Phishing remains one of the biggest cybersecurity threats to businesses, and it’s often employees, not systems, that provide cybercriminals with a way in. Even the most advanced IT security solutions can’t fully protect a business if employees accidentally hand over passwords or sensitive data through phishing emails. This is where simulated phishing tests come in, offering a practical and measurable way to train staff and strengthen your overall security posture.
At IT How To, we include simulated phishing tests as part of our comprehensive Dark Web Audit and cybersecurity services. These proactive exercises help businesses identify employees who may be vulnerable to phishing attempts and educate them on how to spot and avoid these increasingly sophisticated scams.
How Phishing Threatens Your Business
Phishing attacks are designed to trick employees into clicking on malicious links, downloading harmful files, or handing over confidential credentials. These credentials are often:
- Used to gain access to internal systems
- Sold on the dark web to other cybercriminals
- Exploited to launch further attacks on customers, suppliers, or partners
Phishing attacks are also a common gateway to ransomware infections, where critical business data is encrypted, and attackers demand payment to restore access.
What Are Simulated Phishing Tests?
A simulated phishing test is a safe and controlled way to assess how your employees respond to suspicious emails. These tests involve sending realistic, fake phishing emails to staff to see if they:
- Click on links they shouldn’t
- Attempt to enter passwords into fake websites
- Open suspicious attachments
The goal isn’t to catch anyone out, it’s to help businesses identify vulnerabilities and provide targeted training to reduce future risks.
Why Simulated Phishing Tests Work
- They provide real-world training: Reading about phishing is helpful, but experiencing it in a controlled environment is much more effective.
- They identify at-risk employees: Employees who consistently fall for simulated phishing emails can receive tailored training.
- They track progress over time: Regular simulations allow businesses to measure improvements in awareness and response rates.
- They support your Dark Web Audit: Compromised credentials often stem from phishing attacks. Training employees reduces the risk of work email credentials ending up on the dark web.
Integrating Phishing Simulations with a Dark Web Audit
A Dark Web Audit identifies whether your business’s credentials are already circulating in dark web marketplaces. Once a breach occurs, often through phishing, credentials are quickly traded and sold. Combining simulated phishing tests with a Dark Web Audit gives your business a clearer picture of:
- How exposed you already are
- How vulnerable your workforce is to new phishing attempts
- How to improve your overall cybersecurity posture
Steps to Running Effective Simulated Phishing Campaigns
- Baseline Assessment – Run an initial simulation to gauge employee awareness and establish a starting point.
- Regular Testing – Send phishing simulations at different intervals using various techniques (invoice scams, urgent “IT support” requests, fake HR updates).
- Immediate Feedback – Let employees know if they’ve fallen for a phishing email, explaining what they missed and how to avoid future attacks.
- Targeted Training – Provide ongoing training to employees who repeatedly fall for phishing simulations.
- Combine with Dark Web Monitoring – If compromised credentials are found on the dark web, reinforce training with those employees.
Building a Security-First Culture
Technology plays a critical role in cybersecurity, but your employees are the front line. Simulated phishing tests don’t just improve awareness, they foster a culture of vigilance and help employees understand their role in protecting sensitive data.
At IT How To, we integrate phishing simulations into our Dark Web Audits to provide a complete view of your business’s exposure, vulnerabilities, and training needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help your business strengthen its defences through targeted employee training and dark web monitoring.