, content library depth, behavioral change evidence, reporting accuracy, and whether they actually drive employee participation. Each platform was reviewed through hands-on assessment of the admin interface, content delivery, user experience, and customer feedback patterns. We also researched how each platform connects to broader email security and incident response workflows. Our editorial and commercial teams operate independently. This guide is updated quarterly.
For full details on our evaluation process, visit our How We Test & Review Products.
The Bottom Line
Phishing awareness training separates organizations that catch attacks before they land from those that treat it as a compliance checkbox. KnowBe4 remains the most proven choice for mid-market teams that want extensive content, organizational risk scoring, and strong CSM support. Hoxhunt stands out for global enterprises needing multi-language support and adaptive difficulty that keeps all users challenged. Proofpoint Security Awareness Training is the clear winner if you already run Proofpoint email security—the integration depth and template library are unmatched. Phished fits organizations that want low-admin automation and behavioral risk scoring without complex setup. Adaptive Security earns consideration for teams already managing AI-powered threat simulations. ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training works for regulated environments where audit trails matter. TitanHQ serves MSPs well with multi-tenant capabilities and just-in-time training. IRONSCALES consolidates email security and training for small teams. Cofense PhishMe connects training directly to active threat response when employee reporting is part of your detection strategy. Infosec IQ suits organizations building year-long structured programs. Choose based on whether you prioritize behavior change, compliance documentation, content variety, or integration depth.
FAQs
Phishing Awareness Training Solutions: Everything You Need To Know (FAQs)
Traditionally, phishing emails targeted hundreds or even thousands of recipients at a time. They were designed to trick users into clicking on a URL that would lead to a webpage where they’d be asked to enter personal information. While these types of phishing attack still exist, cybercriminals have adapted their attacks, making malicious phishing messages harder for machines and humans to identify. These more targeted attacks are called “spear phishing”.
Here the attacker impersonates a trustworthy sender and aims to trick their victim into handing over sensitive information (such as account credentials or financial data). Alternatively, the user may be encouraged to click on a malicious link or file that will install malware on their device.
Both spear and regular phishing attacks have key indicators that users can look out for to determine whether an email is genuine or fraudulent.
While spear and regular phishing attacks sent via email are the most common type, there are a few other variants to look out for:
- Vishing (Voice phishing) uses voice calls to trick users; these can be very convincing as the attackers can put pressure on their users in real-time to create a sense of urgency
- SMiShing is the same as phishing, except that the attacker sends their target an SMS text instead of an email
- Whaling targets high ranking, often C-level, members of an organization; these attacks take more effort on the attacker’s part, but the payoff can be much greater
Phishing awareness training teaches users how to spot and react to different types of phishing attacks. As phishing attacks are constantly evolving and phishing risk increases, giving your users a list of phishing emails to avoid won’t be enough to block online attacks. Instead, you need to train them to be vigilant and naturally suspicious of emails that encourage them to act or share details. Phishing awareness training can help you create a culture of security that will encourage this cautious behavior.
Phishing awareness training solutions use content-based training (such as bite-sized videos, infographics, and quizzes) to explain common indicators of compromise (IOCs) and train users on what to look for. This means that when a user encounters a new attack type, they already have the skillset to identify a dangerous message and act accordingly.
Anti-phishing training also teaches users how much damage a successful phishing attack can cause. Without this, it can be hard to understand the significance of something as simple as clicking on a link. When users know what’s at risk, they are more likely to act cautiously.
The best phishing email training solutions also enable you to test your users’ response to a phishing attack by sending them simulations if they experience a failure in a test.
Phishing simulators, or simulations, are fake phishing emails that security teams send to their employees to test how they would react to a real-life phishing attack. They’re usually included in a wider phishing awareness training program that also teaches users (via content-based training) how to identify a threat.
Accurate simulations enable users to apply the knowledge that they’ve gained whilst completing their anti-phishing training course. They also enable admins to identify any users that may be particularly susceptible to phishing attacks and assign those users further training.
Phishing simulation training usually focuses on email phishing and enables IT teams to either choose from a library of out-of-the-box templates or create their own emails that can be tailored to their users and use-case. Some simulators also enable IT teams to carry out SMiShing attacks, but this often comes at an extra cost.
