Carrying out a phishing test on your employees can help improve their reactions when suspicious emails arrive in their inboxes and even safeguard your company from cybercriminals. If effectively managed, these tests can make a critical difference stopping staff members from inadvertently activating malicious links, and instead prompt them to report them to the appropriate authority.
Phishing tests, also known as phishing simulations, are regularly employed by many businesses looking to make their personnel more aware of the potential dangers of spam social engineering tactics. However, this process takes time and not all staff members will learn at the same speed. If you’re a chief information officer charged with training, be prepared to be patient.
How does a phishing test work?
Phishing tests are simulated emails and websites created for the specific purpose of helping IT security professionals test staff reactions. The tests send emails that look just like those used by hackers attempting to harvest personal data and confidential details and coerce them into downloading malicious payloads. Links contained in the phishing tests may also lead to simulations of phishing websites that steal usernames and passwords when victims are fooled.
The simulated attacks in the test can show gaps in staff knowledge of phishing threats, and also help them to learn how to spot an attack over time. With practice and training, the employees at your enterprise can learn to avoid activating harmful links and relinquishing sensitive information, helping your firm stay safe from potential attacks.
Are phishing tests safe?
Entirely danger-free, phishing simulations offer an ideal place where staff can have their cybersecurity awareness levels tested safely. Test results can be exceptionally informative, offering detailed statistics showing the precise percentage of staff within your company who represent a vulnerability for the business. Using this biometric data, you can then work on improving the performance of employees with regular testing, tightening your security against phishing campaigns.
Which staff members should be part of a phishing test?
You might be tempted to limit testing to the staff at your enterprise who tend to be the first point of contact for communications, such as customer service, sales and other helpdesk personnel, but this is unwise. Many forms of phishing attack, such as whaling and spear phishing, typically target members of upper management who are in executive roles. Since these people are in positions of authority, their roles usually carry higher access permissions, allowing any hackers who successfully steal them through phishing to penetrate more sensitive parts of your infrastructure and the confidential data held within. For optimum security, ensure you always test every staff member at your firm.
Total data security
Companies wishing to ensure their data remains untampered with and free from malicious actors can use the Galaxkey secure work platform. Featuring premium end-to-end encryption and a cutting-edge kit packed with data security tools like digital document signing and protected email attachments, our system offers your staff a safe environment from which to operate. Get in touch with our expert team today to arrange a product demonstration.
