Phishing attacks remain one of the most common and effective forms of cybercrime in 2025. Despite advances in email filtering and security software, one of the biggest vulnerabilities in any business continues to be human error. All it takes is a single click on a fake invoice or login page for your organisation to be exposed to data theft, ransomware, or reputational damage.
At IT How To, we offer simulated phishing tests as a practical, controlled way to train staff and improve your organisation’s cybersecurity posture. These tests replicate real-world phishing attacks without causing harm, helping businesses across Geelong and Australia identify weaknesses before they are exploited.
What is a Simulated Phishing Test?
A simulated phishing test is a cybersecurity training tool used to assess how employees respond to fraudulent emails in a safe and measured environment. These emails mimic the tactics used by real cybercriminals, such as pretending to be a manager requesting urgent action, a bank notifying a password change, or a service asking you to verify payment details.
Employees receive these emails as if they were real. The test tracks who opens the message, clicks the link, downloads an attachment, or attempts to submit credentials. Those who engage with the email are not penalised but are instead guided through immediate, helpful training designed to explain what went wrong and how to recognise future threats.
Why Phishing Remains a Top Threat to Businesses
Phishing emails remain one of the most common ways cybercriminals attempt to access business systems. These messages often impersonate trusted services or internal communications to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or entering their login credentials on fraudulent sites.
Even with strong technical defences in place, human error continues to be a leading factor in many cybersecurity incidents. Staff who are untrained or distracted are particularly vulnerable to these attacks. That’s why improving phishing awareness is a vital part of a broader security strategy. A well-timed and convincing phishing email can bypass even the best software protections if an employee inadvertently provides access.
Simulated phishing tests offer a practical and safe way to address this risk, by training staff to spot and respond appropriately to suspicious emails before they become actual incidents.
Common Business Impacts of Phishing Attacks
The consequences of falling victim to a phishing email are significant and far-reaching:
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Compromised email accounts used to defraud customers or suppliers
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Unauthorised access to systems and data
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Deployment of ransomware, locking you out of critical files
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Theft of employee or customer information, leading to privacy breaches
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Reputational damage that erodes trust with clients and stakeholders
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Compliance breaches, especially under Australia’s Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme
In short, a single mistaken click can cost your business time, money, and credibility. Prevention is far more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath.
Prevention Costs Less
Investing in phishing awareness is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce your cybersecurity risk. Consider the cost of downtime, recovery, legal obligations, and damage to your reputation following a data breach. Compared to this, a structured program of regular phishing tests and follow-up training is low-cost, scalable, and measurable.
In industries where compliance and privacy are critical, such as healthcare, NDIS support, professional services, and finance—these exercises can also support audit preparation and regulatory obligations.
How IT How To Helps Local Businesses Stay Protected
We work with businesses across Geelong and regional Victoria to deliver tailored cybersecurity programs that include:
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Monthly or quarterly phishing simulations
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Custom campaigns aligned with current threats
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Hands-on training for staff at all levels
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Ongoing support to reinforce safe digital practices
We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether your business has ten employees or a hundred, we tailor simulations to your environment and provide local, responsive support when you need it most.
A simulated phishing test is more than just a technical check, it is a strategic investment in your people, your operations, and your resilience. It creates a culture where staff are not just aware of cyber threats, but actively contributing to your business’s defence against them.
With phishing emails growing in sophistication, now is the time to train your team before it is too late. Prevention starts with awareness, and awareness starts with practice.
To schedule your first simulated phishing test or incorporate it into your broader cybersecurity strategy, contact IT How To today. Our team is ready to help you assess your risks and build a stronger, safer business.