Episode 65 — Safeguard 14.2 – Phishing simulations
Welcome to Episode 65, Control 14: Curriculum, Frequency, and Phishing Tests, where we explore how to build a human-focused training program that is both realistic and sustainable. Awareness and skills training succeed when they are designed like any other learning curriculum: clear objectives, logical structure, and consistent rhythm. This episode turns those ideas into practical steps that fit any size organization. You will learn how to plan content that grows with your team, how to deliver it in short, effective sessions, and how to evaluate success through respectful testing. By treating awareness as an ongoing curriculum rather than a single event, your workforce becomes stronger, more confident, and better aligned with the organization’s mission.
The first step is to define goals for a practical curriculum. A good awareness plan is built to achieve measurable changes in how people act, not just what they know. It should aim to reduce risky behaviors, improve reporting habits, and encourage accountability. Goals must also align with business priorities—protecting customer data, maintaining operational continuity, and preserving reputation. Keep objectives concrete, such as “reduce the average time to report phishing emails by thirty percent,” rather than vague aspirations. Once goals are written, map each training topic back to one of them. This ensures that every lesson serves a purpose, eliminates redundancy, and allows leadership to see how education supports organizational resilience.
Every worker, regardless of role or department, needs a common foundation. These base topics form the core curriculum and should cover the most common and impactful behaviors. Subjects typically include recognizing phishing and social engineering, creating strong passwords or using password managers, securing portable devices, following data classification rules, and reporting suspicious activity. The emphasis should be on real-world examples drawn from the organization’s context—how data is handled, how communications flow, and what types of scams are likely to target employees. When everyone shares the same baseline, specialized training later can build upon it rather than repeat fundamentals. The key is clarity, relevance, and simplicity.
Beyond the basics, develop role-specific modules for specialists and high-risk groups. These modules should reflect the responsibilities and access levels of each audience. For example, system administrators might need training on secure configuration and privileged access controls, while finance personnel should learn about wire fraud and invoice manipulation tactics. Legal and human resources teams may require deeper instruction on privacy obligations. Role-based content ensures that learners see the direct connection between security and their day-to-day duties. It also helps demonstrate compliance with frameworks that expect tailored education, such as those governing critical infrastructure or personal data protection. Modular design allows each learner to receive exactly what they need, no more and no less.
Curriculum updates should follow threat changes and technology shifts, not just the calendar. Tie update cycles to quarterly threat reviews or major internal changes like new software deployments. When ransomware trends rise, update modules on data backups and phishing; when cloud adoption grows, add lessons on secure sharing and multi-factor authentication. Treat the curriculum like living documentation. Version control each update, record the reason for the change, and communicate it to participants. This approach keeps the content timely and credible, preventing learners from tuning out because the material feels outdated. Freshness maintains engagement, and engagement is the real metric of success.
Microlearning, delivered in two-minute segments, transforms the rhythm of training. Instead of one long annual session, short modules reinforce single ideas at a pace that fits daily work. A two-minute video, email tip, or interactive quiz can cover one behavior: verifying sender addresses, encrypting files before transfer, or locking screens when stepping away. The brevity allows repetition without fatigue and aligns with how adults absorb information—frequently and in small doses. Microlearning can also be triggered by events, such as a reminder on secure document sharing right before tax season or travel. By making learning a natural part of routine communication, the message becomes enduring.
Seasonal themes and campaign anchors make training feel coordinated and memorable. Aligning awareness messages with the calendar creates rhythm and relevance. In January, emphasize password renewal and access reviews; in April, focus on data privacy; during holiday months, highlight online shopping scams and charity fraud. Each campaign can include a short message from leadership, a poster or digital banner, and a related exercise. Anchors help employees connect training to real-world timing and make it easier for program owners to plan content in advance. Over time, these recurring themes become cultural markers that remind everyone security is continuous, not episodic.
Phishing tests are a cornerstone of behavior measurement, but their design must follow ethical principles. The purpose is to educate, not to trick or humiliate. Each test should have a clear learning objective, such as recognizing urgent language, verifying sender authenticity, or identifying fake login pages. Choose scenarios that mirror real threats but avoid exploiting sensitive topics like health, pay, or personal hardship. Inform employees that simulations are part of the awareness program and explain the intent: to help them practice safely. A transparent and ethical approach encourages participation and preserves trust, which are essential for any lasting security culture.
Avoid shaming and focus instead on empowering safe reporting. When someone clicks on a simulated phishing email, respond with constructive education rather than blame. Show them exactly what clues they missed and how to report the next suspicious message. Reinforce that reporting—even after clicking—is a success because it alerts the security team quickly. Highlight departments or teams with improved reporting rates rather than naming individuals who failed. Recognize good behavior publicly and guide mistakes privately. This respectful tone builds confidence and encourages a culture where employees feel safe admitting errors, which leads to faster containment during real attacks.
Remediation training for repeat offenders should be corrective, not punitive. If an employee repeatedly falls for phishing tests, provide targeted follow-up in a supportive setting. Offer brief one-on-one coaching or a focused refresher module addressing specific weaknesses. Keep the sessions short and actionable, emphasizing that improvement is the goal. In some cases, pairing the individual with a security mentor or peer advocate helps reinforce learning in a positive way. Document the remediation process to demonstrate fairness and accountability. Over time, consistent encouragement reduces repeat incidents far more effectively than penalties or public embarrassment.
Measuring reporting rates and time to report gives insight into cultural maturity. Track how many phishing messages, both real and simulated, are reported by users and how long it takes from receipt to submission. High reporting rates show that employees are paying attention and feel responsible for collective security. Decreasing time to report indicates faster recognition and stronger engagement. Present these metrics alongside click rates to show a balanced view of awareness. Celebrate improvements, share anonymized success stories, and connect results to reduced incident exposure. Metrics become meaningful only when they inform action and reinforce desired behavior.
Maintaining source files and version records keeps the program organized and auditable. Store all lesson plans, videos, and quiz materials in a version-controlled repository. Label each with its release date, author, and intended audience. When regulators or auditors request evidence, this archive shows that updates were deliberate and traceable. Version tracking also helps program managers avoid duplication and manage translation updates efficiently. Back up the repository securely and restrict editing rights to designated staff to maintain content integrity. Organized documentation protects institutional knowledge and supports smooth transitions if program ownership changes.
As we close, schedule upcoming training cycles and finalize communication plans. Review metrics from previous sessions, refresh content where needed, and announce the next campaign in advance. Align your calendar with business events, seasonal risks, and regulatory deadlines. A practical curriculum thrives on predictability—everyone should know when new lessons arrive and how to access them. Keep the cadence steady, the messages positive, and the data actionable. With this discipline, awareness becomes an ongoing habit, phishing resilience improves month by month, and your organization’s people remain its most adaptive and trusted line of defense.
