As security tools such as email filtering and anti-malware software continue to improve their rates of phishing detection through AI, Machine Learning and other techniques, those launching attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated in order to breach your defences.
This is why we believe Simulated Phishing Simulations are equally important, alongside your technical tools.
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a type of cyber attack in which criminals attempt to trick people into revealing sensitive information or carrying out actions that benefit the attacker. These attacks are usually delivered through email, although they can also arrive by text message (smishing), telephone calls (vishing) or messaging platforms.
A phishing email may appear to come from a trusted supplier, colleague, customer, or even a senior executive within your own organisation. The message often creates a sense of urgency by claiming there is an overdue invoice, a missed delivery, a password expiry or an important document requiring immediate attention.
Modern phishing campaigns frequently use publicly available information from company websites and social media, making the messages highly convincing. And Artificial intelligence has made these attacks even more sophisticated by enabling criminals to generate personalised emails at scale.
Why Do Phishing Attacks Continue to Work?
Although technology has become significantly better at detecting spam and malicious emails, phishing continues to be responsible for a large proportion of successful cyber attacks.
The reason is simple. Attackers only need one HUMAN to make one mistake.
Employees are often busy, distracted or working under pressure. A carefully crafted email arriving at the right moment can persuade even experienced professionals to click before thinking.
Cyber security is therefore not simply a technology problem but also a people and culture problem.
Organisations that invest in staff awareness are significantly better placed to identify and stop phishing attempts before they become serious security incidents.
Why are Phishing Simulations Still Important?
Phishing simulations provide employees with realistic but harmless phishing emails designed to test awareness and reinforce good security habits.
Rather than relying solely on annual cyber security training, simulations allow organisations to measure how people behave in real situations.
Importantly though, phishing simulations should not be used to embarrass or punish employees. Their purpose is education, continuous improvement and organisational resilience.
Assent Risk Management, and our training ar Lorators, helps organisations conduct phishing simulations, train staff and raise awareness of current cyber threats. Contact our team today to discuss how we can help!
How Can You Protect Against Phishing Attacks?
Effective protection requires multiple layers of defence because no single security control can eliminate phishing risk entirely.
Technical controls should include advanced email filtering, multi-factor authentication, endpoint protection, DNS filtering and regular software patching. However, these controls must be complemented by informed employees who understand how to identify suspicious messages.
Staff should be encouraged to:
- Verify unexpected requests before taking action.
- Carefully check sender addresses and website links.
- Avoid opening unexpected attachments.
- Report suspicious emails immediately.
- Never share passwords or authentication codes.
- Pause before responding to messages that create urgency or pressure.
Regular cyber security awareness training should be reinforced with phishing simulations throughout the year, allowing employees to practise identifying genuine threats in a safe environment. Contact our team today to discuss how we can help!
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Taking Cyber Security a Step Further
Cyber resilience is not about preventing every attack but ensuring your organisation can identify, respond to and recover from attacks before significant damage occurs.
Phishing simulations play an important role in building that resilience because they provide measurable evidence of how prepared your workforce really is.
When combined with incident response planning, effective technical controls and internationally recognised security frameworks such as ISO 27001, phishing simulations become part of a comprehensive information security management system rather than a standalone exercise.
Organisations that regularly test their people alongside their technology are far better prepared for today’s evolving cyber threat landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are phishing simulations legal?
Yes. When conducted responsibly within an organisation, phishing simulations are a recognised cyber security awareness practice. Employees should understand that simulated exercises form part of the organisation’s security programme and should be carried out in accordance with employment policies and applicable data protection requirements.
How often should phishing simulations be carried out?
There is no universal answer, but many organisations conduct simulations monthly or quarterly. The most effective programmes vary the style, complexity and timing of simulations to reflect current attack trends. Our phishing tool enables organisations to configure automatic, periodic and randomised simulated phishing campaigns for the most effective test. Contact Us to discuss!
Can phishing simulations stop cyber attacks?
No. They are not designed to stop attacks directly.But they can reduce the likelihood that employees will fall victim to real phishing attempts by improving awareness and encouraging safer behaviours.
Should small businesses run phishing simulations?
Absolutely. Small and medium-sized organisations are frequently targeted because attackers often assume they have fewer security controls. Even a simple phishing awareness programme can significantly reduce cyber risk.
Conclusion
Phishing is unlikely to disappear any time soon. In fact, the rise of artificial intelligence is making phishing attacks more convincing and more difficult to detect than ever before.
Technology alone cannot solve the problem so organisations should also invest in developing informed, vigilant employees who recognise suspicious activity and know how to respond.
Assent’s phishing simulations remain one of the most practical, measurable and cost-effective ways of achieving this goal. Used alongside regular awareness training, robust technical controls and standards such as ISO 27001, they help transform employees from potential targets into one of your organisation’s strongest lines of defence.
If your organisation has not reviewed its phishing awareness programme recently, now is an excellent time to start. In cyber security, preparation is always less costly than recovery. Contact Us!
