Best 11 Phishing Simulation and Testing Solutions For Business (2026)
We reviewed 11 phishing simulation platforms on template realism, campaign customization, and the reporting that distinguishes which teams are improving and which remain at risk.
Written by
Alex Zawalnyski
Technical Review by
Craig MacAlpine
Quick Summary
Phishing simulation platforms send realistic simulated attacks to employees and measure who clicks, who reports, and whether targeted training reduces risk over time. Simulation without measurement produces compliance activity rather than risk reduction. We reviewed 11 platforms and found Adaptive Security, Phished, and TitanHQ Security Awareness Training to be the strongest on template quality and the behavioral reporting that shows whether risk is actually declining.
Phishing continues to be one of the most prevalent modes of cyberattack in modern times. An alarming 57% of organizations experienced a successful phishing attack in 2020, which isn’t something that should be taken lightly. And now, with more of us reliant on online communications than ever, it’s never been more important for your employees to be able to spot those phishing lures.
As cyberthreats evolve, organizations’ security defenses need to evolve with them, and that includes their staff. But as employees grow wiser, so do cybercriminals.
It’s not enough to provide a few unengaging, once-a-year, click-through training modules; users need to continuously be engaged and tested so that cyberattacks are always fresh in their minds. After all, employees that both know what to look for and can regularly practice those skills are far more likely to spot and report a real attack when faced with one.
Testing by phishing simulations is one of the best ways an organization can train their staff in a real-life, but safe environment. Simulations work by sending users mock phishing emails that are designed to look and feel genuine. The testing part comes in the user’s response; to successfully pass a simulation, users have to report the emails as phishing attempts. Many vendors offer a free plugin that enables users to safely and easily report any suspicious emails directly to their security teams. A user that clicks on any of the attachments or URLs within the email has failed, and often vendors offer reporting tools enabling organizations to identify and remediate these behaviors.
We’ve put together a list of the top phishing simulation testing solutions, so your organization can transform its employees into human phishing detectors. We’ll talk through some of their key features and how they work, as well as how easy they are to use and implement.
Top 11 Phishing Simulation And Testing Solutions Shortlist
1. Adaptive Security – Best for simulating AI-powered deepfake and multi-channel attacks
2. Phished – Best for autonomous simulation scheduling with minimal admin overhead
3. TitanHQ, powered by CyberSentriq – Best for MSPs managing phishing simulations across multiple client environments
4. ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training – Best for SMBs wanting gamified training with auto-enrollment on simulation failure
5. IRONSCALES – Best for organizations wanting phishing simulation tied to active email threat detection
6. Hoxhunt – Best for large global enterprises needing adaptive simulation difficulty across multiple regions
7. Huntress – Best for MSPs and lean IT teams wanting fully managed simulation programs
8. Cofense PhishMe – Best for connecting employee reporting directly to active threat response
9. Infosec IQ – Best for structured year-long simulation and training programs with instant feedback
10. KnowBe4 – Best for proven simulation programs with extensive content and organisational risk scoring
11. Proofpoint Security Awareness Training – Best for enterprises already invested in the Proofpoint email security stack
Adaptive Security is an AI-native phishing simulation platform built for organizations facing deepfake and multi-channel social engineering threats. Backed by $136 million in total funding from the OpenAI Startup Fund, Andreessen Horowitz, and Bain Capital Ventures, it’s one of the fastest-moving vendors in the simulation space. We think it’s the right call if AI-generated attacks are already on your risk register.
Adaptive Security Key Features
The simulation variety is where Adaptive earns its keep. Voice phishing, email attacks, SMS campaigns, and deepfake audio and video all run from one platform. The AI content creator lets you build custom scenarios based on your specific business risks rather than relying on generic templates. 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. Direct mail injection avoids false positives from email gateway scanning, which is a practical advantage over platforms that rely on standard delivery.
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 multi-channel simulation capabilities. Adaptive moves faster than most vendors in this category, and the customization depth is real. If your organization needs to simulate AI-powered attacks across voice, video, SMS, and email from a single platform, this addresses those threat vectors more directly than any other option we reviewed.
