Top 10 Phishing Simulation Tools

Phishing attacks continue to pose a significant threat, affecting both individuals and organizations. To combat these threats, a variety of phishing simulation tools have been created to train employees and improve their ability to detect and respond to phishing attempts.

This article glances at the top 10 phishing simulation tools, highlighting their distinct features and benefits. From comprehensive platforms like KnowBe4 and Barracuda to open-source solutions like GoPhish, these tools provide a variety of options to meet various organizational needs and budgets.

Implementing these tools can help organizations improve their cybersecurity posture and protect sensitive information from malicious actors.

What is a Phishing Simulation Tool?

A phishing simulation tool is a cybersecurity solution that tests and educates employees on how to detect and respond to phishing attacks. These tools generate realistic phishing scenarios that mimic real-world threats, allowing organizations to assess their vulnerability to phishing attacks and improve their security awareness.

Businesses that conduct regular simulations can identify vulnerable employees, provide targeted training, and improve their overall security posture.

SOCRadar’s Phishing Mitigation Tools

SOCRadar LABS offers free services such as Email Threat Analyzer and Phishing Radar, which are designed to detect phishing threats quickly. Our AI-powered Digital Risk Protection platform examines millions of domain registrations to detect malicious domains and sends real-time alerts about suspicious activity.

1. GoPhish

GoPhish is a powerful, open-source phishing framework that simplifies testing your organization’s vulnerability to phishing attacks. It’s free and easy to use, making it an attractive option for organizations of all sizes.

GoPhish’s phishing simulations offer:

• Customizable Templates: Create or import phishing templates with an HTML editor.
• Easy Campaign Launch: Schedule and launch campaigns effortlessly.
• Real-Time Tracking: Monitor campaign results in real-time and export them for reports.

Key Features

• One-Click Installation: Easy setup with a single download.
• Cross-Platform Support: Available for Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux.
• REST API: Full API support for integration and automation.
• User-Friendly Interface: A beautiful web UI for easy management and tracking.

2. KnowBe4

KnowBe4 is a leading platform in cybersecurity training, offering comprehensive tools for phishing simulations and security awareness. The platform is designed to help organizations educate employees, mitigate risks, and strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

KnowBe4 Phishing Security Test

The Phishing Security Test allows organizations to identify what percentage of their employees are susceptible to phishing attacks and benchmark their performance against industry standards.

Users can start a test for up to 100 employees, customize templates, and receive detailed reports on their organization’s vulnerability.

KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training

KnowBe4’s security awareness training aims to instill a culture of security within an organization. The training program includes:

• Engaging Training Content: The world’s largest library of security awareness content, featuring interactive content, videos, posters, newsletters, and more.
• Real-World Phishing Simulations: Access to over 25,000 phishing templates, AI-driven recommendations, and Social Engineering Indicators (SEI) for dynamic training.
• Multi-language Support: Training and simulations in 35+ languages.
• Advanced Analytics and Reports:60+ built-in reports, Virtual Risk Officer, executive summaries, and industry benchmarks.
• Seamless Integrations: User Event API for third-party integration and PhishER for enhanced user risk scoring and grouping.

3. Proofpoint

Proofpoint is a premier platform for security awareness training and phishing simulations. The platform is designed to help organizations protect their employees and data from phishing attacks by leveraging real-world attack simulations and comprehensive training programs. Additionally, Proofpoint offers sample content, allowing organizations to evaluate the training materials before implementation.

Proofpoint’s phishing simulations are crafted to mirror sophisticated, real-world phishing attacks. Key features include:

• Realistic Attack Scenarios: Thousands of templates based on actual threats observed in billions of messages daily.
• Customizable Content: Tailor templates or create your own to fit specific threats your organization faces.
• PhishAlarm: A one-click email reporting tool that enables employees to report suspicious emails quickly.
• Teachable Moments: Immediate feedback for users who fall for simulated phishing, with practical advice to prevent future incidents.
• Random Scheduling: Distributes simulations to minimize impact on email servers and reduce detection by users.

Proofpoint Security Awareness Training

Proofpoint’s security awareness training equips employees with the knowledge to identify and avoid cyber threats. Key features include:

• Engaging Content: Interactive training modules, videos, and quizzes to maintain employee interest.
• Localized Training: Content available in multiple languages for global workforce engagement.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Detailed analytics and reports to track progress and identify areas needing improvement.

4. Barracuda PhishLine

Barracuda PhishLine is an advanced platform designed to fight phishing with continuous simulation and training. It transforms employees into a powerful line of defense against phishing attacks by providing a scalable, cloud-hosted solution that includes up-to-date email and landing page templates.

These simulations are continuously updated to reflect the latest threats. The platform uses multi-vector threat simulations, including phishing, smishing, vishing, and found physical media attacks, it also allows customization of templates and simulations to fit specific organizational needs. Advanced interactions like attachments, credential forms, feedback forms, and CAPTCHA forms are included to make the simulations realistic and engaging.

