PhishingTests

PhishingTests refers to controlled assessments designed to evaluate and improve an organization's resilience to phishing. They typically involve sending simulated phishing emails or messages to employees or users through a dedicated platform. The primary goals are to measure susceptibility, raise awareness, and promote safe reporting practices without exposing real security credentials.

Implementation usually includes realistic templates, safe landing pages, and mechanisms to capture whether a user clicks, submits credentials, or reports the attempt. Metrics commonly tracked are click rate, credential submission rate, report rate, and time to report. Results inform targeted training, coaching for high-risk individuals, and evaluation of awareness campaigns over time.

Ethical and legal considerations are essential. Tests should be conducted with consent, avoid harvesting real credentials, use disposable accounts, and minimize collected data. Privacy protections and opt-out options should be provided. Communications should clearly distinguish simulated content from real messages to prevent confusion or operational disruption.

In practice, PhishingTests are integrated into security awareness programs in many organizations, sometimes via third-party services that provide templates and dashboards. Limitations include the risk of desensitization from overuse, potential false positives, and the challenge of translating improved awareness into long-term behavior change.