Strengths
- Simulates deepfake audio, video, voice, and text attacks from a single platform
- AI content creator builds custom phishing scenarios matched to your business
- Direct mail injection prevents email gateway interference with simulations
- Fast M365 and Google Workspace setup with responsive support
Cautions
- Users report that reporting exports lack flexibility for stakeholder presentations
- International functionality is limited for some non-US locations
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
TitanHQ, powered by CyberSentriq, combines automated phishing simulations with real-time awareness training across a multi-tenant management portal. We think it makes the most sense for MSPs standardizing phishing simulation programs across multiple client environments. The platform delivers strong automation at a competitive price point.
TitanHQ Security Awareness Training Key Features
The phishing simulation template library runs into the thousands with regular weekly updates, and you can build custom simulations alongside the built-in content. Once campaigns are scheduled, the platform runs itself with minimal ongoing attention. SCORM compliance allows LMS integration for organizations running custom training materials alongside TitanHQ modules. Compliance coverage is broad, meeting HIPAA, GDPR, ISO, ENISA, and Cyber Essentials standards. A single management portal handles campaigns, users, and reporting across all client tenants.
What Customers Say
Customers running MSP operations consistently highlight the low ongoing admin overhead. Once campaigns are configured, the platform handles automation without requiring constant attention. Multi-tenant management through a single portal saves significant time across client environments. Something to be aware of is that some customer reviews note support response times can be inconsistent, with some tickets sitting unresolved for extended periods.
Our Take
We were impressed by the template volume and automation depth at this price point. For MSPs managing phishing simulations across multiple client environments, the operational efficiency is hard to beat. Organizations running a single internal program will find the value proposition less obvious, and teams needing responsive support should factor in the inconsistency flagged in customer feedback.
Strengths
- Thousands of phishing templates with regular weekly updates
- Single portal manages simulations and reporting across multiple tenants
- SCORM compliant with LMS integration for custom training content
- Affordable pricing suited to MSPs managing SMB clients at volume
Cautions
- Customers note support response times can be inconsistent
- Reviews flag that M365 tenant setup is slower than competitors for multi-client deployments
ESET is a cybersecurity provider that specializes in internet security and antivirus solutions, serving homes, businesses, and enterprises. ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training is their security awareness and phishing simulation solution, with all training delivered via engaging videos in an easy-to-watch, bitesize format. We think the gamified approach, including a 90-minute RPG training module, sets ESET apart from more traditional awareness training providers on this list.
ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training Key Features
ESET provides various courses, modules, and topics to choose from, giving employees a wide yet in-depth range of knowledge from their training. The training program is constantly updated, with advanced bonus training packs and new single-topic learning modules added regularly. The standout feature is a 90-minute gamified training module that acts as an RPG, where employees play as an IT technician assisting a fictional team with security problems, making it enjoyable while putting knowledge into practice.
Training is tested and reinforced through customizable phishing email simulations. Tracking is available for users’ training progress, with reports on phishing simulation success. Users who fail can be automatically re-enrolled in more targeted training, and if problems persist, detailed tracking notifies your team to help the user with additional support. Users are rewarded with a certificate upon completion and a LinkedIn badge.
Our Take
We think ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training is a strong option for small to mid-sized enterprises looking for effective, easy-to-manage security awareness training and phishing simulation. The auto-enrollment for failed simulations means you’re building a feedback loop that improves behavior over time. It’s particularly well suited for organizations already utilizing ESET’s wider endpoint protection solution suite.
Strengths
- Gamified RPG training module engages employees beyond standard video content
- Auto-enrollment routes failed simulation users directly into remedial training
- Customizable phishing simulations with no deployment limits
- Completion certificates and LinkedIn badges for users
- Training content constantly updated with new modules
Cautions
- Pricing not publicly available; requires contacting ESET for a quote
IRONSCALES is a market-leading cloud-based email security platform that combines artificial and human intelligence to provide fast and effective email threat protection. Their all-in-one anti-phishing platform is designed to protect against social engineering attacks, both by providing strong email security and by training users to spot and report phishing emails when they receive them. We think it works best for teams wanting phishing simulation tied to active email threat detection. The Themis AI engine auto-classifies suspicious emails while the simulation side runs campaigns and remedial content, creating a feedback loop that standalone simulation platforms can’t replicate.
