BackCreating an Effective Phishing Simulation - A Step-by-Step Guide
8 minImplementing phishing simulations is a strategic way to bolster your organization’s defense against cyber threats. Our XDR (Extended Detection and Response) platform offers a streamlined process to create and manage these simulations, ensuring your employees are well-prepared to recognize and respond to phishing attempts. This guide walks you through the steps to set up a successful phishing simulation campaign.
Step 1: Choose Your Simulation Type
Begin by selecting whether you want to run a one-time simulation or a multi-round campaign:
- One-Time Simulation: Ideal for initial assessments or specific training sessions.
- Multi-Round Simulation: Suitable for ongoing training, generating multiple campaigns over time to continuously test and educate your workforce.
Step 2: Enter Campaign Details
Depending on your chosen simulation type, enter the necessary campaign details:
- For One-Time Simulations:
- Display Name: Assign a unique name to your campaign for easy identification.
- Launch Date: Set the date when the simulation will commence.
- Availability Frame: Choose how long the simulation will be active (10, 20, or 30 days).
- For Multi-Round Simulations:
- Display Name: Provide a name that reflects the campaign’s purpose.
- Start and End Dates: Define the duration of the multi-round campaign.
- Frequency: Specify how often simulations will occur, such as "every X months on the Nth day" (e.g., third Wednesday).
Step 3: Configure Campaign Content
Tailor the content of your phishing simulations to match realistic scenarios:
- One-Time Simulation:
- Select Email Template: Choose from predefined templates, such as "Gmail Out of Storage," which includes a fake Google login page to mimic a common phishing tactic.
- Multi-Round Simulation:
- Select Multiple Templates: Pick various email templates to diversify the types of phishing attempts.
- Template Rotation: If you have more campaigns than templates, the system will cycle through your selected templates, ensuring varied and unpredictable simulations.
Step 4: Select Your Target Audience
Decide who will participate in the phishing simulation:
- Specific Employees: Target employees who are part of a particular training group or department.
- All Users: Include everyone in the organization to ensure comprehensive coverage and awareness.
Step 5: Review and Launch
Before launching your simulation, review all the entered details on the summary page. You have two options:
- Publish: Submit the training campaign to all selected users, initiating the phishing simulation.
- Test: Send the first simulation to a small group of selected users as a trial run, allowing you to experience the simulation process before a full-scale launch.
Additionally, as you create a simulation, a "draft" is automatically saved, allowing you to exit the setup process at any point without losing your progress.
Conclusion
Setting up phishing simulations with our XDR platform is a straightforward process that empowers you to enhance your organization’s cybersecurity resilience. By following these steps, you can create effective simulations tailored to your specific needs, ensuring your employees are well-equipped to identify and respond to phishing threats. Start your phishing simulation campaign today and take a proactive step towards safeguarding your organization against cyber attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test the phishing simulation before a full launch?
Yes, our platform offers a "Test" option that allows you to send the first simulation to a small group of selected users. This trial run lets you experience the simulation process and ensure everything is functioning correctly before deploying it to your entire target audience.
How does Rotate track and report simulation results?
Results from phishing simulations are displayed on the Phishing Page within the Awareness Hub. You can view which users failed specific campaigns, review individual performance summaries, and analyze overall metrics like failure rates and engagement rates. This data helps you identify areas for improvement and tailor your training programs accordingly.
How are phishing emails customized in simulations?
Our platform allows you to select from a variety of predefined email templates that resemble common phishing tactics, such as "Gmail Out of Storage" with a fake Google login page. You can also customize these templates to better fit your organization’s context, making simulations more relevant and effective.
Why is phishing simulation important?
Phishing simulations help identify how susceptible your employees are to phishing attacks. This allows you to provide targeted training, reduce the risk of data breaches, and strengthen your overall cybersecurity posture.
What is a phishing simulation?
A phishing simulation is a controlled, mock phishing attack designed to train and assess employees' ability to recognize and respond to real phishing attempts. It helps organizations evaluate their vulnerability and improve their security awareness programs.