Phishing Training: Why, How, and 6 Steps to Get Started

What Is Phishing Awareness Training? 

Phishing awareness training educates employees about the tactics and techniques used in phishing attacks. It aims to improve their ability to recognize and respond to phishing attempts. This training typically covers how phishing works, common types of phishing emails, and best practices for avoiding being tricked by such attacks. 

Phishing training should be part of a broader security training program that includes training on password management, recognizing and reporting suspicious activities, data protection best practices, and understanding the principles of network security. By integrating phishing training into a wider security awareness curriculum, organizations can ensure that employees have a well-rounded understanding of potential threats and how to mitigate them. 

Why Is Phishing Training Important? 

Phishing attacks are one of the most prevalent and effective methods used by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, systems, and networks. These attacks can result in data breaches, financial losses, and damage to an organization’s reputation.

By educating employees about phishing tactics and how to recognize and respond to phishing attempts, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of successful attacks. Trained employees are less likely to click on malicious links, provide sensitive information to attackers, or otherwise compromise security. 

Phishing training helps support compliance with various cybersecurity regulations and standards. Many regulatory frameworks, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, mandate regular security training for employees. By conducting phishing awareness training, organizations can ensure they meet these regulatory requirements, avoiding potential fines and penalties.

Phishing training also fosters a culture of security within the organization. When employees are aware of the potential threats and understand their role in preventing cyberattacks, they are more likely to adopt secure practices and remain vigilant. This collective awareness and responsibility create a stronger defense against cyber threats.

Related content: Read our guide to phishing detection

The Pros and Cons of Phishing Awareness Training

Advantages of phishing awareness training include:

• Enhanced security: Phishing awareness training boosts an organization’s security posture by equipping employees with the knowledge to detect and prevent phishing attempts. This helps in reducing the incidence of successful attacks.
• Compliance: Many industries are subject to stringent cybersecurity regulations that require regular employee training. Phishing awareness training helps organizations comply with these regulations, avoiding legal penalties and demonstrating due diligence in protecting sensitive information.
• Employee empowerment: Well-informed employees feel more empowered and confident in their ability to handle suspicious activities. This improves their work performance and promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the organization’s cybersecurity.
• Reduced incidents: Regular and comprehensive training can lead to a decrease in phishing incidents. This reduction is achieved as employees become adept at recognizing and avoiding phishing attempts.

However, organizations often experience some challenges with phishing training:

1. Resource intensive: Developing, implementing, and maintaining an up-to-date phishing awareness training program can be resource-intensive. It requires a significant investment of time, money, and effort to create engaging content, conduct training sessions, and track employee progress.
2. Varied engagement: Not all employees may engage equally with the training materials. Some may not take the training seriously or may find it difficult to apply the concepts learned, leading to inconsistent effectiveness across the organization.
3. Evolving threats: Phishing tactics are continuously evolving, and attackers are becoming more sophisticated. Keeping training materials up-to-date to reflect the latest phishing strategies can be challenging and requires constant vigilance and adaptation.
4. Overconfidence: There is a risk that employees who have undergone training may become overconfident in their abilities to identify phishing attempts. This overconfidence can lead to complacency, where employees may underestimate the complexity of certain phishing attacks, potentially resulting in security lapses.

Related content: Read our guide to phishing protection

Types of Phishing Awareness Training

There are several types of training programs that can be used to educate employees about phishing.

Computer-Based Training

Computer-based training for phishing awareness uses digital platforms to deliver educational content. This type of training leverages multimedia elements such as videos, animations, interactive modules, and quizzes to engage employees and reinforce learning.

A computer-based approach offers several advantages, including flexibility and convenience. Employees can complete the training at their own pace and on their own schedules, which is particularly beneficial for organizations with remote or geographically dispersed workforces. The interactive nature of training allows employees to engage with the material in a hands-on manner, enhancing their ability to retain and apply the information.

Additionally, online training programs can be easily updated to reflect the latest phishing tactics and trends. This ensures that the training remains relevant and effective in addressing current threats. Employers can also track employee progress and performance through the training platform, identifying individuals or departments that need additional support or follow-up training.

Simulated Phishing Exercises

Simulated phishing exercises involve sending fake phishing emails to employees to test their ability to recognize and respond to phishing attempts. The simulations mimic real-world phishing scenarios, providing employees with hands-on experience in a controlled environment.