IRONSCALES Key Features
The GPT-powered spear-phishing generation creates realistic simulation scenarios based on actual attack patterns, which is a sharper approach than generic template libraries. IRONSCALES offers three tiers to their solution, Core, Core+, and Ultimate, and all packages include the ability to run phishing and smishing campaigns as well as track individual user analytics. Campaigns are fully customizable; admins can choose from a library of real-world templates and target specific groups within their organization. Benchmarking assessments analyze each user’s ability to recognize phishing emails and assign them a score, which then determines the difficulty of future simulated emails. The Themis AI engine auto-classifies suspicious emails and improves continuously as you tune it. The one-click Outlook reporting button lets employees flag suspicious emails, and Themis processes them to strengthen detection over time. Setup takes under an hour.
What Customers Say
Customers consistently highlight the time savings from having phishing detection, simulation, and training in one portal. Users find the platform easy to use and understand, good value for money, and great at providing executive-level reporting. 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. Role permissions also create friction; analysts needing remediation and training management require admin privileges.
Our Take
We were impressed by the GPT-powered simulation generation, which keeps scenarios current without requiring manual content creation. The integration between real email security and phishing simulation creates genuine operational value beyond awareness metrics alone. IRONSCALES is easy to integrate with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or Exchange and requires no MX-record configuration, while onboarding users takes two clicks. If you need both detection and simulation from a single console, IRONSCALES is well worth considering.
Strengths
- GPT-powered spear-phishing generation creates realistic personalized scenarios
- Themis AI auto-classifies threats and improves with continuous tuning
- All tiers include phishing and smishing campaigns with individual analytics
- Setup completes in under an hour with no MX-record changes
Cautions
- Customers note interface navigation is scattered initially
- Role permissions force admin access for analysts needing remediation tools
Hoxhunt is a fast-growing European company that specializes in teaching employees to identify and respond to phishing attacks in engaging ways. Their AI-driven platform personalizes training based on individual user weaknesses using gamification to reward users for correctly identifying and reporting simulated phishing emails. The solution is a fully managed service, including the full end-to-end automation of all phishing campaigns. We think it’s a strong fit for large global enterprises in high-risk industries that need simulation difficulty to scale with employee sophistication.
Hoxhunt Key Features
Hoxhunt’s AI identifies skill gaps and adjusts simulation difficulty accordingly. 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. Hoxhunt refers to their phishing campaigns as “quests”, which are deployed automatically and sent to users multiple times per month so phishing awareness stays fresh. Quests are personalized and tailored toward each user’s skill level, role, and organization. Simulations arrive randomly in real inboxes rather than on a set schedule, which trains employees to stay alert during normal work. Users can report suspected phishing emails via a free plugin, which integrates with Microsoft 365, Outlook, and Gmail. When users correctly identify and report simulated emails, they are instantly rewarded with stars, and points can later be redeemed for real-life prizes. Using a real-time dashboard, users can track their success rates and compete on the top 10 leaderboard. The platform supports over 30 languages with geolocation targeting.
What Customers Say
Customers describe the gamified approach as making phishing simulations feel rewarding rather than routine. The progressive difficulty draws positive feedback from end users across skill levels, and the Outlook reporting button is consistently praised for simplicity. Personal support is available for technical setup and onboarding, while onboarding new users takes minutes. Something to be aware of is that the leaderboard system frustrates field employees or infrequent email users who structurally cannot compete with office-based colleagues. There’s no vacation mode, so users miss simulations during time off and lose ranking points.
Our Take
We were impressed by the adaptive difficulty model and the way simulations land in real inboxes at random intervals. That approach creates more authentic testing than scheduled campaigns. The fully managed service means security teams can focus on training users and remediating threats rather than personalising and managing campaigns. Hoxhunt is well suited to enterprise teams running simulation programs across multiple regions from a single console.
