What is a phishing simulation and how to run your first
Short answer: A phishing simulation is a safe, authorised email that mimics a real attack without any harm: it never collects real passwords, only records who opens, clicks and submits. You run your first one like this — send a baseline scenario to the whole team, watch the reaction, and show a short lesson the moment someone clicks.
A phishing simulation is a safe, authorised email that mimics a real phishing attack — without any of the harm. Instead of stealing data, it measures how your team reacts: who opens, who clicks, and who submits credentials. The goal is not to catch people out, but to turn a risky moment into a short, memorable lesson.
How a phishing simulation works
You pick a realistic template, choose who receives it, and send it on a schedule. Each recipient gets a unique tracking link, so the platform can record the full funnel — delivered, opened, clicked and credentials entered — without exposing real passwords.
- Choose a template that matches a threat your team actually faces
- Send to a group, a department, or everyone
- Track the reaction funnel in real time
- Show a short lesson the moment someone clicks
- Assign follow-up training automatically based on results
Why it beats one-off training
Recognising phishing in theory is easy; doing it under time pressure is hard. Spacing out realistic simulations builds a reflex, and the lesson shown right after a click is far stickier than an annual slideshow nobody remembers.
The most effective simulations are blame-free. The point is to build resilience and document a repeatable process — not to embarrass anyone.
Where to start
Begin with a single baseline simulation so you can see how your team reacts today. Use those results to assign targeted training, then settle into a regular rhythm. Opsinel automates this loop — running simulations, showing a lesson to people who click, and keeping clear reports in one place.
Try it yourself
Could you spot a phishing email?
10 realistic emails and an explanation after each answer. About 5 minutes, no sign-up.
Take the phishing quizCan scammers send email in your name?
A free SPF, DKIM and DMARC check of your domain. The domains you enter are not stored.
Frequently asked questions
Is a phishing simulation safe to run on real employees?
Yes. A simulation never collects real credentials or harms systems — it only records the reaction (open, click, submit) through unique tracking links, so you can measure risk and target training safely.
How often should we run phishing simulations?
A regular cadence works best — for most teams that means monthly or quarterly, varied across templates and difficulty, rather than a single annual test.
What should happen when someone clicks?
Show a short, blame-free lesson immediately and assign relevant follow-up training. Reacting in the moment is what turns a mistake into lasting learning.
Is a phishing simulation legal?
Yes, when a company runs it on its own employees for security-training purposes. It is an internal training tool, not a real attack — no genuine data is stolen.
How much does a phishing simulation cost?
It depends on team size and platform. Opsinel uses transparent pricing — a base platform fee plus seats that scale with your headcount, with no hidden costs.
Sources and further reading
Public guidance from security agencies and standards bodies.