Phishing Simulation

A practice used to test and educate users about phishing attacks by mimicking real phishing scenarios.

Description

Phishing simulation refers to the process of creating controlled phishing scenarios to assess how susceptible users are to phishing attempts. In the context of Single Sign-On (SSO) protocols, phishing simulations are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities in user behavior and strengthening security practices. By sending simulated phishing emails that imitate real-world threats, organizations can evaluate whether employees fall for these traps. These simulations help in training users to recognize suspicious emails and avoid giving away their credentials. For instance, a company might send a fake email that appears to be from a legitimate service requesting users to log in via an SSO link. After the test, feedback is provided, highlighting the risks of phishing and teaching best practices for security. Regular phishing simulations can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful phishing attacks, making them an integral part of an organization's cybersecurity training program.

Examples

  • A simulated email that appears to be from Google, prompting users to verify their account with a fake SSO link.
  • A mock phishing campaign using a message that resembles an urgent notification from Office 365, asking users to log in to a fraudulent site.

Additional Information

  • Phishing simulations can enhance awareness and vigilance among users, contributing to overall organizational security.
  • Employing phishing simulation tools can also help meet compliance requirements related to cybersecurity training.

References