Strengths
- AI personalizes simulation difficulty based on individual skill gaps
- Fully managed service with end-to-end campaign automation
- Simulations arrive randomly in real inboxes for authentic testing
- Supports 30-plus languages with geolocation targeting
Cautions
- No vacation mode; users lose ranking points during time off
- Reviews note Outlook integration is desktop-only with no mobile reporting
Huntress is a managed cybersecurity platform designed for MSPs and IT teams, with fully managed phishing simulation and security awareness training built in. Huntress is completely managed, so you don’t need to spend your own time keeping on top of training services. We think the combination of managed phishing simulation backed by a 24/7 SOC makes Huntress unique on this list.
Huntress Key Features
The phishing simulations and training content are built by experts and directly leverage Huntress’s real-world threat telemetry from millions of endpoints and identities managed by the SOC. Training is delivered in short, highly engaging 7-10 minute animated episodes designed to improve user retention. As a managed service, Huntress handles all the ongoing administration of your learning plans for you. You also receive detailed, compliance-focused reporting and dashboards. The full Huntress platform provides a complete security suite, including SAT, Identity Threat Protection, EDR, and Managed Security Monitoring, giving you a single suite for detection, training, and response.
Our Take
We think Huntress is an excellent fit for MSPs that need a fully managed security solution to offer clients without increasing internal labor costs, or IT teams looking for a fully managed phishing simulation solution backed by a trusted 24/7 SOC. If you want phishing testing as part of a broader managed security stack rather than a standalone tool, Huntress is well worth considering.
Strengths
- Removes admin overhead for deployment and ongoing management
- Content informed by 24/7 SOC threat telemetry for realistic simulations
- Story-based, animated training to engage users
- Detailed compliance-ready reporting
- Part of a managed security suite including IDTR, EDR, and SIEM
Cautions
- The full Huntress suite may be costly for smaller MSPs or early-stage security teams
Cofense PhishMe
Cofense, formerly PhishMe, is an industry leader providing advanced phishing detection and defense solutions for organizations. Their phishing threat intelligence collects data from 26 million users across the globe to detect phishing attacks, providing actionable and accurate insights. Serving more than 2,000 enterprise businesses globally, Cofense PhishMe goes beyond standard phishing simulation by connecting employee reporting directly to active threat response. We think it’s the right call for organizations with dedicated security staff who want simulation results feeding real incident response rather than running as a standalone testing program.
Cofense PhishMe Key Features
The Cofense Reporter button lets employees flag suspicious emails with one click, feeding directly into Cofense Triage for automated threat analysis and Cofense Vision for inbox-level quarantine across the organization. We found this closed-loop approach is the real differentiator; an employee reporting a live phishing attempt triggers remediation across every inbox the same email landed in. The simulation library offers over 1,500 templates in 36 languages, with localised content, and admins can automate campaigns over a 12-month period. Smart suggestions based on historical simulation results, active threats, and industry-specific patterns help shape campaign planning. Campaigns can be customized so that phishing simulations are delivered only when users are active. The Reporter plugin integrates with Outlook, Microsoft 365, Gmail, and Lotus Notes, and the platform uses machine learning trained on reported threats to improve 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. Users rate the platform highly and find it flexible and reliable. 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. Repetitive simulations can also cause user fatigue over extended deployments.
Our Take
We were impressed by the closed-loop connection between phishing simulation, employee reporting, and active remediation. This is a platform built for organizations that want simulation results to drive real security outcomes, not just awareness metrics. A version of PhishMe is also available at no cost to small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. If your detection strategy includes employee reporting as a core component, Cofense PhishMe is well worth considering.
Strengths
- Reporter button connects employee flagging to SOC triage and inbox quarantine
- Over 1,500 templates in 36 languages with localised content
- Smart suggestions shape campaigns based on historical results and active threats
- Free version available for businesses with fewer than 500 employees
Cautions
- Reviews mention the platform requires dedicated staff to administer effectively
- Users report repetitive simulations cause fatigue over extended deployments
Infosec IQ
Infosec is a cybersecurity education company that offers professional training and certification as well as security awareness training and phishing simulations. Now part of the Cengage Group, the platform currently serves 5 million learners in 185 countries. Infosec IQ delivers phishing simulation with instant feedback that redirects users to training the moment they click a simulated phishing link. We think it’s best suited for organizations building structured, year-long simulation and training programs.
