In this age of digital transformation, phishing attacks remain one of the most pervasive and effective methods of cyber intrusion. These attacks, which involve fraudulent messages designed to trick recipients into doing something to their detriment, have grown in sophistication. As such, the importance of robust defences against phishing has become crucial.
One of the most effective ways organisations combat this threat is through phishing simulations - controlled exercises designed to train employees how to identify and deal with phishing attempts. But, while these simulations are widely adopted, how often should they be run to maximise their effectiveness? After all, most people do not want to receive phishing emails, even simulated ones, so from this perspective, fewer of them would be preferable.
Cybersecurity experts increasingly advise weekly simulations rather than the more traditional quarterly approach. Even though people dislike getting these emails, it is far preferable to the alternative of becoming a victim of cybercrime.
Just as regular exercise strengthens physical health, frequent phishing simulations reinforce cybersecurity habits among employees. This frequency cultivates a mindset where vigilance against phishing attempts is second nature, and employees remain alert, conscious that they could encounter a simulated attack at any time. Quarterly simulations, on the other hand, don’t have the same behavioural reinforcement. Without regular reminders, employees fall back into complacency.
Infrequent phishing simulations only have one purpose: to test how phish-prone a userbase is. However, frequent phishing simulations are for something else altogether. These are not primarily to find out who will click on what, they are there to get people used to phishing emails being in their inbox, which means they will always be on the lookout for them.
Phishing attacks are often sophisticated, mirroring actual business communications. Weekly simulations provide employees with consistent exposure to evolving tactics, helping them to better recognise and react to subtle cues of a phishing attempt. Research in cognitive science shows that repetition strengthens memory retention. In cybersecurity, this principle translates to a greater ability for employees to recognise phishing attempts and respond appropriately. Ongoing simulations also allow employees to practice distinguishing between legitimate and suspicious messages, leading to fewer false alarms and better discernment over time.
Running phishing simulations weekly also generates a wealth of data on how employees respond to such threats over time. This data enables organisations to track improvements, identify specific areas of weakness, and make targeted adjustments to users’ security training. With quarterly simulations, valuable insights will be missed, as there are fewer data points to analyse and a longer wait between each feedback cycle. Weekly data provides a clear, continuous picture of an organisation’s points of weakness, empowering security teams to quickly address vulnerabilities before they become exploitable gaps.
A strong organisational security culture relies on consistent, ongoing reinforcement and visible leadership in cybersecurity practices. Weekly phishing simulations serve as a reminder that security is a top priority. Employees become more mindful of their role in maintaining security and are more likely to discuss and share phishing tips, forming a culture where everyone contributes to safeguarding the organisation. When simulations are infrequent, the focus on security tends to wane, greatly reducing the chances of cultivating a proactive, security-first mindset.
The ultimate goal of phishing simulations is to prevent real attacks from succeeding. Weekly simulations improve incident response by ensuring employees are prepared and aware. When employees are confident in recognising and reporting phishing attempts, they reduce the risk of attacks succeeding. Over time, this consistent vigilance significantly lowers the probability of costly data breaches and security incidents.
Phishing simulations are an essential tool in any cybersecurity strategy, equipping employees with the skills they need to protect the organisations they work for. While quarterly simulations may offer some value, a weekly cadence provides significantly greater benefits, building a culture of constant vigilance and security awareness. By investing in weekly phishing simulations, organisations not only strengthen their defences but also empower their workforce to become proficient in defending against evolving cyber threats.
In a world where the cost of being a victim of a successful phishing attack can be staggeringly high, the case for frequent phishing simulations becomes compelling.
To find out how Brigantia can support you protecting your clients from phishing attacks, get in touch with our team.