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We've all received those suspicious emails asking us to "verify" our account details or claiming we've won an improbable prize. While some attempts appear comically obvious, others are sophisticated enough to trick even the most vigilant employees.
So much so, that 91% of all cyberattacks begin with a phishing email.
The good news? With the right training, your team can become your strongest line of defence.
What is phishing awareness training?
Phishing awareness training teaches employees how to identify and respond to phishing attempts. It covers everything from recognising suspicious emails and text messages to understanding the psychological tactics cybercriminals use to manipulate recipients.
Unlike technical security measures, like firewalls, that work silently in the background, phishing awareness training actively engages your team. Over several sessions, it transforms them from potential vulnerabilities into valuable protectors of your company's digital assets.
How does phishing awareness training work?
Effective phishing awareness training is an ongoing commitment. It typically includes:
- Educational content – Interactive modules, videos, and reading materials that explain phishing tactics and prevention strategies
- Simulated attacks – Controlled phishing simulations test employee vigilance in real-world scenarios
- Regular updates – Training content that evolves as new phishing techniques emerge
- Performance tracking – Individual and team metrics that measure improvement, helping you identify employees who might need additional support
The best training combines these elements into a cohesive learning experience that builds confidence and vigilance.
What are phishing attack simulators, and why do you need them?
Phishing simulators test your employees with realistic but harmless phishing attempts. They help your team develop an instinct for spotting hooks in seemingly innocent messages.
These simulators:
- Create realistic phishing scenarios tailored to your industry
- Track who ‘takes the bait’ by clicking links or submitting information
- Provide immediate feedback and educational resources
- Generate reports to measure improvement over time
Businesses of all sizes benefit from simulators. For smaller organisations especially, where a single security incident could have devastating consequences, these tools provide cost-effective training that turns theoretical knowledge into practical skills.
Why is phishing awareness training important?
1. It strengthens your defences
When your team knows what to look for, they’re more likely to spot suspicious communications. This proactive approach prevents successful attacks before they happen.
With proper training, employees learn to scrutinise:
- Sender details and email domains
- Unusual requests or urgent language
- Suspicious links and attachments
- Grammatical errors and inconsistent formatting
2. It minimises human error
We're all human, and humans make mistakes. A momentary lapse in judgement, a hurried click, or simple curiosity can have devastating consequences.
Research shows that human error causes 85% of cyber breaches. Phishing awareness training addresses both skills-based errors (not knowing how to identify threats) and decision-based errors (when security protocols are unintentionally bypassed).
By building knowledge and good habits, you turn potential weak points into security strengths. And with the right tools, you can track employee progress, set training deadlines, and ensure your team stays up to date with the latest threats. CyberSmart Learn, for instance, offers customisable training reports that help you identify knowledge gaps and measure improvement over time.
3. It aids compliance
Beyond the practical security benefits, phishing awareness training helps meet regulatory requirements. Many compliance frameworks – including GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 – specifically require security awareness training.
Even in industries without explicit requirements, documented training programmes demonstrate due diligence and can:
- Reduce liability in case of a breach
- Lower cyber insurance premiums
- Reassure customers and partners about your security posture
Outsmarting phishers
Phishing attacks succeed because they exploit human psychology. While firewalls and antivirus software are essential, they can't protect against an employee accidentally compromising sensitive information.
By investing in phishing awareness training, your team can become the most effective countermeasure in your arsenal against cybercrime.
Considering phishing awareness training for your business? CyberSmart Phish allows your business to run tailored phishing simulations, educate employees in real time, and track behavioural insights. And, it's included as part of CyberSmart Learn our cybersecurity awareness training platform, designed for small businesses and managed service providers.