Infosec IQ Key Features
The instant redirect approach is where Infosec IQ stands out. When someone clicks a simulated phishing link, they get redirected to a training module immediately rather than waiting for a scheduled session; that direct connection between the mistake and the lesson is more effective than delayed follow-up. The IQPhishSim tool offers customizable campaigns with weekly template updates, and the platform includes over 3,000 training resources across 34-plus languages with over 300 international phishing templates. With multiple attack types to choose from, as well as options to customize branding and create landing pages, the platform offers flexibility to train users across all levels and job types. The PhishNotify plugin enables users to flag suspicious emails and records which users are reporting simulations, with flagged threats prioritized for analyst review. Reporting capabilities extend to measuring an organization’s overall phish rate, automated campaign reports, email reply tracking, and overall progress over time. Pricing is available at three levels, Standard, Enterprise, and Infosec IQ + Skills, and all three include unlimited phishing simulations and user risk scoring.
What Customers Say
Customers consistently highlight the depth of simulation options and the quality of account support, with dedicated contacts who actively assist program success. All subscriptions include 1:1 support for implementation as well as a client success manager and technical support. 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 instant feedback mechanism that turns every simulation failure into a teachable moment. With 70% of the Fortune 500 partnering with Infosec, the platform has proven scale. The solution is well suited to both SMBs and enterprises looking for a flexible and customizable phishing simulator with strong support. If you need a structured simulation program with consistent content delivery and immediate learning triggers, Infosec IQ is well worth considering.
Strengths
- Instant training redirect when users click simulated phishing links
- Over 3,000 training resources with content in 34-plus languages
- All pricing tiers include unlimited phishing simulations and user risk scoring
- 1:1 support and dedicated client success manager included
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
KnowBe4 is an industry giant in security awareness training, dominating the market with their easy-to-deploy platform. Serving over 35,000 customers globally, the platform aims to keep the user at the forefront with engaging simulations across all skill levels. We think it’s the low-risk choice for organizations that want a proven simulation program with the content variety and reporting depth to sustain long-term engagement. KnowBe4’s SaaS solution is costed on a tiered basis, from silver to diamond, with more features becoming available in higher tiers.
KnowBe4 Key Features
KnowBe4 offers unlimited use of their phishing simulations with access to a library of over 5,000 templates available in 34 languages. The platform also includes over 1,300 resources spanning videos, interactive modules, games, and role-specific tracks across 35 languages. KnowBe4’s organisational risk score aggregates individual phishing simulation results into a single metric that gives security teams clear direction on where to focus campaigns. The AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Defense Agents) system within the Diamond tier automates simulation assignments and generates custom phishing templates based on individual user risk scores. Smart Groups, available from Platinum tier and above, allows admins to group users based on behavior and attributes and tailor campaigns accordingly based on real-time data. Vishing is available from Gold tier and above, and smishing is also supported. The Phish Alert button integrates directly with email clients for one-click suspicious email reporting. Over 60 built-in reports support tracking and industry benchmarking.
What Customers Say
Users describe the solution as easy to deploy and configure, great value for money, flexible, and effective at reducing the number of employees falling for emails. The constantly updated content library and dedicated success managers who stay engaged beyond onboarding draw consistent praise. The organisational 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. Some users also find the analytics and reporting tool lacking in customization and filtering options for specific results.
Our Take
We were impressed by the organisational risk scoring and the data point that KnowBe4 reduces an organization’s phish-prone percentage from 30% to less than 5% after 12 months on average. The content depth and reporting capabilities are hard to match. KnowBe4’s solution is well suited for organizations of all sizes as it is flexible, built to scale, and easy to roll out to employees. For teams wanting a mature simulation platform with a track record, KnowBe4 earns its market position.