Simulated phishing exercises provide immediate feedback. When an employee falls for a simulated phishing email, they are typically redirected to a training page that explains what clues they missed and how they can improve their vigilance in the future. This feedback reinforces learning and helps employees understand the practical application of the training material.

Simulated phishing exercises also help organizations measure the effectiveness of their phishing awareness programs. By tracking metrics such as click-through rates and reporting rates, organizations can identify trends and areas of weakness. 

Classroom-Based Training

Classroom-based training offers a traditional and interactive approach to phishing awareness education. This method involves face-to-face instruction, typically conducted by cybersecurity experts or experienced trainers, who can provide detailed explanations and answer questions in real time.

One of the key advantages of classroom-based training is the opportunity for direct interaction. Employees can engage with the trainer and their peers, participating in discussions, asking questions, and sharing experiences. This interactive environment can enhance understanding and retention of the material, as employees benefit from collective knowledge.

Classes can be tailored to address the needs and risks of the organization. Trainers can customize the content to focus on the types of phishing attacks most relevant to the industry or the organization’s particular vulnerabilities. 

Steps to Implement Phishing Awareness Training for Employees 

Organizations should consider implementing the following steps when planning a phishing training strategy.

1. Plan Employee Education Materials

Begin by collecting comprehensive and engaging educational materials tailored to the organization’s needs. These materials should cover the basics of phishing, such as identifying suspicious emails, understanding common phishing tactics, and knowing the potential consequences of falling for a phishing scam. 

Use a variety of formats to cater to different learning preferences, including videos, infographics, written guides, and interactive modules. Ensure the content is updated regularly to reflect the latest phishing techniques and trends.

Additionally, consider integrating real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the impact of phishing attacks. Highlighting incidents that have occurred within the industry or similar organizations can make the training more relatable and underscore the importance of vigilance. 

2. Offer Phishing Attack Training Quizzes

After the initial training, assign quizzes to assess employees’ understanding of the material. These quizzes should include various types of questions, such as multiple-choice, true/false, and scenario-based questions that simulate real phishing attempts. They help reinforce learning and ensure that employees can apply the knowledge they have gained in practical situations.

Analyze quiz results to identify areas where employees may need additional training or clarification. Provide immediate feedback on quiz performance, explaining the correct answers and why certain responses indicate a phishing attempt. This helps to address any misconceptions and track progress over time among staff.

3. Deploy Simulated Phishing Campaigns

Implement simulated phishing campaigns to test employees’ ability to recognize and respond to phishing attempts in a controlled environment. These simulations involve sending fake phishing emails that mimic real-world tactics used by cybercriminals. The goal is to provide hands-on experience and reinforce the training employees have received.

Monitor the results of these simulations closely. Track metrics such as the click-through rate of phishing emails and the rate at which employees report them. Use this data to identify patterns and areas where further training may be needed. Provide immediate feedback to employees who fall for the simulated phishing attempts, offering additional training resources and guidance.

4. Teach Employees How to Report Phishing Attacks

Educate employees on the proper procedures for reporting suspected phishing attacks. Clear reporting mechanisms should be in place, whether through a designated email address, an internal help desk, or a specialized reporting tool. Ensure that employees understand the importance of reporting phishing attempts promptly.

Create a simple and accessible reporting process to encourage employees to report suspicious activities without hesitation. Provide step-by-step instructions and ensure that all staff are aware of the reporting channels. Regularly remind employees of the reporting process and the importance of their role in maintaining the organization’s cybersecurity.

5. Evaluate Results and Test Regularly

Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the phishing awareness training program. Use metrics from quizzes and simulated phishing campaigns to gauge the overall improvement in employees’ ability to detect and respond to phishing attempts. Regularly review and update the training materials based on feedback and emerging phishing trends.

Implement periodic refresher courses and additional training sessions to keep employees up-to-date with the latest phishing tactics. Regular testing and evaluation help maintain a high level of awareness and vigilance among staff. Use the insights gained from these evaluations to refine the training program.

Perception Point Security Awareness Training

Cybersecurity awareness training isn’t just a necessity; it’s a strategic imperative. Perception Point’ security awareness training program is integrated with the Advanced Email Security Platform and aims to counter these attacks by focusing on employee behavior, specifically their emotional responses, rather than just relying on enhancing their knowledge through rational thinking.

Integrated within your employees’ email interface, a simple button allows your employees to report any suspicious emails. Once an end user reports a suspicious email, Perception Point’s Incident Response team is alerted with all the relevant data to investigate the potential incident. 

Contact us to learn more!