A good phishing awareness program and relevant training is critical for any organization, no matter how big or small you are or what sector you’re operating within. There are four key reasons why we recommend that you train your users on how to behave in response to phishing attacks:
- Reduce your risk of being breached. Social engineering attacks such as phishing are the most likely type of threatto cause a data breach. If you train your users to identify threats, they’ll be less likely to engage with them.
- Identify areas for improvement. Some individuals might require more training than others—either because they find it more difficult to identify phishing attacks, or because they’re working in an area of the business that handles particularly sensitive information, which means they’re more likely to be targeted. With a phishing awareness training solution, you can monitor how users are reacting to simulations and tailor training programs to suit each individual’s needs.
- Ensure compliance with data protection standards. Security awareness training, including phishing awareness training, is a mandatory requirement of many industry and federal compliance standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.
- Create a culture of security. Investing in the right phishing awareness training program can show your users you want to help and support them, rather than punish them when they make mistakes. This can help you build a stronger relationship with them, so they’re more likely to come and tell you if they do receive or click on a phishing email, rather than panic and try to cover it up.
Phishing awareness training cultivates a security-first mindset that prioritizes data protection and network security, effewctively supporting human risk management. It does this by providing employees with the knowledge and tools they need to combat phishing attacks. Carefully designed programs teach users how to detect and react to threats so that they can help protect sensitive data, rather than being considered an easy way into an organization’s network.
It’s thanks to powerful training and simulation solutions that recent years have seen a decrease in phishing click rates and an increase in reporting rates, despite the volume of phishing attacks increasing year on year.
There are a number of different phishing awareness training solutions out there, and it can be difficult to know which one is best suited to your needs. The most effective solutions include the following features, so keeping an eye out for these is a good place to start:
- A multi-media content library that’s regularly updated. Note the emphasis on “multi-media”! Your employees will all have individual learning styles, so a variety of materials will make sure that the material is engaging for everyone. And when the library is regularly updated, you can be sure that it will contain information on the newest threats that organizations are facing.
- Customization. It’s important that you can build learning paths or tailor modules to target specific threats that your organization is facing. It’s also important that simulated phishing emails designed to test employees can be customized to mimic the types of emails your employees typically receive.
- Interactivity. Quizzes, tests and gamification are sure-fire ways to increase user engagement which, in turn, increases information retention. This means that your employees will remember what they’ve learned and be much more likely to put it into practice.
- Simulations. You need to be able to test what your employees have learned, and the best way to do this is through simulated phishing emails. Users should report these emails, either through the solution’s inbuilt reporting button (see below) or by contacting their IT desk, but if they don’t, they’ll be directed to a landing page that explains their mistake.
- A “Report Phishing” button. These inbox plugins allow users to report not only simulated phishing emails, but also genuine threats, to their IT department. They’re a quick and easy way to flag suspicious content. The best simulations go a step further, with automated analysis based on reported phishing attempts, and triaging of reported emails. Agari’s 2020 Phishing Incident Response Survey found that 67% of all reported incidents were false positives, i.e. not real threats at all. Automated analysis saves security teams valuable time by separating false positives from genuine threats, then prioritizing these threats.
- Admin reporting tools. The best simulation solutions include admin reporting so that you can see who is falling for simulated threats. This means that you can direct those employees towards specific training materials, and re-test them in future simulations.
Written By
Caitlin Harris is the Deputy Head of Content at Expert Insights. As an experienced content writer and editor, Caitlin helps cybersecurity leaders to cut through the noise in the cybersecurity space with expert analysis and insightful recommendations.
Prior to Expert Insights, Caitlin worked at QA Ltd, where she produced award-winning technical training materials, and she has also produced journalistic content over the course of her career.
Caitlin has 8 years of experience in the cybersecurity and technology space, helping technical teams, CISOs, and security professionals find clarity on complex, mission critical topics like security awareness training, backup and recovery, and endpoint protection.
Caitlin also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted.
Technical Review
Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA Cloud, an email security provider that rebranded as VIPRE Email Security following its acquisition by Ziff Davis, formerly J2Global (NASDAQ: ZD) in 2013.
Craig is a passionate security innovator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with cutting-edge information security and cybersecurity solutions.
Using his extensive experience in the email security industry, he founded Expert Insights with the singular goal of helping IT professionals and CISOs to cut through the noise and find the right cybersecurity solutions they need to protect their organizations.