Strengths
- Over 5,000 phishing templates with unlimited simulations across all tiers
- Organisational risk score gives data-driven direction for simulation targeting
- AIDA AI agents automate simulation assignments based on individual risk scores
- Over 60 built-in reports with industry benchmarking capabilities
Cautions
- Users report campaign setup is time-consuming with no managed service option
- Customers note training content can feel repetitive after multiple cycles
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training
Proofpoint is an industry leader in securing businesses and their data against advanced threats and email compromises, serving over 4,000 organizations globally. Proofpoint Security Awareness Training was developed by Wombat Security Technologies, acquired by Proofpoint in March 2018. Their security awareness training can be licensed either as a standalone solution or as part of their Proofpoint Essentials stack for SMBs. We think it makes the most sense for large enterprises already invested in Proofpoint email security, where the integration depth and shared threat intelligence are real advantages.
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training Key Features
The simulation template library is where this platform earns its keep. Admins can choose from over 700 templates, which are customizable, available in over 35 languages, and localised with relevant brands, character names, and currencies for each end user. The standout capability is turning real-world neutralised phishing attempts into live simulation material, which is a sharper testing tool than generic templates. Daily threat intelligence identifies high-risk accounts and shapes which simulations reach which users. ThreatSim, Proofpoint’s simulation tool, enables organizations to test users based on real-life phishing tactics and pinpoint vulnerabilities. Simulations cover phishing, smishing, and USB-based attack scenarios. The customizable PhishAlarm plugin integrates with Outlook and Gmail for one-click suspicious email reporting. Over 600 learning modules are available in multiple formats.
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. Users find the platform easy to use and great at providing detailed reports. Monthly account manager meetings help align simulation campaigns with organisational needs. Something to be aware of is that some customer reviews mention sender email customization is limited, which can reduce simulation authenticity when users have seen similar content before. Some users experienced that implementation, as well as initially learning to use the platform, can take some time.
Our Take
We were impressed by the ability to convert real neutralised threats into simulation content and the way daily threat intelligence shapes campaign targeting. Proofpoint’s global threat intelligence network collects data from over 100 million inboxes, which is used to inform their awareness training programs. For enterprise teams where Proofpoint is already the email security standard, this extends that investment into phishing testing effectively. The solution is well suited for SMBs and enterprises across all industries.
Strengths
- Real-world neutralised phishing emails convert directly into simulation content
- Over 700 templates in 35-plus languages with localised content
- Daily threat intelligence identifies and prioritizes high-risk accounts
- Available standalone or as part of the Proofpoint Essentials stack
Cautions
- Customers note sender email customization is limited
- Reviews flag per-tenant pricing is expensive for MSPs managing multiple clients
Other Security Awareness Training Services
An open-source phishing simulation tool for testing organizational susceptibility to phishing.
Offers highly engaging training content and adaptive phish simulations.
Integrates phishing simulations with security awareness training to educate users.
Provides phishing simulations and training to assess and improve employee awareness.
How We Compared The Best Phishing Simulation And Testing Solutions
We assessed each platform across simulation realism, campaign automation, reporting and analytics, ease of deployment, content variety and localisation, integration with email clients and security stacks, and real-world customer feedback. Products were evaluated on how effectively they train employees to recognize and report phishing attempts while providing actionable data for security teams.
What To Look For In Phishing Simulation And Testing Solutions
When selecting a phishing simulation platform, consider whether you need a self-serve or fully managed service. Evaluate the template library size and update frequency, language support for global teams, and whether simulations adapt to individual user skill levels. Integration with your email client and existing security stack matters, as does the quality of reporting for executive stakeholders and compliance auditing. If you already run email security from a specific vendor, check whether their simulation offering creates a feedback loop with real threat detection.
The Bottom Line
The phishing simulation market has matured significantly, with platforms now offering AI-generated scenarios, adaptive difficulty, and direct integration with email security and SOC operations. The right choice depends on your team size, administrative capacity, and whether you want simulation running as a standalone awareness program or feeding directly into active threat response. For lean teams, managed services like Huntress and Hoxhunt remove the operational burden. For enterprises with dedicated security staff, platforms like Cofense and IRONSCALES create genuine closed-loop security value.
