Getting Started with Phishing Simulation — A Practical Guide for Security Teams

Phishing remains one of the most effective ways attackers compromise organisations. A well-run simulation program doesn’t just tick a compliance box — it reduces real risk by changing behaviour. This guide walks you through launching your first program (or levelling up an existing one) using a modern, multi-channel approach.

Why start with a clear scope?

Before you send a single test email, define what “success” looks like. Common goals include:

• Reducing click rates on simulated phishing over 6–12 months
• Increasing reporting rates so employees flag suspicious messages
• Meeting audit or compliance requirements for security awareness
• Building a baseline of human risk before expanding to more channels

Align these with your security and leadership teams so your program is measured on the right outcomes.

Multi-channel from day one (or soon after)

Attackers use email, SMS, collaboration tools, and more. Limiting simulations to email only leaves blind spots. A practical path:

1. Start with email to establish baseline metrics and internal processes.
2. Add one more channel (e.g. SMS or Microsoft Teams) once the first campaign is running smoothly.
3. Expand to other channels (e.g. WhatsApp, Slack) as your team and tooling mature.

Using a single platform for design, delivery, and reporting keeps the program manageable and the story consistent for leadership.

Getting stakeholder buy-in

Security often owns the tool; HR, comms, and legal care about how it’s used. Early alignment helps avoid surprises:

• Communicate the “why” — real threats, not blame. Frame simulations as a way to train and protect people.
• Set expectations with HR on how results are used (e.g. no punitive use of individual data).
• Define roles: who approves campaigns, who sees reports, and who follows up with repeat clickers.

When stakeholders understand the goal and guardrails, rollout is smoother and support is easier to maintain.

Measuring what matters

Track a small set of metrics you can explain to non-technical leaders:

• Click rate (and trend over time)
• Report rate (employees who report the simulation)
• Completion of training after a simulated incident
• Repeat clickers (and whether they’re receiving extra coaching)

Tie these to your original goals and report them regularly so the program stays visible and funded.

Scaling and improving over time

Once the basics are in place:

• Vary scenarios — use different lures and themes so employees don’t memorise “the test.”
• Use AI-generated or custom content where your platform supports it, so tests stay relevant.
• Integrate with training so a click triggers a short, targeted lesson instead of only a generic course.
• Review and iterate with compliance and HR so policies and training stay in sync with real threats.

A modern phishing simulation and awareness platform should support all of this without requiring a separate tool per channel.

---

Ready to run a program that reduces human risk and satisfies auditors? Book a demo to see how Phish Defense brings multi-channel simulation, training, and reporting into one place.