Barracuda Security Awareness Training

Barracuda’s security awareness training uses advanced, automated education technology that includes:

• SCORM-compliant courseware
• Posters and newsletters
• Web banners and digital learning media
• Quizzes and risk assessment surveys

5. Attack Simulation Training (Microsoft)

Microsoft Attack Simulation Training is part of Microsoft Defender for Office 365, offering a practical approach to improving cybersecurity awareness through realistic attack scenarios. Even though it might not be the highest quality simulation tool compared to specialized platforms, its integration with Office 365 makes it a cost-effective solution for many organizations.

Microsoft’s phishing simulations include:

• Realistic Attack Scenarios: Based on real-world phishing tactics.
• Customizable Templates: Allows creation and customization of phishing emails.
• Various Techniques: Credential harvesting, malware attachments, and drive-by URLs.

Microsoft’s Security Awareness Training

Key features:

• Interactive Modules: Engaging content to educate users on recognizing phishing threats.
• Automated Training: Assigns follow-up training based on user actions.
• Detailed Reporting: Tracks user interactions and training completion.

6. Infosec IQ

Infosec IQ is a leading platform for security awareness training and phishing simulations, designed to reduce cybersecurity incidents by educating employees. It offers automated phishing simulations with customizable templates and real-time reporting to track progress and compliance.

The platform’s industry- and role-based training ensures relevant and engaging content, helping to build a strong cybersecurity culture within organizations.

Key Features:

• Automated phishing simulations
• Extensive training library
• Detailed compliance reporting
• Integration with existing systems
• Customizable training programs

7. Mimecast

Mimecast is a comprehensive solution for phishing simulations and security awareness training. Mimecast’s phishing simulation tools are designed to improve employee resilience against phishing attacks by transforming real-life threats into training exercises.

Mimecast’s phishing simulations offer:

• Realistic Scenarios: Simulations based on real-world phishing tactics.
• Customizable Templates: Tailor phishing emails to reflect current threats.
• Integrated Training: Combine phishing simulations with training for immediate feedback and education.

Mimecast Security Awareness Training

Mimecast’s cyber security awareness training integrates phishing simulations to tackle human errors, which cause over 90% of breaches. The program features engaging, humorous video modules completed in under five minutes, covering topics like ransomware and GDPR. Monthly training keeps cybersecurity top of mind.

The program includes testing, personalized risk scoring, and easy online deployment. It integrates with other Mimecast security solutions.

8. usecure uPhish

usecure uPhish is an effective employee phishing simulation tool designed to assess and reduce phishing vulnerabilities within an organization.

uPhish offers:

• Fast Installation: Easy setup and cloud-based.
• Realistic Templates: Library of templates mimicking trusted brands.
• AutoPhish: Automates regular simulations to monitor user risk.
• In-Depth Reporting: Analyzes performance across users and departments.
• Spear-Phishing Tests: Targets employees with customized, internal-style phishing attacks.

usecure Security Awareness Training

Key features:

• Easy Deployment
• Automated Training
• Risk Profiling: Identifies users’ biggest security vulnerabilities.
• Targeted Training
• Progress Tracking
• Compliance

9. Keepnet Labs

Keepnet Labs offers a comprehensive phishing simulation platform designed to enhance employee awareness and response to phishing attacks.

Keepnet Labs’ phishing simulations include:

• Multi-Vector Simulations: phishing, smishing, vishing, call back simulator, and QR code phishing.
• Realistic Templates: Over 6,000 templates to simulate realistic phishing scenarios.
• Advanced Interactions: Includes attachments, credential forms, and CAPTCHA forms.
• In-Depth Reporting: Detailed analytics to measure the effectiveness of simulations and training.

Keepnet Labs Security Awareness Training

Keepnet Labs provides:

• Automated Training: Saves time by automating repetitive administrative tasks.
• Risk Profiling: Identifies users’ vulnerabilities to tailor training effectively.
• Behavior-Based Training: Targets specific risk areas with focused courses.
• Real-Time Tracking: Monitors progress and provides weekly summaries.
• Compliance Support: Measures training adoption and demonstrates compliance.

10. Hoxhunt

Hoxhunt is a modern phishing simulation and security awareness training platform designed to engage and educate employees on cybersecurity threats.

Hoxhunt’s phishing simulations offer:

• Realistic Scenarios: Personalized phishing training tailored to employees’ roles and behaviors.
• Gamification: Engaging employees with reward-based incentives.
• Multi-Channel Delivery: Training integrated into daily tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Slack, and Teams.

Hoxhunt Security Awareness Training

Key features:

• Automated Training: Automatically triggers mandatory training based on user actions.
• Targeted Training: Tailors content to specific roles and departments.
• Real-Time Tracking: Monitors progress and provides detailed reports.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensures training compliance and identifies high-risk individuals..

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Protect your online presence with SOCRadar’s integrated takedown services. With a single click, you can initiate takedown requests for phishing sites, and other content without incurring legal consequences. Our platform also enhances security by monitoring SSL certificate acquisitions, assisting you in protecting your customers from sophisticated phishing attacks and ensuring business resilience.