FAQs
Everything You Need To Know About Phishing Simulation and Testing Solutions (FAQs)
Phishing is a type of cyberattack where malicious actors attempt to lure individuals into
- Clicking on a malicious link
- Downloading a malicious file
- Share sensitive information, like financial data or credentials
Traditionally, phishing attacks were sent by email and used a “scatter gun” approach; they would spam hundreds and thousands of accounts with the same attack, in the hope the one or two of the accounts would fall for it.
Today, phishing is more sophisticated; the malicious actor researches their victim and tried to manipulate them into thinking the message is from a trusted sender, so they’re more likely to interact with it. Plus, while email is still the most common medium for exploitation, bad actors today also use SMS, phone calls, and social media to carry out phishing attacks.
Aside from email phishing, here are some other common types of phishing attack to be aware of:
- Vishing: Voice phishing, or “vishing”, attacks are sent via phone calls or voice notes
- SMiShing: SMiShing attacks are sent via SMS
- Spear phishing: Spear phishing attacks identify a specific individual, rather than hundreds of accounts at once. They often impersonate real employees, and use spoofed domains and other fraudulent material to make the attack more realistic
- Whaling: Whaling is a type of spear phishing used to single out a senior individual within an organization, such as a CEO or board member. These attacks are highly specific and directed, and often involve impersonation
- Pharming: Pharming attacks redirect employees to fake websites, where they’re tricked into typing in sensitive information that is then sent directly to the malicious actor
Often delivered as part of a wider SAT platform, phishing simulation platform is deployed to simulate real world attacks, to better understand if employees respond correctly. Once the email is sent, the employee can assess if it is risky and decide if they want to interact with it, or ignore it. There are two main benefits to this:
- Employees can put their SAT to practice and identify risks in a secure, real-world way
- IT admins can identify their most vulnerable employees based on their responses to phishing tests, and assign further education or step-up enforcement where needed
Follow these recommendations to make sure your employees get the most out of your phishing simulation tool:
- Don’t use simulation in isolation. Most phishing simulation tools are designed to be used alongside a SAT platform, which educates your employees on how to identify and react to phishing attacks. If you deploy phishing simulations without giving your employees any education, you can still monitor their behavior, but you won’t be teaching them how to improve.
- Customize campaigns to your employees. Different employees within your organization may face different types of attack depending on their role, department, and seniority. Customize your campaigns so that they present each employee with attacks that they’re likely to experience in real life.
- Update your templates. To make the emails as accurate and effective as possible, you should ensure that the phishing tests are based on current, realistic attacks. Some platforms use threat intelligence feeds to create realistic emails for your automatically.
There are a few reasons why you might want to implement a phishing simulation tool:
- Prevent data leaks: Simulated phishing emails teach your employees how to spot a phishing attack so that they won’t fall victim to a real one. Phishing simulations can also enable admins to identify any individuals or employee groups that are more susceptible to attacks, so that you can assign further modules to them.
- Monitor your attack rate: Phishing simulation platforms collect data on the success rate of each campaign, such as how many employees opened the email, how many employees clicked on a link to a “compromised” website or downloaded an attachment, and how many employees flagged the email. You can use this data to monitor your employees’ learning and your organization’s resilience to phishing over time.
- Motivate your people: Testing employees at the end of their SAT program can also motivate them to really engage with the program so that they do well in the phishing test. Some platforms take this a step further by turning campaigns into a competition and displaying the results on a leader board.
- Cultivate a culture of skepticism: Continuous SAT and phishing testing ensures that cybersecurity is always at the forefront of your employees’ minds. Helping employees not only to become aware of the topic but also to actively engage with it will help to foster a culture of skepticism across your entire workforce.
- Ensure compliance: Many regulatory frameworks, including GDPR and PCI, require organizations to undertake SAT in order to become compliant. Testing is recommended as a part of this education in order to track progress and improvement over time.
- Minimize insurance premiums: SAT can reassure a cybersecurity insurer that you are taking proactive steps to reduce your human risk levels, which in turn can help reduce your insurance premium.
Written By
Alex is an experienced journalist and content editor. He researches, writes, factchecks and edits articles relating to B2B cyber security and technology solutions, working alongside software experts.
Alex was awarded a First Class MA (Hons) in English and Scottish Literature by the University of Edinburgh.
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.